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Des Moines Vacation Packages
Known for its beautiful State Capitol Building and as the host of the annual Iowa State Fair, Des Moines is also home to popular hiking trails, a zoo and a huge botanical garden.
Many of the city’s attractions are in the East Village, a historic area on the east side of the Des Moines River. Start out at the State Capitol Building, a grand three-story 19th-century building. Its dome is gilded with thin sheets of gold and its peak is 275-feet (84 meters) high. You’ll need to phone ahead to book the free guided tour; find contact details on the Iowa Legislature website.
Just a 10 minute-walk from the capitol is the the State of Iowa Historical Museum, which has free admission, parking and family-friendly activities. Much of Iowa’s history is documented at the museum, from the earliest days of the Native Americans through to the pioneers and, more recently, military troops. See vintage aircraft, fossils, a simulated coal mine and the complete skeleton of a 12-foot mammoth, believed to have died 15,000 years ago.
Head to the riverside to find the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Here, you can see more than 15,000 plants, one of the largest collections in the Midwest. There is a fee for entry but check the website as the garden offers a number of free days each year. At the Blank Park Zoo, enjoy more than 49 acres (20 hectares) dedicated to 104 animal species including red pandas, lions and giraffes.
Don’t leave Des Moines without exploring the East Village shopping and dining scene. You’ll find plenty of bars, specialty stores and cute cafés.
Getting around Des Moines is easy. The free D-Line Trolley will take you to major downtown attractions. Use the Des Moines Skyway System, more than 4 miles (6 kilometers) of enclosed walkways, to get around on foot. To cover a greater area, subscribe to the bike-sharing facility, B-cycle. If you are driving, there is user-pay parking in the downtown area, with free street parking on weekends.
Top Hotel Deals
Sterling Hotel and Suites
11428 Forest Ave, CliveSituated in a shopping district, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Clive Aquatic Center, Valley West Mall, and Mercy Medical Center West Lakes. Living History Farms is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) away.
Wildwood Lodge
11431 Forest Ave, CliveSituated in Clive, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Clive Aquatic Center, Valley West Mall, and Mercy Medical Center West Lakes. Living History Farms is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) away.
Days Inn And Suites Des Moines Airport
1901 Hackley Ave, Des MoinesSituated near the airport, this hotel is 2 mi (3.3 km) from Grays Lake and 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from Blank Park Zoo. Fort Des Moines Museum and A. H. Blank Golf Course are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek
295 64th Street, West Des MoinesSituated in West Des Moines, this hotel is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Jordan Creek Town Center and within 3 mi (5 km) of Valley Stadium and Mercy Medical Center West Lakes. West Grand Golf is 3.1 mi (5 km) away.
Days Inn Des Moines/West-Clive
1600 NW 114th St, CliveSituated in Clive, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Clive Aquatic Center, Living History Farms, and Valley West Mall. Mercy Medical Center West Lakes is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) away.
Days Inn West Des Moines
1258 8th St, West Des MoinesSituated in West Des Moines, this hotel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Val Air Ballroom and within 3 mi (5 km) of Des Moines Art Center and Salisbury House. Buccaneer Arena and Waveland Municipal Golf Course are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Des Moines West, IA
1350 Nw 118th St, CliveSituated near the airport, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Mercy Medical Center West Lakes and within 3 mi (5 km) of Clive Aquatic Center and Valley West Mall. Living History Farms is 2.6 mi (4.1 km) away.
Motel 6 Des Moines West
7655 Office Plaza Dr N, West Des MoinesSituated in West Des Moines, this motel is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Jordan Creek Town Center and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Mercy Medical Center West Lakes. Clive Aquatic Center and Valley West Mall are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Top Deals on Flights
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