Des Moines, IA Road Trips

Because of Iowa's early presidential caucus date, the city is also a hotbed of political dreams and discourse every four years when presidential candidates tour the state and have multiple debates within the city. The meaning of 'Des Moines' is not clear as local Native Americans, the Moingona, had already been using a term (which meant 'river of the mounds') due to the number of burial mounds which were popular in the area. French Trappist Monks (Moines de la Trappe) called their settlement areas at the mouth of the Des Moines River 'La Rivière des Moines' which, in English, translates to 'the river of the monks.' "De Moyn," which means "middle," may have been used on the map of explorer Jacques Marquette to help others locate the Des Moines River-area (equidistant between the larger Mississippi and Missouri rivers). "Des Moines," today pronounced "duh MOIN," is at the junction of the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River. Fort Des Moines was settled in 1843 by a group of dragoons from the Sac and Fox Agency (Fort Sanford) led by Captain James Allen. Allen was going to name the area Fort Raccoon, but was instructed by the War Department to use the name Fort Des Moines. In 1846, the fort was dissolved and the city was created. The city's population was just under 215,000 in 2020, and the metro area had about 700,000 residents. Due in part to the moist and rich soils that make Iowa an agricultural powerhouse, summers are filled with very humid air. Coupled with heat, this can result in a very high heat index.

1 Capitol Building, E 9th and Grand Ave, ☏ +1 515-281-5591. M–F 8AM–4:45PM, Sa 8AM-4PM, closed Su. One of the more popular state capitols to tour, it is easy to spot it with its sparkling 23-karat gold leaf dome and four-surrounding smaller copper-topped domes. Those wishing to see the inside from a bird's eye view will climb 298 steps before reaching the top from their start on the second floor. Historic flags, some hailing from the U.S. Civil War-era, are on display, and tour staff are available during all hours in which the capitol is open to visitors. Don't overlook the State Law Library, one of the most beautiful and ornate libraries in the world. Cafeteria is on the bottom floor. Free. (updated Mar 2023) 2 Salisbury House, 4025 Tonawanda Dr, ☏ +1 515-274-1777, fax: +1 515-274-0814. Tour schedule varies. The house, built between 1923-1928, features Tudor, Gothic, and Corolean styles all throughout its 42 rooms. Also shelters many artifacts, including objects of art, furniture, tapestries and books. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has labeled it a "national treasure" and the property has also been featured on A&E and Home and Garden Television. Hosts many events during the year, including chamber music concerts, Gatsby Gala, Salisbury Automobile Classic, group meetings and Shakespeare on the Lawn. $7, aged 6-12 $3, 65+ $6. 3 Terrace Hill (Governor's Mansion), 2300 Grand Ave, ☏ +1 515-281-7205. Mar-Dec: Tu-Sa every 60 min from 10:30AM-1:30PM. Since 1971, has served as home for the Governor and First Family of Iowa during his or her term.

The city and surrounding area has a vast array of activities for all ages, from the annual Iowa State Fair, rated by USA Today as one of the Top 10 best things to do in the summertime in the U.S., to the Des Moines Arts Festival in downtown, also rated as a Top 10 member for the nation's arts festivals, indeed there are plenty of sights and sounds to make your experience a memorable one. Des Moines Arts Festival (downtown in Western Gateway Park). 3-day weekend in June. Started in the late-1990s after promoters decided to replace the 40-year running "Art in the Park." Attendance of around 250,000 people each year. Over 150 artists--from all over the country--bring their original creations to be seen and purchased. In addition to the various forms of art you'll see, there are also stages offering entertainment and food vendors selling their own edible creations. Free. 1 Iowa State Fair (Fairgrounds). 10 days in Aug. Each year, the Fair draws around 1 million visitors through its gates. Has a variety of things to see and do, much of it based around agriculture, the arts and food. At night, the beer tents and Grandstand come alive (past performances by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Jackson Five, and Reba McEntire). Park (cheaper) near the capitol building and take an MTA bus over to the fairgrounds, or park closer in front yards of residents (more expensive). $10, $6 for kids 60+, 5 and under free. Taste of Des Moines. October. The 1½-day event is still in its infancy but is improving each year.

What to eat in Des Moines? Iowa is a meat-and-potatoes kind of place, with generous servings, and the possibility of a piece of pie afterwards. But when you're in Des Moines, keep an eye out for the locally invented steak de burgo, a beef tenderloin featuring garlic, butter, and sometimes a bit of cream. 1 B and B Grocery, Meat and Deli, 2001 SE 6th St, ☏ +1 515-243-7607. Family-owned and -operated since 1922. In 2008, the readers of The Des Moines Register voted their Dad's Killer as the "Best Deli Sandwich" in the city and many subsequent "best of" awards by locals. The Food Network's "Outrageous Food" featured the Killossal Sandwich, a combo of four sandwiches, in May 2011. B-Bops. Few sit-down restaurants can match the goodness of the most popular menu item, the 1/4-lb. hamburger. If the weather's nice, you can sit under an umbrella and listen to classics from the 1950s and 1960s. The burgers are so good they've won the "Best Burger in Des Moines" award more than 10 years running (per Cityview). $3-7. 2 B-Bops, 3815 E 14th St, ☏ +1 515-262-8825. 3 B-Bops, 4820 SE 14th St, ☏ +1 515-256-8908. 4 B-Bops, 1105 73rd St, Windsor Heights, ☏ +1 515-279-5757. 5 B-Bops, 4565 86th St, Urbandale, ☏ +1 515-334-0727. 6 B-Bops, 3635 8th St SW, Altoona, ☏ +1 515-967-8788. 7 B-Bops, 2205 SE Delaware Ave, Ankeny, ☏ +1 515-963-1928. 8 Big Tomato Pizza Co., 2613 Ingersoll Ave (1/2 mi W of MLK, Jr Pkwy), ☏ +1 515-288-7227. Very late delivery. Near the downtown nightlife area. Carry out or delivery only. $4 slice, $25 pie.

Travelers would likely find the Court District district downtown enjoyable. There, one can find a variety of bars, breweries, dance clubs, live music hot spots and restaurants. It also draws a larger crowd when events downtown take place, such as games for the Iowa Cubs and Barnstormers. East Village rests near the capitol and has several restaurants featuring wine and mixed drinks which can be classified as upscale, but also has bars and live music venues. From the Western Gateway on westwards, bump elbows at any number of sipping places along Ingersoll Avenue. Alcohol sales cease at 2AM for all locations selling alcohol (stores included) in accordance with state law. 1 Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St Ste D (downtown on 13th St between Grand and Locust), ☏ +1 515-288-4872. A locally owned coffee shop that serves fair trade organic coffee and espresso as well as the only all-vegetarian menu in town and live music on weekends. The coffee is hot and the food is fresh. Friedrichs Coffee. If you're looking for a down-to-earth but nice atmosphere place where you can get a great cup of java or a nifty shot of espresso, pull up a chair. One of the owners' great-grandfather owned a coffee shop across from a castle in Charlottenburg, Germany and spirit has passed to the next generation. The owners, a husband and wife team, opened their first coffee shop only a few months after returning from Costa Rica. $2. 2 Friedrichs Coffee, 4126 University Ave, ☏ +1 515-279-2919. 3 Friedrichs Coffee, 1821 22nd St #101, West Des Moines, ☏ +1 515-223-5203.

Several major chains have rooms available in the area. The city does not have a large number of bed and breakfast establishments (although not the case with Iowa in general). Peak booking periods, especially downtown near Wells Fargo Arena, are common for three successive weeks in March when the city hosts the state athletic championships for wrestling, girls' basketball and boys' basketball. 1 Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport, 1901 Hackley Ave, ☏ +1 515-256-0603. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Includes breakfast, wifi, indoor pool, and in-room appliances. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Clarion Inn Des Moines Airport, 1810 Army Post Rd, ☏ +1 515-207-7329. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Indoor pool, fitness room, breakfast, Mexican restaurant and buffet attached. $69. (updated Apr 2026) 3 Hampton Inn, 7060 Lake Dr, West Des Moines, ☏ +1 515-223-4700, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Complimentary breakfast, free high-speed Internet access, business center, indoor pool and whirlpool, and fitness center. (updated Apr 2026) 4 Ramada Tropics Resort & Conference Center, 5000 Merle Hay Rd, ☏ +1 515-200-2398. Offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the only indoor water park in the Des Moines area. 5 Des Lux Hotel, 800 Locust St, ☏ +1 515-288-5800. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Classy moderately priced hotel with interesting quirks and architectural details. Rooms are spacious and comfortably furnished and public spaces filled with antiques and artworks. Some rooms have fireplaces and hot tubs.

Most travelers to Des Moines are likely to come via interstate, on either I-80 (from the east or west) or I-35 (from the north or south). Travelers will not have to worry about encountering any tollways or major traffic jams. Once in the area, those wishing to enter the city will use I-235 to get into Des Moines proper. The majority of area residents get around using their cars, so bringing or renting one is a good idea. The roads are in good shape and most drivers are very courteous. The main thoroughfare, I-235, runs through the downtown area and is free of tolls. Semi-trailers passing through are advised to avoid I-235 as the traffic is usually heavier, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours (7AM-8AM and 4:30PM-6PM) as people travel to and from work. Additionally, the speed limit on I-235 is 5–10 mph less than on I-80/I-35. The city has two interstates surrounding it, I-80 (running east/west) and I-35 (north/south). Chicago is roughly 330 mi (539 km) east of Des Moines while Omaha is about 135 mi (215 km) west of the city. Popular destinations along I-35 include Kansas City, just under 200 mi (320 km) to the south and Minneapolis/Saint Paul to the north, nearly 250 mi (500 km) away. Safe-driving tips, road closures due to weather and construction, and other pieces of information, are available from the Iowa Department of Transportation. Wi-fi is available throughout the state at public rest areas. 1 Des Moines International Airport (DSM IATA), 5800 Fleur Dr, ☏ +1 515-256-5050.

The colder weather months (Nov-Feb) often bring snow and ice to area roads. Visitors who park their cars should be prepared in case their car is "snowed in" by snow removal trucks. Also, strict attention to parking rules and snow emergencies is recommended to avoid being towed away at the car owner's expense. During the winter months, a snow brush, ice scraper, and plenty of windshield washer fluid is essential, and many natives opt to carry a shovel, some sand, and a bag of ice melt/road salt in the trunk just in case. Gasoline is reasonably cheap in the Des Moines area, partially from subsidies afforded to ethanol which is widely available at most gas stations to travelers. The most popular mixture, 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, is generally considered safe for newer autos (not to be confused with 85% ethanol/15% gasoline blend). Ethanol and its usage can stir up quite a debate even in the corn-loving state of Iowa. The Des Moines River serves as the marker for street names having the prefix "East" or not (and occasionally "West" when on the western side). This is especially important for streets running north-south. "1st Ave" would be on the west side of the river, E 1st Ave the eastern side and are thus completely different streets. Streets running east-west and which exist on both sides of the river typically have an "East" prefix if east of the river. There are some "West" prefixes for those on the other side of the river but this is less common.

In case of an emergency requiring police, fire, or medical assistance, dial 911 for help. The Des Moines Police is the local law enforcement agency. Each suburb also has its own police department, such as the Windsor Heights Police Department. Des Moines is an extremely safe city during all parts of the day. One can take the evening air without feeling nervous. Just like in all other cities with a sizable number of people, there are areas and neighborhoods that may be more troublesome for some groups of people than others. Visitors are likely to avoid these small pockets, however. Pickpockets and grand ripoff schemes that plague other cities in the U.S. and around the globe are not pervasive in the area. Still, the best thing to do is use your judgment—if you don't want attention, don't do things to draw people's attention.