Compare Cheap Hotels in Des Moines

Iowa's capital city, Des Moines, is known for the Iowa State Fair and political caucuses. The city is also home to the Iowa Events Center and Des Moines Performing Arts-Civic Center, which hosts world-class entertainment as well as sporting events. A climate-controlled four mile skywalk system conveniently connects downtown businesses to nearby hotel options. An extensive outdoor trail system weaves through downtown, and links to Gray's Lake; the 100-acre lake offers water recreation opportunities and a park with amenities.

Key facts

The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is located on the south side of the city on Fleur Drive. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, known as DART, runs buses throughout the city and suburbs. With routes to the State Capitol, the downtown D-line shuttle is free to all passengers.

Hints and tips

Des Moines lists several sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown's oldest neighborhood established in the 1870s, Sherman Hills, features restored Victorians and Craftsman style homes, set on tree lined sidewalks. Historical street lamps reflect the heritage of this urban neighborhood. The neighborhood offers walking tours including a tour of a haunted house. With a humid continental climate, winter temperatures can dip near zero, with January averaging around 13 degrees. Summer high temperatures average in the 70-80 degree range.