Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Des Moines, IA
Des Moines sits at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers with access to the Iowa State Capitol, Gray's Lake, and Living History Farms.
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Living History Farms offer culture and living history.
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or browse all9 destinations near Des Moines
Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption
West Bend, IA 50597
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.9 by 2.9k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 19 min from Des Moines · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Ledges State Park
Madrid, IA 50156
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.8 by 2.9k+ visitors) · 48 min from Des Moines · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Iowa Falls Swinging Bridge
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 18 min from Des Moines · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Calkins Nature Area
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 0.1k+ visitors) · 1 hr 14 min from Des Moines · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Devonian Fossil Gorge
Iowa City, IA 52240
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 47 min from Des Moines · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Cave Spring Park
Kansas City, MO 64133
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.6 by 0.8k+ visitors) · 2 hrs 56 min from Des Moines · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Nine Eagles State Park
Davis City, IA 50065
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · well rated (4.4 stars) · 1 hr 22 min from Des Moines · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Wildcat Cave Access
Eldora, IA 50627
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · well rated (4.4 stars) · 1 hr 22 min from Des Moines · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Worlds of Fun
Kansas City, MO 64161
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · well rated (4.2 stars) · 2 hrs 45 min from Des Moines · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Des Moines, IA?
The best day trips from Des Moines include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Des Moines?
Most great day trips from Des Moines are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Des Moines?
Many of the best day trips near Des Moines are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Des Moines?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Des Moines, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Des Moines?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Des Moines make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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