15 Best Day Trips From Des Moines, Iowa

1. Mason City, IA

Mason City is located in Cerro Gordo County and is an hour and 53 minutes away from Des Moines. The city is known for its musical heritage as many successful performers and educators were born in the city. Among them is Meredith Willson, a composer and musical arranger who is best known for his stage musical, The Music Man.

The city is home to a plethora of great attractions, from museums to heritage sites to recreational activities. There are also several places that are great for shopping, dining, and places where visitors can enjoy the great outdoors.

2. Pella, IA

If you visit Pella around May, you’ll be welcomed with a wonderful sight. Located 43.9 mi (70.6 km) from Des Moines, this little city greets its visitors and residents with fields of beautiful spring flowers that all blossom during the first week of May. And the tulip-themed welcome doesn’t end there as there is a Tulip Time parade held twice a day everyday at 2:30 pm and 8:30 pm and the Tulip Time Festival is held during the same week as well.

Other than that, Pella also offers a number of great places to visit including the Pella Public Library, the Sunken Garden Park, and the Vermeer Museum & Global Pavilion. With all of these attractions, a weekend trip from Des Moines to here isn’t a bad idea.

3. Story City, IA

44 minutes away from Des Moines, Story City is located in central Iowa and is known for being the home of a 1913 Herschell-Spillman antique carousel. Enjoy the city’s rich history and various tourist attractions as there are plenty of things to do that are sure to make any road trip from Des Moines worthwhile.

Some notable places travelers must visit include the Alluvial Brewing Company, Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards, North Grand Mall, Octagon Center for the Arts, Veenker Memorial Golf Course, and Della Viti.

4. Elk Horn, IA

Known for housing one of the largest enclaves of Danish ethnicity in the United States, Elk Horn offers travelers a chance to experience its rich history and culture. The city is filled with plethora of Danish-inspired buildings and attractions, including the Museum of Danish America, the Danish Windmill, Bedstemor’s House, The Egg Krate, and Danish Countryside Winery.

There are even a number of festivals and events that Elk Horn holds regularly. These festivals and events are guaranteed to be a lot of fun and will surely appeal to many different kinds of travelers.

5. Boone, IA

If you’re a train enthusiast, then Boone is one of the places to go in Des Moines, Iowa. The city is located in the Des Moines Township and is just a 50-minute drive away from Des Moines. To this day, the city is served by the Union Pacific Railroad and regularly celebrates its railroad heritage through its official festival called “Pufferbilly Days”. This festival showcases Boone’s rich history and culture and is considered one of Iowa’s top community festivals.

If that’s not enough, Boone is home to a number of great tourist attractions that are sure to make your trip here worthwhile. Some examples include the Ledges State Park, Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad, the Boone History Center, and Mamie Doud Eisenhower’s Birthplace.

6. Cedar Rapids, IA

A place best experienced than told, just about two hours’ drive away from Des Moines, is the beautiful city of Cedar Rapids, the second-largest in the state, after the capital. This place brims with nature, history, arts, beauty, and excitement that you won’t want to leave. Start by exploring Indian Springs Nature Center, featuring myriads of hiking trails, rare plants, birds, and more. You may also want to broaden your love for arts at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art or walk down history lane at Brucemore. Whatever your interest is, there is always more to be discovered at Cedar Rapids.

7. Davenport, IA

If you love the sweet smell and beauty of the outdoor greens, or you love being among the wild, then you shouldn’t think twice about driving down to Davenport, approximately three hours’ drive from Des Moines. This place is set close to the Mississippi River and features its island, theaters, art galleries, museums, and over 50 parks to keep you engaged throughout your stay. The city plays host to several festivals every year. Enjoy walking, biking, hiking, or unwinding in the Credit island, and appreciate your getaway.

8. Madison County, IA

Also suited for the outdoor enthusiast, Madison County is only 45 minutes’ drive away from Des Moines, named after the fourth American President, James Madison. Surrounding this quaint location are myriads of creeks, streams, fertile hillsides, and limestone bluffs, that might leave you with no time left to explore the museums and historic structures within the city. Bask into the beautiful scenery while relaxing or purchasing rare flowers at the Groth’s Gardens or learn more about local arts at the Winterset Art Center. History shades its charm at Madison County Historical Complex, featuring the famous Victorian Bevington Kaser mansion and more. There is more to explore at this incredible location.

9. Okoboji, IA

It’s difficult to resist exploring the magnificent glacier-carved lakes of Okoboji, even though it is approximately 3 hours, 30 minutes’ drive away from Des Moines. This exciting place is blessed with several miles of beautiful water bodies, art galleries, and theme parks to give you your best vacation yet. Aside from Spirit Lake, which is the largest in this state, this location has other beautiful ones to admire – including Minnewashta, Lower Gar, Upper Gar, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji. You might want to start by exploring the 134-feet (40.8-meter) deep, crystal-blue West Lake, which lies approximately at the center of the other lakes. Also, check out the beautiful landmarks, trendy shops, restaurants, and more at Olde Town.

10. Dubuque, IA

Explore the beautiful attractions and nature that surrounds the Mississippi River, explore historical landmarks, and do enjoy more during your vacation at Dubuque, Iowa. This charming town is only approximately three hours away from Des Moines and is a favorite getaway spot for many tourists. Around the famous river, you can sight the roaming bald eagles and other wildlife from the lock. Close to this spot is another picnic-oriented location, Eagle Point State Park. Away from the waters, the historical spots in downtown, especially the Town Clock, which is among the National Registers of Historic Places are worth checking out.

11. Lincoln, NE

About two centuries ago, this location was a laid-back region of the state with lands of the Great Sioux, Indian settlements, green vegetations, and herds of buffalos all around. It has seen tremendous growth over the last century, displacing Omaha as the capital of Nebraska in the 1850s. Today, it features a haven for the avid traveler with its gardens, commercial centers, and historical landmarks. Start by relaxing in the Sunken Gardens, among its palm blooms, lily pads, roses, tulips, and many other species of flowers. Also, check out the stunning Nebraska State Capitol’s architecture, then have the taste of the state’s gastronomic art at Pho Factory. This city is only three hours’ drive away from Des Moines.

12. Omaha, NE

Although Lincoln replaced Omaha as the seat of power of the state, the quaint location is not entirely stripped off of its glory. It still has some beautiful places to unwind, a historic commercial center to explore, museums, and it holds the record for the highest number of billionaires in the country. There are a lot of things to do and experience in this place but first begin with a visit to the largest indoor desert in the world, a big indoor rainforest, and more at the famous Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Enjoy a romantic walk along the riverfront, tour the historic Old Market site, see important relics at Durham Museum, and live your dream getaway. From Des Moines, this quaint location is only about two hours’ drive.

13. Kansas City, KS

Although Kansas City is not as endowed as its namesake in Missouri, it has exciting places and activities to keep you and your young ones engaged. Traveling with kids? Then be prepared to splash in the water with them, and enjoy other water-based activities throughout your stay at Great Wolf Lodge. Enjoy some scenery at the nature trails, green parks, and the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers. If you love arts, then you can’t miss seeing the magnificent public art at Kansas Avenue of Murals. This incredible location is only approximately three hours’ journey from Des Moines.

14. West Bend, IA

West Bend, situated just over two hours’ drive away from Des Moines, offers you beautiful parks, exquisite eateries, great history, arts, and fests to keep you from missing home. The main draw in this town is the West Bend Grotto, a shrine dedicated to Virgin Mary and built by Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein in the 1900s. It’s a place of beauty, peace, and sacredness, perfect for a quiet time or religious devotions. To delve into the local history, drop by West Bend Historical Society.

15. Nebraska City, NE

If you are most interested in educational and historical landmarks, then Nebraska City, situated about three hours’ drive from Des Moines has a lot to offer. But before anything, first head to the beautiful Kimmel Orchard and Vineyard, especially if you are visiting during fall, and enjoy some cider doughnuts and apples. The site is also host to the AppleJack Festival that takes place around September every year. Take your kids to Education Center Kids, explore essential artifacts at Nebraska City Museum or Kregel Windmill Factory Museum. A wealth of experience awaits you in this beauty-cascading place.

Makes fun and exciting memories

Sometimes, sticking to one particular location during your holiday is a good idea and saves you from overspending, but for those avid wanderers, it is not just okay. If you fall into such a category, then touring some of these best day trip destinations from Des Moines will give you some fun and exciting memories, that you won’t forget in a hurry.