Iowa State Fairgrounds Tours

Roll up! Roll up! If you're a kid at heart, head for Iowa State Fairgrounds. See if a fair or event is being held during your stay.

This outdoor exhibition area is on the to-do lists of many visitors to Des Moines. But Iowa State Fairgrounds isn't the area's only drawcard. Adventureland, Iowa State Capitol Building, and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden are some other worthwhile sights close by.

Plan a trip to see Iowa State Fairgrounds

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown

Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown

3 out of 5
Downtown Des Moines
Price was $543, price is now $468 per person
$468
per person
Oct 16 - Oct 19
found 3 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines (DSM)
8.6/10 Excellent! (516 reviews)
Everything was clean, comfortable, and staff were excellent.

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
Downtown Des Moines
Price was $532, price is now $469 per person
$469
per person
Oct 16 - Oct 19
found 3 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines (DSM)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Food options were good in the hotel restaurant, nice pool, comfy beds

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
Downtown Des Moines
Price was $533, price is now $478 per person
$478
per person
Oct 16 - Oct 19
found 3 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Chicago (CHI) to Des Moines (DSM)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,019 reviews)
Really enjoyed our stay! We made reservations at the speak easy, cool private bar area but, the waitresses weren’t overly friendly. Enjoyed it was in walking distance of a lot of things we did. Loved the key card to access elevator for security purpose. The coffe shop in the hotel was good as well! Room was nice and clean! 10/10 stay!

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

Reviews of Iowa State Fairgrounds

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
161
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
80
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
24
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Excellent experience. Highly recommend.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was convenient to the fair shuttle parking areas. Many choices of restaurants. Easy access to Target, Walmart,Walgreens. Close to a Caribou Coffee.

Popular places to visit

Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture

Iowa State Capitol Building

A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.

Iowa State Capitol Building
State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes interior views

State Historical Museum of Iowa

Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital.

State Historical Museum of Iowa
Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Falls underneath the Women of Achievement Bridge

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
Brigde

Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.

Principal Park

Sky Glider East

You can take time to visit Sky Glider East during your travels to Des Moines. Experience the lively festivals and great live music in this family-friendly area.

Sky Glider East

Best Lodging Options Near Iowa State Fairgrounds

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairgrounds

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairgrounds

2 out of 5
410 E 30th Street, Des Moines, IA
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairgrounds
Western themed 5 bedrooms 2 full baths. Walking distance to Iowa State Fair

Western themed 5 bedrooms 2 full baths. Walking distance to Iowa State Fair

Des Moines, IA
Western themed 5 bedrooms 2 full baths. Walking distance to Iowa State Fair
Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8

Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8

Des Moines
Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8
Charming 2-bedroom house on a quiet secluded street . With Wi-Fi

Charming 2-bedroom house on a quiet secluded street . With Wi-Fi

Des Moines
Charming 2-bedroom house on a quiet secluded street . With Wi-Fi
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Blue Ribbon Duplex

The Blue Ribbon Duplex

Des Moines
The Blue Ribbon Duplex
The Blue Ribbon Duplex

The Blue Ribbon Duplex

Des Moines
The Blue Ribbon Duplex
4bd 3ba Family Friendly Home PLUS all the amenities!

4bd 3ba Family Friendly Home PLUS all the amenities!

Des Moines
4bd 3ba Family Friendly Home PLUS all the amenities!
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
See all 608 properties in Iowa State Fairgrounds
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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