Johnston, IA

Travel Guide

A riverside walkway with a covered seating area and a small building in the background.
A city skyline with a bridge over a river, featuring various buildings and a clear sky.
A modern bridge with a curved arch, illuminated lights, and reflections on the water.
A snow-covered waterfall with icicles, surrounded by a forest of evergreen trees.
A covered wooden bridge over a shallow stream, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
$109 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
$122 total
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,930 reviews)
"room was clean and very spacious. the hot tub was large, could fit 2 or more people. bathroom was large as well as the shower. the breakfast was very good and lots of choices and hot. great place to stay, will stay again."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston

2.5 out of 5
6215 Merle Hay Road Johnston IA
$89 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
$100 total
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and Merle Hay Mall are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (883 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston
AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines

AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines

3 out of 5
5050 Merle Hay Road Johnston IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$60 nightly
The price is $67 total per night from Nov 10 to Nov 11
$67 total
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2026

AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines
See all 817 properties in Johnston
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.
Spacious 5BR Retreat w/Beautiful Views,3 King 2 Full 1 Queen bed, AC in Johnston

Spacious 5BR Retreat w/Beautiful Views,3 King 2 Full 1 Queen bed, AC in Johnston

Johnston IA
Stay at this vacation home in Johnston. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and Walnut Ridge Recreation ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"It was a very nice and comfortable place. The host was very responsive to messages. The house was easily accessible and had many shops and restaurants nearby."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026

Spacious 5BR Retreat w/Beautiful Views,3 King 2 Full 1 Queen bed, AC in Johnston
Kasa Downtown Des Moines

Kasa Downtown Des Moines

4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way Des Moines IA
Stay at this aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Casey's Center and Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
9/10 Wonderful! (129 reviews)
"Cute little area, close to downtown. Parking is close - do not risk parking on the road!"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2026

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!

SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!

Des Moines IA
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (100 reviews)
"This was a great venue for our large group. Thank you so much!"

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
See all properties in Johnston
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.

Stay near popular Johnston attractions

Des Moines MEPS

8.8/10 (19 reviews)
Des Moines MEPS is just one of the places to see in Johnston, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this relaxing area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Johnston worth visiting?
Johnston is worth visiting for its appealing culinary scene, offering delicious Italian and Asian cuisine. Travelers can also discover significant local history at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and enjoy nature and recreation at Walnut Ridge Recreation Area.
When is the best time to visit Johnston?
The best time to visit Johnston is from May through September, when the weather is typically warm and pleasant. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering cooler temperatures and a chance for snow.
What is Johnston known for?
Johnston is known for the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, which offers insights into military history, and the Walnut Ridge Recreation Area, perfect for outdoor activities. Travelers can also find a strong Italian food culture in this United States city.
What is a good itinerary length for Johnston?
A good itinerary length for Johnston is one to two days to visit the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum and explore Walnut Ridge Recreation Area. For an extended stay of three to four days, travelers can take more time at these spots and enjoy the local dining options, which include Italian, Asian, and North American cuisines.
What are the top things to do in and around Johnston?
Johnston offers travelers a blend of military history and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Travelers can:

  • Visit the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, a landmark dedicated to military history.
  • Explore Walnut Ridge Recreation Area, a natural space perfect for outdoor activities.

What cuisines can you find in Johnston?
In Johnston you can find Italian cuisine, with classic dishes like pasta, pizza, and lasagna. Travelers can also enjoy Asian options, including Chinese and Japanese, as well as North American and Latin American choices like Mexican food. There are also European and Mediterranean selections available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Johnston?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Johnston by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Johnston with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Johnston trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Johnston?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Johnston can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Johnston trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Johnston trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Johnston trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Johnston trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Johnston?
If it's your first trip to Johnston, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Johnston hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Johnston hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Johnston

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a bridge over a river.

Des Moines

A cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, a river, and a bridge.

Ankeny

A red barn, a wooden fence, and a hay bale in a rural setting.

Urbandale

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings, a bridge, and a river.

Grimes

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