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.
Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines

Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines

2 out of 5
per person
Sep 5 - Sep 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Boston (BOS) to Des Moines (DSM)
5.8/10 (1,003 reviews)
Handy for the money in an expensive area.

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

3 out of 5
per person
Sep 5 - Sep 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Boston (BOS) to Des Moines (DSM)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
The first night I was there, somehow they double booked my room and I had somebody walk into my room around midnight. They had been given a key and it overrode the safety lock and they were able to walk right in. Then I got a phone call from the front desk basically asking me when I checked in, who checked me in etc. I knew what time I checked in but how in the world would I remember who checked me in? It was very unsettling and I ended up putting the chair under the door the rest of the nights that I was there. Likely, I will stay somewhere else my next trip to Ankeny.

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
Greater South Side
per person
Sep 5 - Sep 8
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Boston (BOS) to Des Moines (DSM)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,527 reviews)
Checking in and out was quick and easy. Very nice friendly staff that stuttered us to the airport for a very early flight.

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

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 lively festivals 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 great live music and acclaimed theater scene 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
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 home near ISF and DT DSM!

Charming home near ISF and DT DSM!

Des Moines
Charming home near ISF and DT DSM!
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
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!
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Welcome to Momo's Place. Charming 3 Bedroom, 1Bathroom with Modern Upgrades

Welcome to Momo's Place. Charming 3 Bedroom, 1Bathroom with Modern Upgrades

Des Moines
Welcome to Momo's Place. Charming 3 Bedroom, 1Bathroom with Modern Upgrades
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •

• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •

Des Moines
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
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 602 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.