Principal Park Tours

Things to do near Principal Park

At Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including catching an Iowa Cubs game and exploring the ballpark with guided tours. The park also hosts exciting sports events and festive gatherings. Whether you're a sports fan or looking for family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone at this vibrant venue.

Shopping

The closest shopping destination is the Downtown Farmers' Market, just 0.4 miles from Principal Park, offering local goods and crafts. Merle Hay Mall, 6 miles away, features various shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Southridge Mall, 4 miles away, also provides a family-friendly shopping experience.

Recreation

Enjoy live music at Val Air Ballroom, creating a vibrant atmosphere just 5 miles from Principal Park. For relaxation, head to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, 4 miles away, where you can unwind in nature. If you love sports, the Grand View Golf Course, also 4 miles away, offers a fantastic outdoor experience.

Adventure

Experience the excitement at Air Lanes Bowling Center, located 3 miles from Principal Park. For a scenic hike, explore the Greenbelt Trail, 7 miles away, with beautiful outdoor vibes. For adrenaline lovers, try karting at Pole Position Raceway, situated 11 miles from Principal Park, offering thrilling adventure.

Nightlife

In Des Moines, Hoyt Sherman Place offers a charming theater experience, just a mile from Principal Park, perfect for culture and romance. Lauridsen Amphitheater, two miles away, hosts lively performances, while the Heritage Carousel adds a nostalgic amusement ride vibe, also located two miles from the park.

Find the best attractions near Principal Park

When visiting Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture, family fun, and outdoor experiences. Explore the event venues, entertainment facilities, and fairgrounds that surround the park, perfect for engaging activities. Whether you're attending a game or enjoying a local event, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Principal Park and its nearby points of interest.

• Wells Fargo Arena: Located 0.9 miles from Principal Park, Wells Fargo Arena is a dynamic venue that hosts a variety of events, from concerts to sporting events. Its family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great place for visitors of all ages to enjoy entertainment and create memorable experiences.
• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Situated 4 miles away, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is a lively outdoor venue famous for hosting the annual Iowa State Fair. With a focus on family-friendly activities, it offers a chance to experience local culture, food, and fun rides in a vibrant fairground setting.
• Iowa Events Center: Just 0.9 miles from Principal Park, the Iowa Events Center is a premier venue for conferences and events. It exudes a professional atmosphere, making it ideal for business travelers, yet it also hosts community events that welcome all visitors.

Best time to go to Principal Park

The best time to visit Principal Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Principal Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Principal Park falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Principal Park

To save money on your trip to Principal Park, visit during the off-peak months of November to January for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package deal for added savings on flights and activities. Joining the One Key membership program can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings. Explore the area on foot to further cut costs and enjoy free activities around the park.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Principal Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Principal Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Principal Park is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and various other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display the lowest prices first, helping you find the most affordable hotel options. Additionally, you have the ability to narrow down your choices by hotel type—by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, for instance, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Principal Park with flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.