Court District Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Court District
Popular places to visit
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
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.
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.
Our pick of the best Court District Hotel Deals
Des Lux Hotel
"This is an absolutely beautiful hotel and the staff was more than friendly! Breakfast was great! Will definitely stay again if ever in downtown Des Moines!"
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection
"Great location and helpful staff."
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
"Ashley S. was very friendly and helpful when we arrived. Enjoyed our stay very much. Thank you!"
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Residence Inn Des Moines Downtown
"Room and staff were amazing"
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Beautiful lobby. The building has kept much of it's old character and charm. Staff were extremely nice! Gym is very clean and updated. Only thing I would ask for is better condiments for starbuck's coffee in the room. Please stop those packets containing the sweet and lo, powdered creamer etc... ..."
Reviewed on 1 June 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Was stuck in room next to elevator very loud and noisy all night unable to sleep ended up having to play thunderstorm music louder than the elevator noise"
Reviewed on 4 June 2026
Our guide on where to stay in Court District
Downtown Des Moines
The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
