Merle Hay Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
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.
Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Des Moines Art Center
Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
Our pick of the best Merle Hay Hotel Deals
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Yes
Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Everything was great!
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room is clean and comfortable designed very nicely, check-in was easy. We felt secure and it was very nice and quiet.
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
The room was clean, staff helpful!
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Lo único que no me gustó fue que la piscina no estaba funcionado al maximo
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Nice older building.
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.
Waveland Park
If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
Waterbury
While Waterbury may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Val Air Ballroom and Des Moines Art Center.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
North of Grand
North of Grand might not have many top sights, but Salisbury House and Des Moines Art Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
