Merle Hay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Popular places to visit

Adventureland

Adventureland

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Adventureland
Principal Park

Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.

Principal Park
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
Living History Farms

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.

Living History Farms
Des Moines Botanical Center which includes a garden and interior views

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
Des Moines Art Center featuring art and interior views

Des Moines Art Center

Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.

Des Moines Art Center

Our pick of the best Merle Hay Hotel Deals

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA
The price is AU$113 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$113
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The check in was so easy and quick. I'm a female solo traveler and the place felt very safe. The parking is a little bit far from the door, but still plenty of space. The rooms were very neat, the shower was great and the breakfast looked good. I love that they left me a water bottle in the room ..."

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$135 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$135
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
5.6/10 (569 reviews)
Just manage expectations and it’ll be fine!
"We booked to stay during the state fair with our 3 year old. The hotel is older, for sure. Certainly not a luxury establishment. That said, though, our rooms were clean. The AC worked very well in our room, almost freezing us out the first night until we adjusted it. Our room opened to the waterpark ..."

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
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
The price is AU$241 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$241
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,021 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is AU$126 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$126
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,578 reviews)
"This was our second time here. Its a great option for parking and airport shuttle."

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

2 out of 5
7655 Office Plaza Dr N, West Des Moines, IA
The price is AU$107 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$107
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (541 reviews)
"It was a good place to stay."

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 2025

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG

3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$194 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$194
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
See all 779 properties in Merle Hay
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay

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Beaverdale

While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Beaverdale
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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.

Waveland Park
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Lovington

Lovington is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by Merle Hay Mall, a top place to visit in the area.

Lovington
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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.

Waterbury
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Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

Drake
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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.

North of Grand

Merle Hay Travel Guide

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