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 lively festivals and great live music.
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
Clean
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Excellent stay as always! Amazing bar/speakeasy.
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
the staff was fast and professional , the room quiet and well appointed
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Everything was good had no issues checking in or with the room or staff.
Reviewed on 27 Nov 2025
Des Lux Hotel
This hotel is absolutely beautiful. The most aesthetically pleasing place I've ever stayed. Everything was perfectly clean and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Best hotel breakfast I've had since pre-covid. I would have expected to pay much more for how lovely this place is. Cannot recommend ...
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
The room was nice and staff was nice
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Des Moines Community Playhouse and Merle Hay Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.
Waveland Park
If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Des Moines Community Playhouse and Waveland Municipal Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.
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.
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 Des Moines Community Playhouse and Knapp Center.
North of Grand
North of Grand might not have many top sights, but Des Moines Community Playhouse and Salisbury House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
