Top reasons to visit Drake
- Drake University: Visit the renowned university campus, known for its vibrant atmosphere and athletic programs.
- Exciting Events: Enjoy thrilling events at the local arena and fairground, perfect for family entertainment.
- Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the local culture through various educational attractions and community gatherings.
- Recreational Parks: Explore the beautiful parks ideal for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor activities.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a variety of hotels, including pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-friendly options.
Find great hotels in and around Drake
Explore a variety of hotel accommodations in Drake, Des Moines, ideal for both business and leisure travelers. With options ranging from pet-friendly motels to welcoming hotels near Drake University, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're searching for the best hotels or top-rated stays, Drake offers a vibrant selection that caters to diverse needs, including LGBTQIA-friendly options for a comfortable vacation experience.
- Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: Nestled only 6.4km from Drake University, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport is the perfect choice for families and business travelers alike. This hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere with amenities designed for children, including complimentary cribs. Guests can enjoy convenient access to the airport and a variety of family-friendly services, making it an ideal base for your Iowa adventures.
- Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines: Located 4.8km from Drake, Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines stands out as a pet-friendly option that caters to families and business travelers. With specific amenities for children such as cribs available for a fee, this hotel ensures comfort for guests of all ages. The pet policy allows for dogs, making it a great choice for those traveling with furry friends. With a commitment to providing essential services and a welcoming environment, this hotel is a solid option for your stay.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University: Situated right in Drake, Home2 Suites by Hilton is a contemporary 3-star hotel ideal for business travelers and the LGBTQIA community. The hotel embraces inclusivity and offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. With pet-friendly policies and a variety of onsite facilities, including spacious suites for longer stays, this hotel is designed to cater to diverse travel needs. Experience a unique blend of comfort and modernity right at the heart of the Drake community.
Where to stay near Drake
Drake, located in Des Moines, Iowa, offers a delightful blend of city charm and cultural experiences. With its proximity to Drake University, visitors can explore the vibrant campus and surrounding neighborhood, known for its friendly atmosphere and family-friendly activities. Enjoy the recreational parks and local eateries, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration. Whether you're strolling through the streets or engaging with the community, Drake promises a memorable vacation experience.
- Des Moines: As the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines is a vibrant metropolis offering a blend of urban charm and cultural experiences. Located where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers meet, it serves as a hub for business and leisure. Visitors flock here year-round, with peak travel during the summer months. Explore local attractions like the shopping malls, fairgrounds, and the scenic lakes that provide a perfect backdrop for family outings. Don’t miss the modern college campus of Drake University, where you can soak in the academic atmosphere while enjoying the city's bustling energy.
- Urbandale: Just a short drive from Drake, Urbandale is a family-friendly city known for its welcoming community and diverse recreational options. With its peak tourist activity in the spring and early summer, visitors can enjoy various attractions such as shopping centers and fairgrounds. The city also boasts beautiful parks and a theme park for family fun. Urbandale's proximity to Des Moines allows easy access to urban amenities while offering a suburban feel, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and business travelers.
- Downtown Des Moines: Located merely 3.2km from Drake, Downtown Des Moines is the city's bustling heart, renowned for its dynamic atmosphere and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore a variety of entertainment venues, including shopping centers and the arena, making it a hotspot for family and business-oriented trips. The downtown area is also home to the convention center and many modern establishments, ensuring a rich experience. The urban landscape, combined with local events and attractions, creates an inviting environment perfect for exploration.
Things to do in and around Drake
Drake, located in Des Moines, Iowa, offers a vibrant blend of city and cultural experiences perfect for family vacations. Visitors can explore educational attractions, enjoy exciting events at the arena entertainment facility, and partake in lively gatherings at the fairground showground. With a variety of activities to engage in, Drake presents a delightful getaway for tourists looking to immerse themselves in local culture and entertainment.
Shopping
For a fantastic shopping experience near Drake, visit Merle Hay Mall, just 4.8km away, featuring entertainment and family vibes. You can also explore the Downtown Farmers' Market, 3.2km away, for local goods, or head to Valley West Mall, 8.0km away, for a variety of shops.
Recreation
Principal Park offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for enjoying a game or event. Val Air Ballroom provides an entertaining experience with live music, while Waveland Municipal Golf Course invites you to unwind outdoors with scenic fairways and a relaxing round of golf.
Adventure
Experience the thrill at Air Lanes Bowling Center, located 6.4km from Drake, where you can enjoy bowling in a lively atmosphere. For nature enthusiasts, the Greenbelt Trail, 8.0km away, offers scenic hiking amidst beautiful landscapes. Alternatively, challenge your speed at Pole Position Raceway, 12.9km from Drake, for an exhilarating karting adventure.
Nightlife
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Hoyt Sherman Place, just 1.6km from Drake, offering a mix of romance and culture. Enjoy shows at Lauridsen Amphitheater, 3.2km away, or catch a performance at Des Moines Community Playhouse, right in the area, for a memorable evening filled with entertainment.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Drake
To save on your trip to Drake, Des Moines, consider visiting between November and January when hotel prices are lower. Try to book your stay on a Monday, the cheapest day, rather than Saturday, which is the priciest. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to filter results by budget and eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also lead to significant savings. Lastly, explore free local attractions and consider public transport or biking for affordable travel around the city.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Drake are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to 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 Drake is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Drake is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—if you check the “Eco-certified” filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Drake hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in and around Drake
Drake, Des Moines, offers a vibrant mix of city and culture-themed attractions perfect for family vacations. Visitors can explore nearby sights and attractions, including the renowned Drake University and its athletic programs, as well as various event venues and entertainment facilities. Whether you're seeking outdoor experiences or cultural enrichment, Drake provides a delightful array of activities for all travelers.
- Casey's Center: Located 3.2km from Drake, Casey's Center is an exciting arena that offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for family entertainment. Enjoy a variety of events, from concerts to sports, making it a great place to connect with the local community.
- Drake University: Situated in the heart of Drake, this modern university boasts a lively city vibe. Explore its beautiful campus, attend public events, or simply enjoy the rich academic culture that permeates the area.
- Iowa State Fairgrounds: Located 9.7km away, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is a dynamic outdoor space that hosts various events. Experience family-friendly activities and the charm of local fairs, making it an ideal spot for a day of fun.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Drake
When visiting Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, the primary airport to consider is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), located 8.0km away. For accommodations nearby, the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton is a luxurious 4.5-star option just 6.4km from the airport. Other excellent choices include the Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale and Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale, both also rated at 4.5 stars and situated 14.5km from DSM. Each of these hotels offers convenient access to the airport, making your travel experience seamless and enjoyable.