Merle Hay Travel Guide
Des Moines
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.
Des Moines Art Center
Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
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.
Top hotels in Merle Hay
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
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Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
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Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Comfy and stylish lobby and rooms, delicious cafe
Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Room was clean, bedding comfortable, breakfast was good and location was good
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Everything clean and peaceful
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Old outside appearance but when you get inside the room was like brand new. Super clean. Staff accommodated the hockey equipment of the boys. Great experience!
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Merle Hay
Beaverdale
While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse 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 Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
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.
