Title: Visit Historic East Village: Best of Historic East Village, Des Moines Travel 2026 | Expedia Tourism - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Historic East Village](https://expedia.ca/Historic-East-Village-Des-Moines-Hotels.0-n6170617-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Des Moines](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Des Moines](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Historic East Village Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Historic-East-Village.d6170617.Car-Rental-Guide)[Historic East Village Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Historic-East-Village.d6170617.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Historic East Village ## Des Moines ![Historic East Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170617/ebea9667-4252-4df6-8e4a-88c1c6460fd2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170617/ebea9667-4252-4df6-8e4a-88c1c6460fd2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170617/8b392db0-edeb-45fc-a030-c1cd78311880.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum featuring interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/cc74e02e-7e3c-47e2-9cee-c883f7afc313.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6170617/ac83af4e-8eb7-4e33-8b9d-4f75c50be3e1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Historic East Village Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Des Moines travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines.dx601690) #### Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront. Des Moines’ Historic East Village is neatly squared off in the downtown core between East 14th Street and the riverfront. The impressive State Capitol building and its golden rotunda serve as the inland boundary of this district. Start exploring the area with a tour of the government building, which is open on any day except Sunday. The marble and rich-looking woods will leave a lasting impression. This historic and modern seat of government was built between 1871 and 1886. Walk toward the river after leaving the State Capitol and pass Simon Estes Amphitheatre. Check the schedule of events. You could see a live concert, an event on a big screen or perhaps a wedding. Continue until you come to the Iowa Genealogical Society building, also open any day except Sunday. Here find detailed information on ancestry in the state. You may discover that your family has some roots in Iowa. Stay in a historical frame of mind with a visit to the nearby State Historical Society of Iowa Museum to learn about parts of Iowa’s past that may surprise you. It’s open every day except Sundays and holidays and entry is free. Look for the Des Moines River as you approach Robert D. Ray Drive. On this street you’ll find the Brenton Skating Plaza, which has year-round activities, such as open-air ice-skating in the winter and concerts or community events the rest of the year. Walk along the river on Robert D. Ray Drive to reach Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a perfect spot to end your trip through Historic East Village. The garden features an interior tropical oasis, coupled with 14 acres (6 hectares) of landscaped and natural gardens that provide an opportunity to relax and reflect on the excursion you had through this interesting area. The garden is open most days except select holidays. Venture back the way you came to discover Historic East Village’s eclectic and unique shopping and dining establishments. --- ### Popular places to visit ![Iowa State Capitol Building showing a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075016/f301caa2-002c-4d78-bd31-24a2e8360fe6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Capitol Building 5/5(6 reviews) A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today. [](https://expedia.ca/Iowa-State-Capitol-Building-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075016.Vacation-Attraction) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/0a9f4ee4-4bbd-46e0-8519-f49380129799.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### State Historical Museum of Iowa Learn about early settlement and battles as well as bicycle races and the movie industry in this museum in Iowa’s state capital. [](https://expedia.ca/State-Historical-Society-Of-Iowa-Museum-Des-Moines.d6075026.Vacation-Attraction) ![#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7697/fe78d7ee-0a03-4f79-8969-84173b479d67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Jordan Creek Town Center 4.5/5(2 reviews) You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.ca/Jordan-Creek-Town-Center-Des-Moines.d6075052.Vacation-Attraction) ![Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075034/2051c68f-71ac-45d5-9669-f8a38d0018a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Fairgrounds 4.5/5(4 reviews) Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.ca/Iowa-State-Fairgrounds-Des-Moines.d6075034.Vacation-Attraction) ![The City Of Des Moines](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6182643/5f25345e-4b87-46c8-a453-6ece959e8868.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa Events Center 5/5(1 review) Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene. [](https://expedia.ca/Iowa-Events-Center-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6182643.Vacation-Attraction) ![Brigde](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/bf0fc404-b96d-4cee-84a6-d2fcd1a79508.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Principal Park Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals. [](https://expedia.ca/Principal-Park-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075046.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Historic East Village Hotel Deals ![Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/10700/10622/05e5842f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown 101 E Locust St Des Moines IA CA $178 CA $200 total Feb 22 - Feb 23 includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ... 8/10 Very Good! (1,018 reviews) Wonderful like always Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=22%2F02%2F2026&endDate=23%2F02%2F2026&selected=10622&PinnedHotelID=10622&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/14000000/13310000/13300700/13300681/91d6d514_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG 201 E. Locust Street Des Moines IA CA $133 CA $149 total Feb 22 - Feb 23 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews) The staff was beyond lovely, the room was so tidy and clean when I got in. Nicest hotel stay I’ve had in a very long time - thank you so much! Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=22%2F02%2F2026&endDate=23%2F02%2F2026&selected=13300681&PinnedHotelID=13300681&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/9400/9375/9e4e0ef2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton 1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA CA $184 CA $206 total Feb 25 - Feb 26 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,081 reviews) The room was very clean Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F02%2F2026&endDate=26%2F02%2F2026&selected=9375&PinnedHotelID=9375&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/49000000/48260000/48251500/48251406/b9f3330e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University 2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA CA $122 CA $137 total Feb 15 - Feb 16 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 helpful staff and the clean ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews) Clean, spacious, great amenities, and the sheets were super soft. Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=15%2F02%2F2026&endDate=16%2F02%2F2026&selected=48251406&PinnedHotelID=48251406&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Des Lux Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9790000/9781500/9781455/e7f9fb30_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Des Lux Hotel 800 Locust St Des Moines IA CA $208 CA $233 total Feb 9 - Feb 10 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,030 reviews) Terrific Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=9781455&PinnedHotelID=9781455&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1160000/1152300/1152222/8b967b66_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston 5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA CA $121 CA $135 total Feb 15 - Feb 16 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,831 reviews) Allways helpfull, clean, nice pool, hot tub area. Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=15%2F02%2F2026&endDate=16%2F02%2F2026&selected=1152222&PinnedHotelID=1152222&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) [See all 828 properties in Historic East Village](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026®ionId=6170617) 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. ## Check Historic East Village hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[Feb 8 - Feb 9](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[Feb 9 - Feb 10](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Historic East Village ![View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/607b74cc-d813-4d23-bb1e-516dbcef5c66.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Court District Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Court-Avenue-Entertainment-District.dx6170624) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum featuring a city, a high-rise building and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075026/bb738539-0a8e-4cbb-ac84-e1faee874e8c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Des Moines 4.5/5(6 area reviews) Downtown Des Moines boasts corporate campuses, fine dining, and unique retail destinations. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and enjoy easy access to DART transit and skywalk connections. [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Downtown-Des-Moines.dx6060027) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Columbus Park Though Columbus Park might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa. [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Columbus-Park.dx897427496291811328) ![Western Gateway sunrise aerial looking downtown over Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Krause Gateway Center.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/943633779787128832/6a18315e-1004-4aa8-9db4-df4436335dc5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Western Gateway While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park. [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Western-Gateway.dx943633779787128832) ![Great, unique coffee joint in Des Moines. I love the vintage Midwest feel, old tin coka-cola signs and all. The snickers latte is worth a try or cool off with a Sioux City Sarsaparilla.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/dfa4efe1-572b-45b7-88a3-5585ce209258.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Sherman Hill If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sherman Hill and surrounding area, you can visit Hoyt Sherman Place and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Sherman-Hill.dx553248635976473805) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Indianola Hills While there might not be top attractions in Indianola Hills, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa. [](https://expedia.ca/Des-Moines-Indianola-Hills.dx897427424713916416) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Historic East Village ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app