Iowa State Fairgrounds Tours and Activities

Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area
Aerial View of the Iowa State Fair in the Des Moines Metro Area
Saw a swine auction. Many of these pigs were raised by high school students.
Went to Des Moines the day the fair opened, they have great food, and some awesome animal exhibits as well as the rides and expos. Definitely worth a trip!

Plan a trip to see Iowa State Fairgrounds

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Wildwood Lodge

Wildwood Lodge

3 out of 5
Price was CA $1,615, price is now CA $1,373 per person
CA $1,373
per person
Apr 16 - Apr 23
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Des Moines (DSM)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,194 reviews)
Friendly staff, comfortable rooms and good breakfast.

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
Downtown Des Moines
Price was CA $2,043, price is now CA $1,630 per person
CA $1,630
per person
Apr 16 - Apr 23
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Des Moines (DSM)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,037 reviews)
Room was great staff were very kind had to leave due to family emergency huge thank you to the staff that helped out that night and got my car out of valet for me will be coming back soon!!

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

3.5 out of 5
Downtown Des Moines
Price was CA $2,072, price is now CA $1,749 per person
CA $1,749
per person
Apr 16 - Apr 23
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Des Moines (DSM)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Great location and parking accommodation.

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

Popular places to visit

Iowa State Capitol Building showing 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
State Historical Society of Iowa Museum showing interior views

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.

State Historical Museum of Iowa
Des Moines Botanical Center featuring 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
Brigde

Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Principal Park

Sky Glider East

You can take time to visit Sky Glider East during your travels to Des Moines. Experience the great live music and lively festivals in this family-friendly area.

Sky Glider East

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

Explore the great outdoors at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park

Best Lodging Options Near Iowa State Fairgrounds

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairgrounds

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairgrounds

2 out of 5
410 E 30th Street Des Moines IA
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fairgrounds
Western themed 5 bedrooms 2 full baths. Walking distance to Iowa State Fair

Western themed 5 bedrooms 2 full baths. Walking distance to Iowa State Fair

Des Moines IA
Western themed 5 bedrooms 2 full baths. Walking distance to Iowa State Fair
Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8

Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8

Des Moines IA
Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8
Charming 2-bedroom house on a quiet secluded street . With Wi-Fi

Charming 2-bedroom house on a quiet secluded street . With Wi-Fi

Des Moines IA
Charming 2-bedroom house on a quiet secluded street . With Wi-Fi
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
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
4bd 3ba Family Friendly Home PLUS all the amenities!

4bd 3ba Family Friendly Home PLUS all the amenities!

Des Moines IA
4bd 3ba Family Friendly Home PLUS all the amenities!
Pleasant Hill Getaway

Pleasant Hill Getaway

2 out of 5
Pleasant Hill IA
Pleasant Hill Getaway
Urban Flame and Frame (firepit+ping pong table)

Urban Flame and Frame (firepit+ping pong table)

Des Moines IA
Urban Flame and Frame (firepit+ping pong table)
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •

• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •

Des Moines IA
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
See all 656 properties in Iowa State Fairgrounds
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.