Do you ever have a craving to travel? Are you broke and can’t afford going on your dream vacation once a month? If you are from the Des Moines area, take a look at the following easy road trips that might just satisfy the travel bug inside you without having to spend hundreds of dollars traveling from coast to coast!
1. Omaha, NE
Distance from Des Moines: 139.3 mi (2 hours, 6 minutes)
Make sure to check out the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Lewis and Clark Landing exhibits, the multiple parks and gardens and the Joslyn Castle!
2. Kansas City, MO
Distance from Des Moines: 193.8 mi (2 hours, 50 minutes)
Go to Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun, visit the multiple museums about WWI, baseball and even contemporary art. On your trip make sure to get all your shopping done at the Country Club Plaza.
3. Minneapolis, MN
Distance from Des Moines: 243.5 mi (3 hours, 38 minutes)
Hit up a game at Target Field, or catch a movie at the Riverview Theater. Explore the Mall of America, and enjoy the exciting night life with a comedy club or local pub.
4. Sioux Falls, SD
Distance from Des Moines: 283 mi (4 hours, 5 minutes)
The many beautiful parks are worth a visit -- like Falls Park! Check out the Washington Pavilion, The Outdoor Campus and all the different museums in the area
5. Chicago, IL
Distance from Des Moines: 332.9 mi (5 hours, 26 minutes)
Visit Wrigley Field, take a boat tour on Lake Michigan or catch a concert at the Chicago Theatre. Hangout in Millennium Park, walk the Navy Pier and go to the top floor of the Willis Tower.
6. St. Louis, MO
Distance from Des Moines: 347.6 mi (5 hours, 28 minutes)
The Gateway arch is a must see. Visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, the Science Center and the Butterfly house. St. Louis also has a River City Casino you could end your night at after catching a game at the Busch Stadium.
7. Milwaukee, WI
Distance from Des Moines: 374.5 mi (5 hours, 29 minutes)
Go see the Cave of the Mounds or take a cruise down the Milwaukee River (walking or boat)! Watch a show at the Oriental Theatre or see the amazing architecture of the many Cathedrals throughout the city.
8. Indianapolis, IN
Distance from Des Moines: 476.4 mi (6 hours, 52 minutes)
Seek out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Haunted Indianapolis Ghost Walk or the Old World Gondoliers. They have many “dinner and a show” type of attractions that will be worth a watch.
9. Detroit, MI
Distance from Des Moines: 598.1 mi (8 hours, 49 minutes)
Stop by the escape room challenges or the sea life aquarium. Check out the Eastern Market, Belle Isle Park or Fox Theatre.
10. Denver, CO
Distance from Des Moines: 672.2 mi (9 hours, 24 minutes)
The Denver Zoo is a must see along with the Downtown Aquarium. Visit Elitch Gardens Theme Park, Molly Brown’s House or Dinosaur Ridge. Take a trip to the mountains and visit the Rocky Mountain National Park!
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