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://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268997-Historic-East-Village.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269001-Historic-East-Village.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum featuring interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268854-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268860-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Historic East Village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269006-Historic-East-Village.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://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269146-Iowa-State-Capitol-Building.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://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269199-State-Historical-Society-Of-Iowa-Museum.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) ![Adventureland](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f1880c574a55a0c4ce4de0e0cb126e64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Adventureland 5/5(1 review) Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music. [](https://expedia.ca/Adventureland-Des-Moines.d6075042.Vacation-Attraction) ![Principal Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/a99443c85dc4b837cd6310016d52b7a4.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) ![Des Moines Botanical Center featuring a garden and interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269109-Des-Moines-Botanical-Center.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 4/5(2 reviews) Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city. [](https://expedia.ca/Greater-Des-Moines-Botanical-Garden-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075032.Vacation-Attraction) ![Living History Farms](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/5fbc3940eb3f276d90c1a4b3e4c2fbda.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Living History Farms You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Living History Farms during your trip to Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals. [](https://expedia.ca/Living-History-Farms-Des-Moines.d6105988.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 $164 CA $184 total Dec 28 - Dec 29 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! (1,053 reviews) Great location beautiful lobby large room. Friendly staff. Easy parking Reviewed on Dec 7, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F12%2F2025&endDate=29%2F12%2F2025&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 $118 CA $133 total Dec 29 - Dec 30 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! (1,003 reviews) The check in lady was a grouchy old bag. Reviewed on Dec 4, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=29%2F12%2F2025&endDate=30%2F12%2F2025&selected=13300681&PinnedHotelID=13300681&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) ![Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/80000/77600/77590/01d93670_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West 7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA CA $120 CA $135 total Dec 21 - Dec 22 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ... 9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews) Clean, good breakfast, enjoyed our stay! Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=21%2F12%2F2025&endDate=22%2F12%2F2025&selected=77590&PinnedHotelID=77590&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 $197 CA $220 total Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026 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! (1,058 reviews) This is our second time staying here. It feels like a 5 star hotel. The details in the decor are unique and well designed. The bed and bedding is comfortable. I love the lobby, large and spacious with lots of seating options for gatherings small or large. Great restaurant, Proudfoot and Bird with ... Reviewed on Dec 6, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=04%2F01%2F2026&endDate=05%2F01%2F2026&selected=9375&PinnedHotelID=9375&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 $112 CA $126 total Dec 18 - Dec 19 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! (1,794 reviews) The venue was nice and clean and staff was friendly! We did have issues with the toilet flushing correctly as well as low water pressure but overall was a great experience Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=18%2F12%2F2025&endDate=19%2F12%2F2025&selected=1152222&PinnedHotelID=1152222&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 $126 CA $141 total Dec 28 - Dec 29 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! (1,001 reviews) Everything clean and peaceful Reviewed on Dec 10, 2025 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F12%2F2025&endDate=29%2F12%2F2025&selected=48251406&PinnedHotelID=48251406&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6170617) [See all 846 properties in Historic East Village](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=15%2F12%2F2025&endDate=16%2F12%2F2025®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=2025-12-14&endDate=2025-12-15)[Dec 14 - Dec 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2025-12-14&endDate=2025-12-15) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2025-12-15&endDate=2025-12-16)[Dec 15 - Dec 16](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=2025-12-15&endDate=2025-12-16) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6170617&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Historic East Village ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/8f72335b84f5a0dd4c16e39780dd7e6d.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://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269201-State-Historical-Society-Of-Iowa-Museum.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) ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park featuring a high-rise building, a city and a park](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269209-John-And-Mary-Pappajohn-Sculpture-Park.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) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/6ed61770871394480cf3bf5b3e947166.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. 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