Hotels & Attractions

Official Dam to Dam Host Hotels

Make it a weekend in Des Moines by staying at one of the two official host hotels of Dam to Dam. The Des Moines Marriott Downtown has been hosting Dam to Dam runners for many years and is just moments away from all of the action. The Courtyard Des Moines West/Clive is located approximately 10 miles west of downtown Des Moines on I-235.

The Des Moines Marriott Downtown block of rooms is sold out.

The Courtyard Des Moines West/Clive, located at 1520 NW 114th St in Clive, offers a special room rate for Dam to Dam participants & families of $90/night. To receive this special rate, you must reserve on or before Friday, May 11, 2018. To make your reservation:

  • Reserve Online
  • Call 800.321.2211 or 515.225.1222 and mention the Dam to Dam race

Other Downtown Hotel Options

Several other downtown area hotel options are available for runners.  No special room rates available.

Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown, located at 120 SW Water Street, Des Moines.

AC Hotel Des Moines East Village, located at 401 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines.

Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown

 

Des Moines Marriott Downtown Hotel and Downtown Attractions

 

Four Favorite Downtown Des Moines Attractions

The Historic East Village
Like Greenwich Village in New York City – but on a smaller scale – downtown’s East Village offers an eclectic blend of historic buildings, hip eateries, boutiques, and a wide variety of other retail establishments. Plus, with new apartments and several loft-style housing projects springing up the area, East Village has taken on a comfortable neighborhood feel.
East Village Map

The Historic Court Avenue District
Anchored at the west end by the stalwart Polk County Court House, the Court District extends east to the river bridge. Period street lamps, planters and park benches dot the sidewalks, making it an attractive and pedestrian-friendly setting. The sounds of Jazz, Hip-hop and Indie rock music spill onto the streets, as do tantalizing scents from the diverse selection of restaurants throughout the District. An assortment of residential lofts and apartments perched above and throughout the Court District encompass the live, work and play feel of the thriving Des Moines downtown scene.

Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Downtown Farmers’ Market offers delicious spring greens, herbs, and a variety of spring produce early on in the season.  Vegetable and herb plants are in abundance, as well as hanging floral baskets, bedding plants and perennials. Market patrons can expect to see nearly 200 vendors, from 47 Iowa counties, with farm fresh products including Iowa raised pork, beef, lamb, poultry, fish, elk, baked breads, pies and cinnamon rolls. Shoppers can also find nuts, eggs, butter, cheese, wine, jams, jellies, beautiful cut flowers, unique hostas and a vast assortment of locally created arts, crafts, jewelry, rugs, and clothing.
Farmers’ Market Map

Pappajohn Sculpture Garden
The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is built directly within a major crossroads of the urban grid, making it unlike any other sculpture garden in the United States, and will contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood. It features 24 works donated to the Des Moines Arts Center by the Pappajohns. The total value of the works donated by the couple is estimated at more than $40 million.

Parking in Downtown Des Moines

The City of Des Moines has many parking garages available for participants and spectators to use on the day of the race.  Downtown Des Moines Parking Map.

For more information on attractions in and around the Des Moines area, please visit the Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau website.