Road trip from Birmingham to Des Moines
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Sights & Landmarks
Nature & Parks
Museums
Outdoor Activities
Fun & Games
All Category
Sights & Landmarks
Nature & Parks
Museums
Outdoor Activities
Fun & Games
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ITINERARY
15h 50m819 miles10 stops
1
McWane Science Center
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
2
Statue of Liberty Replica
Bronze replica measuring one-fifth the size of its sister statue located in New York City.
3
Huntsville Botanical Garden
The 118-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the North American Plant Collections Consortium, and the American Horticultural Society, as well as an ArbNet-accredited arboretum.
4
The Cigar Box Guitar Store
The only one in the world! The Cigar Box Guitar Store located in Studio 106 at Lowe Mill A&E features art you can touch. There are dozens of handmade three-and-four string cigar box guitars and other cigar box instruments that visitors can play. Learn more about how these unique instruments are created by the artist himself most Friday and Saturday afternoons. Want to learn how to play cigar box guitar? Come for free lessons on Saturdays anytime between Noon-2:00 and borrow a guitar.
5
Earlyworks Museum Complex
Interactive children's museum focused on teaching about Alabama history.
6
The Quarry at Crystal Springs
7
Capitol Building
8
Brenton Skating Plaza
9
Iowa State Fairgrounds
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
10
Fitness Sports
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:McWane Science Center
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.5
(963) review
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
2
Start:Statue of Liberty Replica
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.0
(97) review
Bronze replica measuring one-fifth the size of its sister statue located in New York City.
3
Start:Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville, Alabama·
4.5
(912) review
The 118-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the North American Plant Collections Consortium, and the American Horticultural Society, as well as an ArbNet-accredited arboretum.
4
Start:The Cigar Box Guitar Store
Huntsville, Alabama·
5.0
(9) review
The only one in the world! The Cigar Box Guitar Store located in Studio 106 at Lowe Mill A&E features art you can touch. There are dozens of handmade three-and-four string cigar box guitars and other cigar box instruments that visitors can play. Learn more about how these unique instruments are created by the artist himself most Friday and Saturday afternoons. Want to learn how to play cigar box guitar? Come for free lessons on Saturdays anytime between Noon-2:00 and borrow a guitar.
5
Start:Earlyworks Museum Complex
Huntsville, Alabama·
4.0
(92) review
Interactive children's museum focused on teaching about Alabama history.
6
Start:The Quarry at Crystal Springs
Maryland Heights, Saint Louis, Missouri·
4.0
(5) review
1 Crystal Springs Quarry Dr, Maryland Heights, Saint Louis, MO 63043-0015
7
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
8
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
9
Start:Iowa State Fairgrounds
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(882) review
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
10
Start:Fitness Sports
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(9) review
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
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Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Birmingham and Des Moines?
The distance is 819 miles
What's the travel time between Birmingham and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 15h 50m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Birmingham and Des Moines?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Des Moines?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Des Moines
What’s the weather like in Des Moines?
The weather in Des Moines is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Des Moines in January
Weather in Des Moines in February
Weather in Des Moines in March
Weather in Des Moines in April
Weather in Des Moines in May
Weather in Des Moines in June
Weather in Des Moines in July
Weather in Des Moines in August
Weather in Des Moines in September
Weather in Des Moines in October
Weather in Des Moines in November
Weather in Des Moines in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Des Moines?
Plan your dream Des Moines trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 2-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 3-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 4-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 5-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 6-day itinerary in Des Moines
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Birmingham?
We have a lot of great trip options for Birmingham! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you