Road trip from Buffalo to Des Moines
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Sights & Landmarks
Nature & Parks
Museums
Nightlife
Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
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All Category
Sights & Landmarks
Nature & Parks
Museums
Nightlife
Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
Outdoor Activities
Food & Drink
Casinos & Gambling
Boat Tours & Water Sports
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ITINERARY
16h 6m856 miles21 stops
1
The Buffalo History Museum
2
Inniskillin Wines
Many of those who appreciate and collect wine have discovered that a journey to the heart of wine country adds an indescribable dimension to the appreciation of the distinctiveness of each fine wine. In that spirit, Inniskillin invites you to fully experience our full VQA portfolio in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Experience firsthand the full range of our premium wines while enjoying spectacular sights, regional culinary specialties and outstanding hospitality in one of Canada's great natural treasures, the Niagara Peninsula. We look forward to toasting your arrival!
3
Erie Bayfront Convention Center
4
Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Presque Isle Downs & Casino is your best bet for gaming excitement! With over 1,500 of the hottest slots, you'll find a thrilling new game to spin every time you play. Prefer tables? You're in luck! Come try your hand at any of our over 30 thrilling table games. Like to bet on sports? Get in the game at our TwinSpires Sportsbook! With convenient sports betting kiosks, wagering is quick and easy so you'll never miss a minute of the action. Plus, catch seasonal live thoroughbred horse racing at our track! While you're here be sure to sign up for our Players Club. All new members get up to $2,500 free slot play or $25 in guaranteed match play right out of the gate! It's fast and free to join. Every time you play with your Players Club card you'll earn valuable reward points that qualify you to enjoy members-only promotions, perks, exclusive offers and much more! Presque Isle Downs & Casino is located in Erie, PA, just off of I-90 at Exit 27. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800 GAMBLER.
5
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
6
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – Tripadvisor
7
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland: Education and Learning Center
Ever wonder how money works or what the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland does as part of the central bank of the US? Visit our Education and Learning Center featuring more than 25 fun, hands-on exhibits that answer these questions and more! We have interactive games, visual exhibits, creative stations, and illuminating films that explain everything about money you can think of, from how we use it, to why it looks the way it looks. Come see our historic lobby, take pictures with our money tree, trade coconuts on Barter Island, identify counterfeit bills, and even make your own money! All this in the heart of Cleveland, just steps away from downtown attractions. Admission is free and photos are welcome.
8
Lock 3
9
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
The Sprucewood Family warmly welcomes you to sample handcrafted 100% Ontario VQA wines at Ontario's only beachfront destination vineyard, winery and tasting room. We are situated on 45 Acres with access to gardens, a sandy beach, and picnic tables. Enjoy a glass of wine with a picnic basket and explore our grounds year round. Tasting room open 7 days a week 11am - 5pm (we occasionally close early due to special events. Please check our social media for daily updates @sprucewoodshores)
10
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
11
Lakeside Park & Rose Garden
12
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
13
Boystown
Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor
14
Wrigley Field
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
15
1 Hundred West
1 Hundred West, in Davenport, IA, is the leading bar and grille serving Davenport and surrounding areas. We offer craft cocktails and a supper club inspired menu, along with drink specials, nightly features, wings, burgers, beer, family-style chicken fry, ribs, signature drinks, all you can eat fish fry and much more. For your next meal, visit 1 Hundred West in Davenport.
16
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
17
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
18
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
19
German American Heritage Center
20
Brenton Skating Plaza
21
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:The Buffalo History Museum
Buffalo, Erie County, New York·
4.0
(97) review
1 Museum Ct, Buffalo, NY 14216-3160
2
Start:Inniskillin Wines
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario·
4.5
(969) review
Many of those who appreciate and collect wine have discovered that a journey to the heart of wine country adds an indescribable dimension to the appreciation of the distinctiveness of each fine wine. In that spirit, Inniskillin invites you to fully experience our full VQA portfolio in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Experience firsthand the full range of our premium wines while enjoying spectacular sights, regional culinary specialties and outstanding hospitality in one of Canada's great natural treasures, the Niagara Peninsula. We look forward to toasting your arrival!
3
Start:Erie Bayfront Convention Center
Erie, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(97) review
1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507-2011
4
Start:Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Erie, Pennsylvania·
3.5
(981) review
Presque Isle Downs & Casino is your best bet for gaming excitement! With over 1,500 of the hottest slots, you'll find a thrilling new game to spin every time you play. Prefer tables? You're in luck! Come try your hand at any of our over 30 thrilling table games. Like to bet on sports? Get in the game at our TwinSpires Sportsbook! With convenient sports betting kiosks, wagering is quick and easy so you'll never miss a minute of the action. Plus, catch seasonal live thoroughbred horse racing at our track! While you're here be sure to sign up for our Players Club. All new members get up to $2,500 free slot play or $25 in guaranteed match play right out of the gate! It's fast and free to join. Every time you play with your Players Club card you'll earn valuable reward points that qualify you to enjoy members-only promotions, perks, exclusive offers and much more! Presque Isle Downs & Casino is located in Erie, PA, just off of I-90 at Exit 27. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800 GAMBLER.
5
Start:Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio·
3.5
(93) review
11400 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-3926
6
Start:Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.5
(9964) review
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – Tripadvisor
7
Start:Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland: Education and Learning Center
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.5
(95) review
Ever wonder how money works or what the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland does as part of the central bank of the US? Visit our Education and Learning Center featuring more than 25 fun, hands-on exhibits that answer these questions and more! We have interactive games, visual exhibits, creative stations, and illuminating films that explain everything about money you can think of, from how we use it, to why it looks the way it looks. Come see our historic lobby, take pictures with our money tree, trade coconuts on Barter Island, identify counterfeit bills, and even make your own money! All this in the heart of Cleveland, just steps away from downtown attractions. Admission is free and photos are welcome.
8
Start:Lock 3
Akron, Ohio·
4.5
(98) review
200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308-1315
9
Start:Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
Harrow, Essex, Ontario·
4.5
(97) review
The Sprucewood Family warmly welcomes you to sample handcrafted 100% Ontario VQA wines at Ontario's only beachfront destination vineyard, winery and tasting room. We are situated on 45 Acres with access to gardens, a sandy beach, and picnic tables. Enjoy a glass of wine with a picnic basket and explore our grounds year round. Tasting room open 7 days a week 11am - 5pm (we occasionally close early due to special events. Please check our social media for daily updates @sprucewoodshores)
10
Start:Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Fort Wayne, Indiana·
4.0
(99) review
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1414
11
Start:Lakeside Park & Rose Garden
Fort Wayne, Indiana·
4.5
(96) review
1401 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
12
Start:Michigan Avenue Bridge
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(985) review
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
13
Start:Boystown
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(98) review
Located in Chicago's North Side, this vibrant neighborhood is known for its exciting nightlife and for being one of the largest LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. It's the host of the annual Chicago Pride Parade, and a must-see in the area is the Legacy Walk on Halsted Street, where you can learn about the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community while admiring the colorful street art and rainbow crosswalks. Check out the unique shops and then grab a bite at one of the area's delicious Thai or Mexican restaurants. At night, visit one of the neighborhood's bars to enjoy a drag show, concert, and tasty cocktail. Consider taking a food or walking tour of Chicago that stops by Boystown. – Tripadvisor
14
Start:Wrigley Field
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(9953) review
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
15
Start:1 Hundred West
Davenport, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
1 Hundred West, in Davenport, IA, is the leading bar and grille serving Davenport and surrounding areas. We offer craft cocktails and a supper club inspired menu, along with drink specials, nightly features, wings, burgers, beer, family-style chicken fry, ribs, signature drinks, all you can eat fish fry and much more. For your next meal, visit 1 Hundred West in Davenport.
16
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
17
Start:Endless Brews
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
18
Start:Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
Davenport, Iowa·
5.0
(8) review
129 N Main St Red Stone Building, Corner of Main and Second Streets, Davenport, IA 52801
19
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
20
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
21
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
Download Offline Map
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
Camera or smartphone
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Buffalo and Des Moines?
The distance is 856 miles
What's the travel time between Buffalo and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 16h 6m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Buffalo 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!
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Buffalo?
We have a lot of great trip options for Buffalo! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you