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By Huuk Team

Road trip from Chicago to Des Moines

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ITINERARY

6h 16m333 miles17 stops
1
Michigan Avenue Bridge
333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601-3901
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
2
Boystown
Chicago, IL
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
3
Wrigley Field
1060 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613-4566
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.
4
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
1701 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203-2003
The music and accomplishments of over 170 native Alabaman jazz musicians, including Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton, are highlighted in this museum devoted to fostering an appreciation of jazz.
5
Rolling Stones Records
7300 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60706-7224
Rolling Stones began in 1971 as a small storefront record store. It has a hip atmosphere with brightly colored neon lights and thousands of CDs attached to or hanging from the ceiling. Some of the artists that have visited us include Ozzy Osbourne, Disturbed, Alice Cooper, Peter Tork, Megadeth, Queensryche, Korn, and Danzig. We carry a wide selection of the most popular CD's,DVD titles and LP's
6
Anderson's Bookshop
123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540-5310
7
Riverwalk
West Branch of DuPage River, Naperville, IL
8
Arista Spa & Salon
2155 City Gate Ln Ste 201, Naperville, IL 60563-7703
Arista Spa & Salon in Naperville, Illinois has been artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. In this special place we bring together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. The Arista Spa & Salon and its services have been crafted to meet the needs of both men and women. You may also enjoy our inspiring couples' room, allowing you to experience complete relaxation with someone special.
9
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
10
Endless Brews
310 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801-1410
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
11
German American Heritage Center
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
12
The Putnam Museum & Science Center
1717 W 12th St, Davenport, IA 52804-3547
The Putnam is a place where people connect with history and ideas by doing, making and experiencing. Our classes and special events are a great complement to our hands-on exhibit galleries. There is always something new to discover and something for everyone at the Putnam.
13
Credit Island
2200 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52802-2833
14
West Lake Park
14910 110th Ave, Davenport, IA 52804-9020
15
Capitol Building
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
16
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
17
Iowa State Fairgrounds
3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-2494
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.
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OVERVIEW

Get ready for an exciting road trip from the bustling city of Chicago to the charming city of Des Moines! Along the way, you'll witness diverse landscapes, from towering skyscrapers to rolling farmlands. The journey takes you through the heart of the Midwest, where you'll encounter friendly locals and discover hidden gems. As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for roadside attractions, quirky towns, and breathtaking natural beauty. It's an adventure that will create lasting memories for the whole family!

As you leave the vibrant streets of Chicago behind, you'll embark on a journey through time and space. The urban landscape gradually transforms into a tapestry of quaint towns and lush countryside. Feel the gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of wildflowers as you pass by idyllic farms and charming villages. The Midwest's rich history unfolds before your eyes as you encounter historical landmarks and monuments that tell the story of this region's pioneering spirit.

As you approach Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, the landscape becomes more subdued, giving way to rolling hills and fertile fields. The city welcomes you with open arms, offering a blend of urban amenities and small-town charm. From exploring its vibrant downtown to discovering its cultural treasures, Des Moines promises an unforgettable end to your road trip adventure. So buckle up, pack your sense of wonder, and let the journey begin!

1
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.
333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601-3901
2
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
Chicago, IL
3
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.
1060 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613-4566
4
Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.0
(22) review
The music and accomplishments of over 170 native Alabaman jazz musicians, including Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton, are highlighted in this museum devoted to fostering an appreciation of jazz.
1701 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203-2003
5
Rolling Stones Records
Chicago, Illinois·
5.0
(2) review
Rolling Stones began in 1971 as a small storefront record store. It has a hip atmosphere with brightly colored neon lights and thousands of CDs attached to or hanging from the ceiling. Some of the artists that have visited us include Ozzy Osbourne, Disturbed, Alice Cooper, Peter Tork, Megadeth, Queensryche, Korn, and Danzig. We carry a wide selection of the most popular CD's,DVD titles and LP's
7300 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60706-7224
6
Anderson's Bookshop
Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois·
5.0
(9) review
123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540-5310
7
Riverwalk
Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois·
4.5
(803) review
West Branch of DuPage River, Naperville, IL
8
Arista Spa & Salon
Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois·
4.0
(9) review
Arista Spa & Salon in Naperville, Illinois has been artfully designed with attention to the finest details to soothe the body and enrich the soul. In this special place we bring together ancient Mediterranean healing with modern innovation, cherished rituals for cleansing and wellness with the best science has to offer your skin, hair and body. All in inspiring surroundings with a staff that is both nurturing and world class. The Arista Spa & Salon and its services have been crafted to meet the needs of both men and women. You may also enjoy our inspiring couples' room, allowing you to experience complete relaxation with someone special.
2155 City Gate Ln Ste 201, Naperville, IL 60563-7703
9
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
10
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.
310 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801-1410
11
German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
12
The Putnam Museum & Science Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(230) review
The Putnam is a place where people connect with history and ideas by doing, making and experiencing. Our classes and special events are a great complement to our hands-on exhibit galleries. There is always something new to discover and something for everyone at the Putnam.
1717 W 12th St, Davenport, IA 52804-3547
13
Credit Island
Davenport, Iowa·
3.5
(67) review
2200 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52802-2833
14
West Lake Park
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(29) review
14910 110th Ave, Davenport, IA 52804-9020
15
Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
16
Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
17
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.
3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317-2494

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Chicago and Des Moines?
The distance is 333 miles
What's the travel time between Chicago and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 6h 16m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Chicago 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 Chicago?
We have a lot of great trip options for Chicago! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you