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By Huuk Team

Road trip from Columbus to Des Moines

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ITINERARY

12h 3m649 miles11 stops
1
Ohio Stadium
411 Woody Hayes Dr,, Columbus, OH 43210-1104
2
Kelton House Museum & Garden
586 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215-4802
Experience urban life and the decorative arts, as they existed in the second half of the 19th century, through the collection of the Sophia and Fernando Cortez Kelton family. Learn about the Underground Railroad and the people that bring the history to life.
3
DECEPTION
1 Carmichael Sq Carmel, Indianapolis, IN 46032
DECEPTION is a magic & mind reading show, hosted by magician David Ranalli. David creates an unforgettable evening by combining world-class sleight of hand, witty banter, and mysteries of the mind. Guests are invited into an intimate, cabaret theater where surprises lurk in every corner. Perfect as a date night, group event, and for the hardcore magic fan.
4
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN, Indianapolis, IN 46222-2573
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an automobile racing circuit located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States. It is the home of the Indianapolis 500 and the Verizon 200, and formerly the home of the United States Grand Prix.
5
Dan Fogelberg Memorial
100 Morton St Constitution Garden, Peoria, IL 61603-4016
6
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
7
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.
8
German American Heritage Center
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
9
Capitol Building
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
10
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
11
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 epic adventure from the bustling city of Columbus to the heart of Iowa, Des Moines! This incredible journey will take you through a diversity of landscapes, from rolling hills to vast farmlands, where you'll discover hidden gems and create memories that will last a lifetime. Along the way, you'll traverse rivers, pass by charming towns, and witness the ever-changing scenery that makes this road trip so special.

As you embark on this cross-country escapade, embrace the freedom of the open road and the sense of wonder that awaits around every bend. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or a group of friends, this adventure promises something for everyone. Let the miles melt away as you soak up the beauty of the Midwest and make memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Prepare to be amazed by the diverse landscapes that unfold before your eyes, from vibrant cities to serene countryside vistas. Each new mile brings a fresh perspective, and the journey itself becomes a destination. Embrace the spirit of exploration and let the road lead you to unexpected discoveries, both big and small.

1
Start:Ohio Stadium
Columbus, Ohio·
4.5
(979) review
411 Woody Hayes Dr,, Columbus, OH 43210-1104
2
Kelton House Museum & Garden
Columbus, Ohio·
4.5
(96) review
Experience urban life and the decorative arts, as they existed in the second half of the 19th century, through the collection of the Sophia and Fernando Cortez Kelton family. Learn about the Underground Railroad and the people that bring the history to life.
586 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215-4802
3
DECEPTION
Indianapolis, Indiana·
4.5
(9) review
DECEPTION is a magic & mind reading show, hosted by magician David Ranalli. David creates an unforgettable evening by combining world-class sleight of hand, witty banter, and mysteries of the mind. Guests are invited into an intimate, cabaret theater where surprises lurk in every corner. Perfect as a date night, group event, and for the hardcore magic fan.
1 Carmichael Sq Carmel, Indianapolis, IN 46032
4
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis, Indiana·
5.0
(8) review
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an automobile racing circuit located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States. It is the home of the Indianapolis 500 and the Verizon 200, and formerly the home of the United States Grand Prix.
4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN, Indianapolis, IN 46222-2573
5
Dan Fogelberg Memorial
Peoria, Illinois·
4.0
(25) review
100 Morton St Constitution Garden, Peoria, IL 61603-4016
6
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
7
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
8
German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
9
Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
10
Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
11
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 Columbus and Des Moines?
The distance is 649 miles
What's the travel time between Columbus and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 12h 3m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Columbus 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 Columbus?
We have a lot of great trip options for Columbus! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you