Road trip from Des Moines to Ann Arbor
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Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Classes & Workshops
Nature & Parks
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ITINERARY
10h 26m560 miles25 stops
1
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security.
2
Brenton Skating Plaza
3
Capitol Building
4
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.
5
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.
6
German American Heritage Center
7
Freight House Farmers Market
8
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.
9
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
10
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
11
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
12
Chocolate Manor
13
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.
14
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
15
The Chopping Block
The Chopping Block, Chicago's premiere recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, as well as wine classes, private cooking parties and corporate team building events. Classes at Lincoln Square cover subjects from cooking basics to intensive Boot Camps as well as seasonal, date nights, healthy and kids classes. We have a food-friendly wine selection so students can select beverages to pair with the menu of their class. Sorry, BYOB is not allowed.
16
Museum Of Illusions Chicago
17
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
18
The 900 Shops Mall
19
River Trail
20
Hudson Mills Metropark
1,549-acre Park Has An 18-hole Golf Course.
21
The Ark
This music venue and nonprofit organization is dedicated to the presentation and encouragement of folk, roots and ethnic music through live performances by well-known and up-and-coming entertainers.
22
Vault of Midnight
Vault of Midnight is the Eisner award winning, family owned comic shop based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. We were sent from outer space to satisfy all of your comic book and board game needs. We pride ourselves on having the best customer service in this or any industry. We also carry numerous sundries such as designer toys from KidRobot and Toy2R, apparel, posters, action figures, and tons of more stuff. Visit us or regret not visiting us today!
23
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
The Kelsey Museum houses a collection of nearly 100,000 objects from the civilizations of the Mediterranean.
24
Furstenberg Nature Area
25
Decode Ann Arbor
Discover adventures for teams large and small! Our award-winning escape rooms at Decode Ann Arbor take you around the globe and to destinations beyond your wildest imagination. Bring you friends and family and join in the fun!
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Des Moines to Ann Arbor
1
Start:World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(81) review
The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security.
2
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
3
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
4
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.
5
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.
6
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
7
Start:Freight House Farmers Market
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(75) review
421 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801-1136
8
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.
9
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.
10
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
11
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
12
Start:Chocolate Manor
Davenport, Iowa·
5.0
(71) review
110 E 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801-1502
13
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.
14
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
15
Start:The Chopping Block
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(98) review
The Chopping Block, Chicago's premiere recreational cooking school and gourmet retail store, offers demonstration and hands-on cooking classes, as well as wine classes, private cooking parties and corporate team building events. Classes at Lincoln Square cover subjects from cooking basics to intensive Boot Camps as well as seasonal, date nights, healthy and kids classes. We have a food-friendly wine selection so students can select beverages to pair with the menu of their class. Sorry, BYOB is not allowed.
16
Start:Museum Of Illusions Chicago
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(97) review
25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602-1708
17
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.
18
Start:The 900 Shops Mall
Chicago, Illinois·
4.0
(96) review
900 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-1542
19
Start:River Trail
Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan·
4.5
(96) review
Lansing, MI 48912
20
Start:Hudson Mills Metropark
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
4.5
(95) review
1,549-acre Park Has An 18-hole Golf Course.
21
Start:The Ark
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
4.5
(93) review
This music venue and nonprofit organization is dedicated to the presentation and encouragement of folk, roots and ethnic music through live performances by well-known and up-and-coming entertainers.
22
Start:Vault of Midnight
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
5.0
(8) review
Vault of Midnight is the Eisner award winning, family owned comic shop based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. We were sent from outer space to satisfy all of your comic book and board game needs. We pride ourselves on having the best customer service in this or any industry. We also carry numerous sundries such as designer toys from KidRobot and Toy2R, apparel, posters, action figures, and tons of more stuff. Visit us or regret not visiting us today!
23
Start:Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
4.5
(99) review
The Kelsey Museum houses a collection of nearly 100,000 objects from the civilizations of the Mediterranean.
24
Start:Furstenberg Nature Area
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
4.5
(9) review
Fuller Road Opposite Huron High School, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
25
Start:Decode Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
5.0
(869) review
Discover adventures for teams large and small! Our award-winning escape rooms at Decode Ann Arbor take you around the globe and to destinations beyond your wildest imagination. Bring you friends and family and join in the fun!
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 Des Moines and Ann Arbor?
The distance is 560 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and Ann Arbor?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 10h 26m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines and Ann Arbor?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Ann Arbor?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Ann Arbor
What’s the weather like in Ann Arbor?
The weather in Ann Arbor is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Ann Arbor in January
Weather in Ann Arbor in February
Weather in Ann Arbor in March
Weather in Ann Arbor in April
Weather in Ann Arbor in May
Weather in Ann Arbor in June
Weather in Ann Arbor in July
Weather in Ann Arbor in August
Weather in Ann Arbor in September
Weather in Ann Arbor in October
Weather in Ann Arbor in November
Weather in Ann Arbor in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Ann Arbor?
Plan your dream Ann Arbor trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Ann Arbor
A 2-day itinerary in Ann Arbor
A 3-day itinerary in Ann Arbor
A 4-day itinerary in Ann Arbor
A 5-day itinerary in Ann Arbor
A 6-day itinerary in Ann Arbor
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Des Moines?
We have a lot of great trip options for Des Moines! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you