Road trip from Des Moines to Aurora
All Category
Museums
Nightlife
Food & Drink
Spas & Wellness
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Water & Amusement Parks
Show more (3+)
All Category
Museums
Nightlife
Food & Drink
Spas & Wellness
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Water & Amusement Parks
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
11h 37m675 miles22 stops
1
The Lift
2
4th Street
3
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.
4
Brenton Skating Plaza
5
Capitol Building
6
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 22 of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 Acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns' contribution of 28 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.
7
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.
8
Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
9
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.
10
Hot Shops Art Center
11
Hollywood Candy
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
12
The Backline Comedy Theatre
The best place to see comedy in Omaha, located downtown near the Old Market. We host standup, improv, sketch, and musical acts each week, and when we're not doing shows, we are a training center for the local comedy scene.
13
Joslyn Art Museum
This property is temporary closed
14
Fun Plex
15
Putting Plus
16
Westwood Cinemas 8
17
Platte Valley Antique Mall
18
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park
19
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
20
LoDo Massage Studio
Therapeutic Massage Services! At LoDo Massage Studio, we believe a good massage can be a powerful tool to reshape and restore how your body feels and functions. Our massage therapists are talented, licensed, experts who are passionate about providing transformational therapeutic bodywork. Our studio encourages our LMTs to use their unique experience and skill to customize your massage to your body’s exact needs by using a wide range of modalities. Looking for a place to start? Named for our beloved city, our signature Mile High Massage service is tailored to suit you just right. You could also choose a relaxing Swedish massage, invigorating Sports Massage, or effective Neuromuscular Massage. We also offer add-ons like Aromatherapy, and Hot Towels to create a massage bespoke for your body.
21
Diebolt Brewing Company
Founded in early 2013 by father and son duo Dan and Jack Diebolt, Diebolt Brewing Company’s production facility and tasting room are located in the burgeoning Sunnyside neighborhood of North Denver. Brewing is in their blood from Dan's father pressing grapes in his garage to their distant relatives currently making champagne in France. It is this French ancestry and ties to historical French brewing regions that have influenced some of Diebolt's beer styles. While Diebolt’s main focus is exploring French style beer they enjoy making a wide variety of styles and flavors and received national acclaim with a Silver at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival for their Braggarts Brown Ale.
22
Cruise Room Bar
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:The Lift
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
222 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-2206
2
Start:4th Street
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
4th Street, Des Moines, IA
3
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.
4
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
5
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
6
Start:Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(739) review
Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 22 of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 Acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns' contribution of 28 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.
7
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.
8
Start:Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
75 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-5866
9
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.
10
Start:Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(96) review
13th & Nicholas, Omaha, NE 68102
11
Start:Hollywood Candy
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.0
(99) review
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
12
Start:The Backline Comedy Theatre
Omaha, Nebraska·
5.0
(9) review
The best place to see comedy in Omaha, located downtown near the Old Market. We host standup, improv, sketch, and musical acts each week, and when we're not doing shows, we are a training center for the local comedy scene.
13
Start:Joslyn Art Museum
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(901) review
This property is temporary closed
14
Start:Fun Plex
Omaha, Nebraska·
3.5
(92) review
7003 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117-1649
15
Start:Putting Plus
Omaha, Nebraska·
5.0
(9) review
9216 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68134-5734
16
Start:Westwood Cinemas 8
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.0
(9) review
2809 S 125th Ave Suite 297, Omaha, NE 68144-3872
17
Start:Platte Valley Antique Mall
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(9) review
13017 238th St I-80 Exit 420, Omaha, NE 68366-2121
18
Start:The Farm at Lee Martinez Park
Fort Collins, Colorado·
4.5
(93) review
600 N Sherwood St, Fort Collins, CO 80521-2061
19
Start:Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
Denver, Colorado·
4.5
(93) review
7970 E Northfield Blvd, Denver, CO 80238-3527
20
Start:LoDo Massage Studio
Denver, Colorado·
5.0
(99) review
Therapeutic Massage Services! At LoDo Massage Studio, we believe a good massage can be a powerful tool to reshape and restore how your body feels and functions. Our massage therapists are talented, licensed, experts who are passionate about providing transformational therapeutic bodywork. Our studio encourages our LMTs to use their unique experience and skill to customize your massage to your body’s exact needs by using a wide range of modalities. Looking for a place to start? Named for our beloved city, our signature Mile High Massage service is tailored to suit you just right. You could also choose a relaxing Swedish massage, invigorating Sports Massage, or effective Neuromuscular Massage. We also offer add-ons like Aromatherapy, and Hot Towels to create a massage bespoke for your body.
21
Start:Diebolt Brewing Company
Denver, Colorado·
4.0
(9) review
Founded in early 2013 by father and son duo Dan and Jack Diebolt, Diebolt Brewing Company’s production facility and tasting room are located in the burgeoning Sunnyside neighborhood of North Denver. Brewing is in their blood from Dan's father pressing grapes in his garage to their distant relatives currently making champagne in France. It is this French ancestry and ties to historical French brewing regions that have influenced some of Diebolt's beer styles. While Diebolt’s main focus is exploring French style beer they enjoy making a wide variety of styles and flavors and received national acclaim with a Silver at the 2014 Great American Beer Festival for their Braggarts Brown Ale.
22
Start:Cruise Room Bar
Denver, Colorado·
4.5
(98) review
1600 17th St # CO in the Oxford Hotel, Denver, CO 80202-1204
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
Unlock Effortless Travel Planning
Create your dream trip in minutes by this prompt. Try now!
EXPLORE MORE
Discover Exciting Road Trip Inspirations
Des Moines to Tacoma
1,773 miles
30h 49m
19 stops
Water & Amusement ParksShoppingNightlifeMuseumsSights & Landmarks
Des Moines to Kalamazoo
463 miles
8h 38m
28 stops
ShoppingMuseumsNightlifeConcerts & ShowsFun & Games
Des Moines to Gainesville
1,229 miles
23h 3m
19 stops
Nature & ParksMuseumsSights & LandmarksShoppingTraveler Resources
Des Moines to Thousand Oaks
1,722 miles
29h 55m
30 stops
Traveler ResourcesNature & ParksFun & GamesConcerts & ShowsMuseums
Des Moines to Deltona
1,334 miles
25h 22m
25 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesFun & GamesToursConcerts & ShowsNature & Parks
Des Moines to Yonkers
1,122 miles
20h 49m
26 stops
Fun & GamesToursConcerts & ShowsNightlifeSights & Landmarks
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
Merced to Santa Barbara
310 miles
5h 54m
28 stops
Sights & LandmarksTraveler ResourcesOutdoor ActivitiesFun & GamesConcerts & Shows
Fayetteville to Medford
2,135 miles
37h 2m
23 stops
NightlifeConcerts & ShowsMuseumsNature & ParksShopping
Springfield to Lexington
862 miles
16h 20m
23 stops
Sights & LandmarksShoppingFood & DrinkToursFun & Games
Arlington to Oceanside
1,372 miles
23h 38m
27 stops
ShoppingConcerts & ShowsSights & LandmarksOutdoor ActivitiesMuseums
The Woodlands to Portland
2,226 miles
39h 27m
36 stops
Nature & ParksMuseumsConcerts & ShowsSights & LandmarksSpas & Wellness
Seattle to Denton
2,041 miles
36h 24m
32 stops
ShoppingFun & GamesSights & LandmarksNature & ParksTours
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Des Moines and Aurora?
The distance is 675 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and Aurora?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 11h 37m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines and Aurora?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Aurora?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Aurora
What’s the weather like in Aurora?
The weather in Aurora is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Aurora in January
Weather in Aurora in February
Weather in Aurora in March
Weather in Aurora in April
Weather in Aurora in May
Weather in Aurora in June
Weather in Aurora in July
Weather in Aurora in August
Weather in Aurora in September
Weather in Aurora in October
Weather in Aurora in November
Weather in Aurora in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Aurora?
Plan your dream Aurora trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Aurora
A 2-day itinerary in Aurora
A 3-day itinerary in Aurora
A 4-day itinerary in Aurora
A 5-day itinerary in Aurora
A 6-day itinerary in Aurora
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