Road trip from Des Moines to Kansas City
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Fun & Games
Concerts & Shows
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Nightlife
Museums
Nature & Parks
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ITINERARY
3h 36m190 miles26 stops
1
300 Craft & Rooftop
2
Beer Can Alley Des Moines
3
The Lift
4
4th Street
5
West End Architectural Salvage
6
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Des Moines
Our immensely popular shows are set in the present day and are dressed just like everyone else, leaving all of the guests to suspect who is a part of the show and who is not. In many instances, guests are seated with the performers and don't even realize it until they die...the performers, that is! At the end of the night, prizes are awarded to the Top Sleuth who solves the crime.
7
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.
8
Brenton Skating Plaza
9
Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
10
Capitol Building
11
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.
12
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.
13
Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
14
Brown's Woods
15
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.
16
Line Creek Trail
17
Howl at the Moon Kansas City
Howl at the Moon Kansas City is the hottest spot in the Power and Light District! Our high-energy dueling pianos and amazing events make us the coolest spot for Kansas City nightlife! From company functions to happy hour with friends to bachelorette parties in Kansas City, the party is always at Howl at the Moon come and see us.
18
Museum of Illusions
Enter the fascinating world of illusion which will trick your confidence in senses, but amaze you by doing so; the world that will both: educate and confuse you completely. Visit us and you will be thrilled because nothing is what it seems, especially not in the Museum of Illusions! Are you ready for a fascinating adventure? We offer you an intriguing visual, sensual and educational experience.
19
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
There is no better way to experience Arrowhead and learn about the Chiefs than to take a Tour of the Stadium! We offer public, private, and game day tours of the stadium. get an in depth tour of normally restricted areas of Arrowhead. You will visit the following on your Tour of Arrowhead Stadium: • Press Box • Chiefs Hall of Honor • Scout Investment Club Level • Locker Room • Field Sideline
20
Harry's Bar and Tables
21
Swope Memorial Golf Course
22
Bury the Hatchet
Bury the Hatchet is Kansas City’s Premier Axe Throwing experience. Want something fun & new to try out? Book now and bring your friends and family!
23
Game Show Battle Rooms
You're IN the Game Show! Game Show Battle Rooms is one of the nation's only immersive game show experiences for everyone to enjoy. Face-off against your friends, family, or coworkers in our custom arenas playing classic game shows! All hosted by our entertaining and engaging hosts. Perfect for your next birthday party, friend or family outing, or your next corporate team-building event!
24
The White Theatre
Welcome to the beautiful White Theatre where there's something for every taste, representing a variety of genres, all encased within our freshly reimagined Arts + Culture department. Arts + Culture at The J features exquisitely-produced in-house productions. Plus, there are visiting artists, music + dance, inventive visual arts + literature presentations, and our new Artist-in-Residence Kinnor Philharmonic. There's always an exciting choice for you, and your family, to experience and enjoy. Whether you're Jewish or not, a J Member or not, there are exciting choices for you and your family to experience and enjoy. Complete your order form online, by phone or in person at the Box Office.
25
Pinstripes
26
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:300 Craft & Rooftop
Des Moines, Iowa·
3.0
(7) review
300 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309-4604
2
Start:Beer Can Alley Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(7) review
216 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309-2281
3
Start:The Lift
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
222 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-2206
4
Start:4th Street
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
4th Street, Des Moines, IA
5
Start:West End Architectural Salvage
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(71) review
22 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-4310
6
Start:The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(7) review
Our immensely popular shows are set in the present day and are dressed just like everyone else, leaving all of the guests to suspect who is a part of the show and who is not. In many instances, guests are seated with the performers and don't even realize it until they die...the performers, that is! At the end of the night, prizes are awarded to the Top Sleuth who solves the crime.
7
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.
8
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
9
Start:Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.0
(73) review
Robert D. Ray Asian Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
10
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
11
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.
12
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.
13
Start:Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
75 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-5866
14
Start:Brown's Woods
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(7) review
Brown's Woods Drive, Des Moines, IA 50265
15
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.
16
Start:Line Creek Trail
Kansas City, Missouri·
5.0
(9) review
2699 NW 60th St, Kansas City, MO 64151
17
Start:Howl at the Moon Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri·
4.5
(96) review
Howl at the Moon Kansas City is the hottest spot in the Power and Light District! Our high-energy dueling pianos and amazing events make us the coolest spot for Kansas City nightlife! From company functions to happy hour with friends to bachelorette parties in Kansas City, the party is always at Howl at the Moon come and see us.
18
Start:Museum of Illusions
Kansas City, Missouri·
4.5
(88) review
Enter the fascinating world of illusion which will trick your confidence in senses, but amaze you by doing so; the world that will both: educate and confuse you completely. Visit us and you will be thrilled because nothing is what it seems, especially not in the Museum of Illusions! Are you ready for a fascinating adventure? We offer you an intriguing visual, sensual and educational experience.
19
Start:GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City, Missouri·
4.5
(853) review
There is no better way to experience Arrowhead and learn about the Chiefs than to take a Tour of the Stadium! We offer public, private, and game day tours of the stadium. get an in depth tour of normally restricted areas of Arrowhead. You will visit the following on your Tour of Arrowhead Stadium: • Press Box • Chiefs Hall of Honor • Scout Investment Club Level • Locker Room • Field Sideline
20
Start:Harry's Bar and Tables
Kansas City, Missouri·
4.5
(8) review
501 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111-3011
21
Start:Swope Memorial Golf Course
Kansas City, Missouri·
5.0
(8) review
6900 Swope Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132
22
Start:Bury the Hatchet
Overland Park, Kansas·
5.0
(854) review
Bury the Hatchet is Kansas City’s Premier Axe Throwing experience. Want something fun & new to try out? Book now and bring your friends and family!
23
Start:Game Show Battle Rooms
Overland Park, Kansas·
4.5
(9) review
You're IN the Game Show! Game Show Battle Rooms is one of the nation's only immersive game show experiences for everyone to enjoy. Face-off against your friends, family, or coworkers in our custom arenas playing classic game shows! All hosted by our entertaining and engaging hosts. Perfect for your next birthday party, friend or family outing, or your next corporate team-building event!
24
Start:The White Theatre
Overland Park, Kansas·
4.5
(8) review
Welcome to the beautiful White Theatre where there's something for every taste, representing a variety of genres, all encased within our freshly reimagined Arts + Culture department. Arts + Culture at The J features exquisitely-produced in-house productions. Plus, there are visiting artists, music + dance, inventive visual arts + literature presentations, and our new Artist-in-Residence Kinnor Philharmonic. There's always an exciting choice for you, and your family, to experience and enjoy. Whether you're Jewish or not, a J Member or not, there are exciting choices for you and your family to experience and enjoy. Complete your order form online, by phone or in person at the Box Office.
25
Start:Pinstripes
Overland Park, Kansas·
3.5
(81) review
13500 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223-7206
26
Start:Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Overland Park, Kansas·
5.0
(862) review
13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221-7803
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
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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 Kansas City?
The distance is 190 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and Kansas City?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 3h 36m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines and Kansas City?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Kansas City?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Kansas City
What’s the weather like in Kansas City?
The weather in Kansas City is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Kansas City in January
Weather in Kansas City in February
Weather in Kansas City in March
Weather in Kansas City in April
Weather in Kansas City in May
Weather in Kansas City in June
Weather in Kansas City in July
Weather in Kansas City in August
Weather in Kansas City in September
Weather in Kansas City in October
Weather in Kansas City in November
Weather in Kansas City in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Kansas City?
Plan your dream Kansas City trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Kansas City
A 2-day itinerary in Kansas City
A 3-day itinerary in Kansas City
A 4-day itinerary in Kansas City
A 5-day itinerary in Kansas City
A 6-day itinerary in Kansas City
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