Road trip from Des Moines to Lancaster
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Museums
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Fun & Games
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ITINERARY
18h 44m1,013 miles31 stops
1
Brenton Skating Plaza
2
Capitol Building
3
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.
4
German American Heritage Center
5
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.
6
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
7
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
8
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
9
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.
10
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
11
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.
12
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
13
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
14
Lakeside Park & Rose Garden
15
Amherstburg Navy Yard National Historic Site
16
Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
The Sprucewood Family warmly welcomes you to sample handcrafted 100% Ontario VQA wines at Ontario's only beachfront destination vineyard, winery and tasting room. We are situated on 45 Acres with access to gardens, a sandy beach, and picnic tables. Enjoy a glass of wine with a picnic basket and explore our grounds year round. Tasting room open 7 days a week 11am - 5pm (we occasionally close early due to special events. Please check our social media for daily updates @sprucewoodshores)
17
Fish Point Nature Reserve
18
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – Tripadvisor
19
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland: Education and Learning Center
Ever wonder how money works or what the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland does as part of the central bank of the US? Visit our Education and Learning Center featuring more than 25 fun, hands-on exhibits that answer these questions and more! We have interactive games, visual exhibits, creative stations, and illuminating films that explain everything about money you can think of, from how we use it, to why it looks the way it looks. Come see our historic lobby, take pictures with our money tree, trade coconuts on Barter Island, identify counterfeit bills, and even make your own money! All this in the heart of Cleveland, just steps away from downtown attractions. Admission is free and photos are welcome.
20
Huntington Bank Building
21
Greyhound
22
GE Chandelier
23
Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse
24
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
25
Lock 3
26
Point State Park
Serving as a key strategic spot during the French and Indian War, this National Historic Landmark and park offer stunning views of the city and a variety of outdoor recreation.
27
Allegheny Cemetery
Instituted in 1844, this 300-acre cemetery is the final resting place of such notables as Lillian Russell, Stephen Foster and General John Neville.
28
Cathedral of Learning
29
Pennsylvania State Capitol
Teddy Roosevelt declared that this Italian Renaissance-style building was the handsomest building I ever saw. Indeed, the State Capitol, with its vaulted dome and grand staircase and the murals and painted floors inside, is thing to behold.
30
Reading Rocks
31
Genesius Theatre
Genesius Theatre is a Performance Venue that specializes in Musical Theatre. The theatre doubles as a learning center for kids by providing 2-3 kids / teen performances and 4-6 week kids summer theatre camp every year. The "Genesius Difference" is the up-close atmosphere of the performances. We trust in the power of this inspiring & dynamic medium to transform the artists who create it, the audiences who enjoy it, and the patrons who support it.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Des Moines to Lancaster
1
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
2
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
3
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.
4
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
5
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.
6
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.
7
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
8
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
9
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.
10
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
11
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.
12
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.
13
Start:Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Fort Wayne, Indiana·
4.0
(99) review
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1414
14
Start:Lakeside Park & Rose Garden
Fort Wayne, Indiana·
4.5
(96) review
1401 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
15
Start:Amherstburg Navy Yard National Historic Site
Amherstburg, Ontario·
5.0
(94) review
Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 1W7 Canada
16
Start:Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
Harrow, Essex, Ontario·
4.5
(97) review
The Sprucewood Family warmly welcomes you to sample handcrafted 100% Ontario VQA wines at Ontario's only beachfront destination vineyard, winery and tasting room. We are situated on 45 Acres with access to gardens, a sandy beach, and picnic tables. Enjoy a glass of wine with a picnic basket and explore our grounds year round. Tasting room open 7 days a week 11am - 5pm (we occasionally close early due to special events. Please check our social media for daily updates @sprucewoodshores)
17
Start:Fish Point Nature Reserve
Pelee Island, Ontario·
4.5
(92) review
McCormick Rd, Ontario N0R 1M0 Canada
18
Start:Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.5
(9964) review
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – Tripadvisor
19
Start:Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland: Education and Learning Center
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.5
(95) review
Ever wonder how money works or what the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland does as part of the central bank of the US? Visit our Education and Learning Center featuring more than 25 fun, hands-on exhibits that answer these questions and more! We have interactive games, visual exhibits, creative stations, and illuminating films that explain everything about money you can think of, from how we use it, to why it looks the way it looks. Come see our historic lobby, take pictures with our money tree, trade coconuts on Barter Island, identify counterfeit bills, and even make your own money! All this in the heart of Cleveland, just steps away from downtown attractions. Admission is free and photos are welcome.
20
Start:Huntington Bank Building
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.0
(9) review
925 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115-1408
21
Start:Greyhound
Cleveland, Ohio·
2.0
(9) review
1465 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114-3611
22
Start:GE Chandelier
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.5
(9) review
E 14th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
23
Start:Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.5
(91) review
750 E 88th St, Cleveland, OH 44108-4100
24
Start:Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio·
3.5
(93) review
11400 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-3926
25
Start:Lock 3
Akron, Ohio·
4.5
(98) review
200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308-1315
26
Start:Point State Park
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(951) review
Serving as a key strategic spot during the French and Indian War, this National Historic Landmark and park offer stunning views of the city and a variety of outdoor recreation.
27
Start:Allegheny Cemetery
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(94) review
Instituted in 1844, this 300-acre cemetery is the final resting place of such notables as Lillian Russell, Stephen Foster and General John Neville.
28
Start:Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(979) review
4200 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260
29
Start:Pennsylvania State Capitol
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(977) review
Teddy Roosevelt declared that this Italian Renaissance-style building was the handsomest building I ever saw. Indeed, the State Capitol, with its vaulted dome and grand staircase and the murals and painted floors inside, is thing to behold.
30
Start:Reading Rocks
Reading, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(9) review
George St., Reading, PA
31
Start:Genesius Theatre
Reading, Pennsylvania·
4.0
(9) review
Genesius Theatre is a Performance Venue that specializes in Musical Theatre. The theatre doubles as a learning center for kids by providing 2-3 kids / teen performances and 4-6 week kids summer theatre camp every year. The "Genesius Difference" is the up-close atmosphere of the performances. We trust in the power of this inspiring & dynamic medium to transform the artists who create it, the audiences who enjoy it, and the patrons who support it.
CHECKLIST
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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 Lancaster?
The distance is 1,013 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and Lancaster?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 18h 44m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines and Lancaster?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Lancaster?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Lancaster
What’s the weather like in Lancaster?
The weather in Lancaster is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Lancaster in January
Weather in Lancaster in February
Weather in Lancaster in March
Weather in Lancaster in April
Weather in Lancaster in May
Weather in Lancaster in June
Weather in Lancaster in July
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Weather in Lancaster in September
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Weather in Lancaster in November
Weather in Lancaster in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Lancaster?
Plan your dream Lancaster trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
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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