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By Huuk Team

Road trip from Des Moines to Madison

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ITINERARY

5h 45m282 miles15 stops
1
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
2
Capitol Building
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
3
Fitness Sports
8810 Swanson Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50325-6910
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
Nick's Bar & Grill
4958 Johnson Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Nick's Bar & Grill, in Cedar Rapids, IA, is the premier restaurant serving Hiawatha, Marion, Fairfax, Palo, Atkins and surrounding areas since 2014. We offer burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, pizza, skillets, a full bar, 14 flatscreen televisions, dart boards, electronic gaming and much more. For your next meal, visit Nick's Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids.
5
Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
2999 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-4521
6
Dragon's Lair Family Adventure Center
6545 4th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-4761
Immerse yourself in your favorite video game for real. Play classic games like capture the flag, defuse the bomb and VIP. To name a few of our ever growing selection of games. Test out our realistic weapons and wireless sensors. They will put you in the middle of the action. Come and experience the Lair.
7
Ellis Park Golf Course
1401 Zika Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1257
8
Gilded Pear Gallery
808 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403-2408
Gilded Pear Gallery is a full service contemporary art gallery in Cedar Rapids, IA. The gallery features over 70 artists across varying media including jewelry and fine crafts as well as rotating exhibitions every 6-8 weeks. We specialize in corporate and residential art consultation-installation, framing, art appraisals, and more. View our website to learn more about our artists and services or visit the gallery to see an exhibit!
9
GoFree Escape Rooms
208 Collins Rd NE Ste 206, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3166
GoFree Escape Rooms is home to independent, locally designed live adventure games in which players work together to solve a series of puzzles, clues, and riddles to complete an assigned mission.
10
Spare Time Cedar Rapids
4601 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3202
NOW OPEN: Spare Time is bringing Games, Lanes, Food, and Fun to Cedar Rapids, Iowa! Our newest location features luxury bowling, arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, restaurant, bars, and more!
11
Indian Creek Nature Center
5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
12
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705-2298
13
Washburn Observatory
1401 Observatory Dr, Madison, WI 53706-1209
14
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713-1400
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
15
KOSA Spa
3241 Garver Grn Suite 260, Enter from Fair Oaks Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
KOSA Spa provides a sanctuary; a place to retreat, to nourish body, mind, and spirit, and in so doing reconnect with one’s best self. KOSA Spa blends wellness best practices from the 5,000-year-old Indian tradition of Ayurveda with seasonal, organic, Wisconsin-sourced ingredients and artisanal products. KOSA Spa’s offerings include customized wellness balancing plans; treatments, including Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pinda Sweda, Massage, and Facials; and personal retreats that include access to our hot-stone sauna, aromatherapy hydro-steam room, meditation studio, sanctuary lounge, and organic, Ayurvedic teas and foods.
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OVERVIEW

Des Moines to Madison
1
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
2
Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
3
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.
8810 Swanson Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50325-6910
4
Nick's Bar & Grill
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.0
(7) review
Nick's Bar & Grill, in Cedar Rapids, IA, is the premier restaurant serving Hiawatha, Marion, Fairfax, Palo, Atkins and surrounding areas since 2014. We offer burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, pizza, skillets, a full bar, 14 flatscreen televisions, dart boards, electronic gaming and much more. For your next meal, visit Nick's Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids.
4958 Johnson Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
5
Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.5
(6) review
2999 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-4521
6
Dragon's Lair Family Adventure Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
Immerse yourself in your favorite video game for real. Play classic games like capture the flag, defuse the bomb and VIP. To name a few of our ever growing selection of games. Test out our realistic weapons and wireless sensors. They will put you in the middle of the action. Come and experience the Lair.
6545 4th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-4761
7
Ellis Park Golf Course
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
3.5
(7) review
1401 Zika Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1257
8
Gilded Pear Gallery
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
5.0
(5) review
Gilded Pear Gallery is a full service contemporary art gallery in Cedar Rapids, IA. The gallery features over 70 artists across varying media including jewelry and fine crafts as well as rotating exhibitions every 6-8 weeks. We specialize in corporate and residential art consultation-installation, framing, art appraisals, and more. View our website to learn more about our artists and services or visit the gallery to see an exhibit!
808 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403-2408
9
GoFree Escape Rooms
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
5.0
(5) review
GoFree Escape Rooms is home to independent, locally designed live adventure games in which players work together to solve a series of puzzles, clues, and riddles to complete an assigned mission.
208 Collins Rd NE Ste 206, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3166
10
Spare Time Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
3.0
(5) review
NOW OPEN: Spare Time is bringing Games, Lanes, Food, and Fun to Cedar Rapids, Iowa! Our newest location features luxury bowling, arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, restaurant, bars, and more!
4601 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3202
11
Indian Creek Nature Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.5
(63) review
5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
12
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(96) review
900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705-2298
13
Washburn Observatory
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(9) review
1401 Observatory Dr, Madison, WI 53706-1209
14
Alliant Energy Center
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.0
(99) review
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713-1400
15
KOSA Spa
Madison, Wisconsin·
5.0
(9) review
KOSA Spa provides a sanctuary; a place to retreat, to nourish body, mind, and spirit, and in so doing reconnect with one’s best self. KOSA Spa blends wellness best practices from the 5,000-year-old Indian tradition of Ayurveda with seasonal, organic, Wisconsin-sourced ingredients and artisanal products. KOSA Spa’s offerings include customized wellness balancing plans; treatments, including Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pinda Sweda, Massage, and Facials; and personal retreats that include access to our hot-stone sauna, aromatherapy hydro-steam room, meditation studio, sanctuary lounge, and organic, Ayurvedic teas and foods.
3241 Garver Grn Suite 260, Enter from Fair Oaks Avenue, Madison, WI 53704

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Des Moines and Madison?
The distance is 282 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and Madison?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 5h 45m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines and Madison?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Madison?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Madison
What’s the weather like in Madison?
The weather in Madison is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Madison in January
Weather in Madison in February
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Weather in Madison in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Madison?
Plan your dream Madison trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Madison
A 2-day itinerary in Madison
A 3-day itinerary in Madison
A 4-day itinerary in Madison
A 5-day itinerary in Madison
A 6-day itinerary in Madison
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