Road trip from Detroit to Des Moines
All Category
Museums
Nightlife
Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Outdoor Activities
Classes & Workshops
Show more (3+)
All Category
Museums
Nightlife
Concerts & Shows
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Outdoor Activities
Classes & Workshops
Food & Drink
Nature & Parks
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
11h 4m596 miles20 stops
1
The Anchor Bar
2
Willistead Manor
3
Amherstburg Navy Yard National Historic Site
4
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)
5
Furstenberg Nature Area
6
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
The Kelsey Museum houses a collection of nearly 100,000 objects from the civilizations of the Mediterranean.
7
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.
8
Hudson Mills Metropark
1,549-acre Park Has An 18-hole Golf Course.
9
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
10
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.
11
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
12
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.
13
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.
14
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
15
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
16
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
17
German American Heritage Center
18
Capitol Building
19
Brenton Skating Plaza
20
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.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:The Anchor Bar
Detroit, Michigan·
4.0
(9) review
450 W Fort St, Detroit, MI 48226-3169
2
Start:Willistead Manor
Windsor, Ontario·
4.5
(98) review
1899 Niagara St, Windsor, Ontario N8Y 1K3 Canada
3
Start:Amherstburg Navy Yard National Historic Site
Amherstburg, Ontario·
5.0
(94) review
Dalhousie Street, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 1W7 Canada
4
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)
5
Start:Furstenberg Nature Area
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
4.5
(9) review
Fuller Road Opposite Huron High School, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
6
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.
7
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.
8
Start:Hudson Mills Metropark
Ann Arbor, Michigan·
4.5
(95) review
1,549-acre Park Has An 18-hole Golf Course.
9
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.
10
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.
11
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
12
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.
13
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.
14
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
15
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.
16
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
17
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
18
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
19
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
20
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.
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
Detroit to Bloomington
382 miles
7h 13m
28 stops
Water & Amusement ParksCasinos & GamblingSights & LandmarksMuseumsNature & Parks
Detroit to Bloomington
382 miles
7h 13m
28 stops
Water & Amusement ParksCasinos & GamblingSights & LandmarksMuseumsNature & Parks
Detroit to Memphis
737 miles
13h 45m
23 stops
Sights & LandmarksNightlifeFun & GamesToursMuseums
Detroit to Las Vegas
2,016 miles
35h 20m
27 stops
Concerts & ShowsMuseumsOutdoor ActivitiesFun & GamesNature & Parks
Detroit to Louisville
364 miles
7h 3m
22 stops
Fun & GamesFood & DrinkOutdoor ActivitiesSights & LandmarksNightlife
Detroit to Baltimore
527 miles
10h 0m
38 stops
Concerts & ShowsNature & ParksFood & DrinkSights & LandmarksTours
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
New York to Boston
213 miles
4h 38m
16 stops
Fun & GamesConcerts & ShowsNightlifeNature & ParksSights & Landmarks
Riverside to Albany
2,786 miles
49h 54m
36 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesMuseumsNature & ParksFun & GamesTours
Oxnard to Round Lake Beach
2,077 miles
36h 49m
37 stops
Traveler ResourcesNature & ParksFun & GamesMuseumsSights & Landmarks
San Diego to Asheville
2,312 miles
40h 38m
30 stops
ShoppingFood & DrinkSights & LandmarksOutdoor ActivitiesConcerts & Shows
Baltimore to Atlantic City
134 miles
3h 4m
21 stops
Sights & LandmarksConcerts & ShowsNightlifeNature & ParksFood & Drink
Ogden to Grand Prairie
1,282 miles
23h 8m
17 stops
Concerts & ShowsSights & LandmarksSpas & WellnessShoppingNature & Parks
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Detroit and Des Moines?
The distance is 596 miles
What's the travel time between Detroit and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 11h 4m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Detroit and Des Moines?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Des Moines?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Des Moines
What’s the weather like in Des Moines?
The weather in Des Moines is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Des Moines in January
Weather in Des Moines in February
Weather in Des Moines in March
Weather in Des Moines in April
Weather in Des Moines in May
Weather in Des Moines in June
Weather in Des Moines in July
Weather in Des Moines in August
Weather in Des Moines in September
Weather in Des Moines in October
Weather in Des Moines in November
Weather in Des Moines in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Des Moines?
Plan your dream Des Moines trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 2-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 3-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 4-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 5-day itinerary in Des Moines
A 6-day itinerary in Des Moines
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Detroit?
We have a lot of great trip options for Detroit! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you