Road trip from Grand Rapids to Des Moines
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Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Outdoor Activities
Classes & Workshops
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ITINERARY
9h 14m496 miles24 stops
1
The Great Escape Room
The Great Escape Room is a real-life room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. Escape games are the newest craze sweeping the nation - a fun, team-building, brain-busting experience! After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you. 60 minutes are on the clock! You must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you to escape the room. Perfect for: DATE NIGHT FAMILY FUN CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING SPORTS & YOUTH GROUPS *OPEN BY APPOINTMENT for private party groups of 10 or more during our closed hours
2
20 Monroe Live
3
Putt Putt's Bar
4
Riverside Park
5
O'Duffy's Pub
6
New Vic Theatre
Kalamazoo's New Vic Theatre was founded in 1966 by Kalamazoo residents Ted & Mary Jo Kistler. For over 45 years, The New Vic Theatre has entertained Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana audiences carving a unique place for itself in the economy and theatrical tradition of the area.The New Vic's original production of "A Christmas Carol" (recipient of a "Special Tribute" from The State of Michigan in 1999) and the annual Christmas Concerts featuring The New Vic Theatre Chorus are among Kalamazoo's oldest on-going holiday presentations and have become an integral part of the holiday season for thousands of Southwest Michigan theatergoers.Located close to the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, the theatre's comfortable cabaret-style seating and intimate size, enhanced by a concession that serves a variety of hot & cold non-alcoholic beverages, lend to its unique atmosphere.The New Vic's flexible modular auditorium allows for innovative staging ranging from the complete round to conventional proscenium format. Efficient central heating and air conditioning allows for comfortable year-round operation.Of The New Vic's more than 325 productions to date, over 80% have been plays introduced to Kalamazoo audiences for the first time. Several plays ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Green Julia" by Paul Abelman, "Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been" and "The Memoirs Of Pontius Pilate" both by Eric Bentley) were presented to New Vic audiences prior to their Broadway premieres.The New Vic Theatre's season of productions begins in early February and runs through December 29 each year. January dates are normally reserved for the New Vic's popular January Concert Series, featuring a variety of musical groups or individual performers.Playing primarily weekends only -- except during the holidays when the performance schedule is greatly expanded -- and with only 100 available seats for each performance, The New Vic plays to over 10,000 theatre patrons annually bringing thousands of dollars to the downtown Kalamazoo area.The New Vic is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation (New Vic Theatricals, Inc) and owns its own facility at 134 E. Vine St. in Kalamazoo.
7
Confections with Convictions
Kalamazoo's only shop making hand crafted truffles and other confections exclusively from Fair Trade, organic certified chocolate. Chocolatier Dale Anderson's original recipes contain fresh local fruits, honey, and maple syrup. Vegan and gluten free options are always available. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
8
O'Rourke's Public House
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
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
12
Museum Of Illusions Chicago
13
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.
14
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.
15
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
16
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
17
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
18
Freight House Farmers Market
19
German American Heritage Center
20
Dragon's Lair Family Adventure Center
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.
21
Capitol Building
22
Brenton Skating Plaza
23
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.
24
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 Great Escape Room
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
5.0
(845) review
The Great Escape Room is a real-life room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. Escape games are the newest craze sweeping the nation - a fun, team-building, brain-busting experience! After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you. 60 minutes are on the clock! You must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you to escape the room. Perfect for: DATE NIGHT FAMILY FUN CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING SPORTS & YOUTH GROUPS *OPEN BY APPOINTMENT for private party groups of 10 or more during our closed hours
2
Start:20 Monroe Live
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
4.5
(82) review
11 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4620
3
Start:Putt Putt's Bar
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
4.5
(8) review
1148 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6117
4
Start:Riverside Park
Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan·
4.5
(9) review
2001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
5
Start:O'Duffy's Pub
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan·
4.5
(9) review
804 W Vine St, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-1157
6
Start:New Vic Theatre
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan·
4.5
(9) review
Kalamazoo's New Vic Theatre was founded in 1966 by Kalamazoo residents Ted & Mary Jo Kistler. For over 45 years, The New Vic Theatre has entertained Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana audiences carving a unique place for itself in the economy and theatrical tradition of the area.The New Vic's original production of "A Christmas Carol" (recipient of a "Special Tribute" from The State of Michigan in 1999) and the annual Christmas Concerts featuring The New Vic Theatre Chorus are among Kalamazoo's oldest on-going holiday presentations and have become an integral part of the holiday season for thousands of Southwest Michigan theatergoers.Located close to the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, the theatre's comfortable cabaret-style seating and intimate size, enhanced by a concession that serves a variety of hot & cold non-alcoholic beverages, lend to its unique atmosphere.The New Vic's flexible modular auditorium allows for innovative staging ranging from the complete round to conventional proscenium format. Efficient central heating and air conditioning allows for comfortable year-round operation.Of The New Vic's more than 325 productions to date, over 80% have been plays introduced to Kalamazoo audiences for the first time. Several plays ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Green Julia" by Paul Abelman, "Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been" and "The Memoirs Of Pontius Pilate" both by Eric Bentley) were presented to New Vic audiences prior to their Broadway premieres.The New Vic Theatre's season of productions begins in early February and runs through December 29 each year. January dates are normally reserved for the New Vic's popular January Concert Series, featuring a variety of musical groups or individual performers.Playing primarily weekends only -- except during the holidays when the performance schedule is greatly expanded -- and with only 100 available seats for each performance, The New Vic plays to over 10,000 theatre patrons annually bringing thousands of dollars to the downtown Kalamazoo area.The New Vic is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation (New Vic Theatricals, Inc) and owns its own facility at 134 E. Vine St. in Kalamazoo.
7
Start:Confections with Convictions
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan·
5.0
(92) review
Kalamazoo's only shop making hand crafted truffles and other confections exclusively from Fair Trade, organic certified chocolate. Chocolatier Dale Anderson's original recipes contain fresh local fruits, honey, and maple syrup. Vegan and gluten free options are always available. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
8
Start:O'Rourke's Public House
South Bend, Indiana·
4.5
(9) review
1044 E Angela Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617-1374
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: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.
12
Start:Museum Of Illusions Chicago
Chicago, Illinois·
4.5
(97) review
25 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602-1708
13
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.
14
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.
15
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
16
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.
17
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
18
Start:Freight House Farmers Market
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(75) review
421 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801-1136
19
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
20
Start: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.
21
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
22
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
23
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.
24
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
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Grand Rapids and Des Moines?
The distance is 496 miles
What's the travel time between Grand Rapids and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 9h 14m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Grand Rapids 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
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Grand Rapids?
We have a lot of great trip options for Grand Rapids! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you