Road trip from Kansas City to Des Moines
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Outdoor Activities
Fun & Games
Concerts & Shows
Nightlife
Sights & Landmarks
Museums
Nature & Parks
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All Category
Outdoor Activities
Fun & Games
Concerts & Shows
Nightlife
Sights & Landmarks
Museums
Nature & Parks
Shopping
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ITINERARY
3h 36m189 miles20 stops
1
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.
2
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.
3
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
4
Line Creek Trail
5
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!
6
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!
7
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.
8
Gert's Grille
9
Pinstripes
10
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
11
Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
12
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.
13
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.
14
The Lift
15
4th Street
16
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.
17
Brenton Skating Plaza
18
Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
19
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.
20
Capitol Building
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Kansas City to Des Moines
1
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.
2
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.
3
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
4
Start:Line Creek Trail
Kansas City, Missouri·
5.0
(9) review
2699 NW 60th St, Kansas City, MO 64151
5
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!
6
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!
7
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.
8
Start:Gert's Grille
Overland Park, Kansas·
4.5
(8) review
12018 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210-3945
9
Start:Pinstripes
Overland Park, Kansas·
3.5
(81) review
13500 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66223-7206
10
Start:Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Overland Park, Kansas·
5.0
(862) review
13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221-7803
11
Start:Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
75 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-5866
12
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.
13
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.
14
Start:The Lift
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
222 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-2206
15
Start:4th Street
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
4th Street, Des Moines, IA
16
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.
17
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
18
Start:Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.0
(73) review
Robert D. Ray Asian Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
19
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.
20
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
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 Kansas City and Des Moines?
The distance is 189 miles
What's the travel time between Kansas City and Des Moines?
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 Kansas City 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 Kansas City?
We have a lot of great trip options for Kansas City! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you