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By Huuk Team

Road trip from Knoxville to Des Moines

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ITINERARY

15h 18m831 miles21 stops
1
Peter Kern Library
407 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902-2112
Hidden inside the historic Kern Building, behind The Oliver Hotel lobby, is Knoxville’s one and only speakeasy, The Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution. The dark wood, fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters create a warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop.
2
Krutch Park
504 Market St, Knoxville, TN 37902-2107
3
Knoxville Botanical Garden
2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914-5958
4
Muse Knoxville
516 N Beaman St, Knoxville, TN 37914-4410
Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children. We inspire & empower ALL children through transformative learning experiences through a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based, exhibits and Outreach programs for children aged 6 mos. to 10 y/o. *Museum Play - Indoor educational learning & play spaces, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor learning spaces & a playground! *Field Trips - Bring your class, homeschool, daycare or youth group for a day of fun! *Parties/Events - Choose from a variety of packages to celebrate your special day with us. *Planetarium - We house East Tennessee's only public-access planetarium with shows that rotate every hour!
5
Waveland State Historic Site
225 Waveland Museum Ln, Lexington, KY 40514-1618
Experience 19th century plantation life at this historic compound where you can tour the mansion or "big house," see quarters where slaves lived, visit a smokehouse and other elements of daily life in the Old South.
6
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
401 Cross St, Lexington, KY 40508-2806
The first era of the Lexington Brewing Co. began in the 1890s and came to a halt during Prohibition, changing ownership several times in the decades that followed. By the time Pearse Lyons and his son, Mark, explored the brewery in 1999, it was a dilapidated shell of what it had once been. However, Pearse was a visionary and entrepreneur and saw only what it could be. Spurred by a passion for brewing and distilling that courses through the Lyons family lineage of Irish coopers, Pearse revived Lexington Brewing Co. and restored a craft beer tradition that dates back to the 1700s. Pearse continued to dream big as he set his sights on distilling — a natural progression given his background in fermentation, his family’s heritage and Kentucky’s bourbon tradition. Two copper pot stills that were commissioned from Scotland arrived at Lexington Brewing Co. in 2008. In 2012, Town Branch Distillery opened, first new distillery to be built in Lexington, Kentucky, in more than 100 yrs.
7
Cooking at the Cottage
3739 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40207-3023
Cooking at the Cottage, opened November 1, 2010 as a cooking school and offer a number of different and unique classes as well as series of classes each semester. Our classroom is open for corporate and team building events, private parties and much. We have a retail store adjacent that, specializing in quality cookware, bakeware, textiles, decorating supplies, gadgets, coffee/tea/chocolate.
8
Angel's Envy Distillery
500 E Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1002
Built in the heart of Louisville, the ANGEL’S ENVY Distillery is downtown’s first fully operational whiskey production facility. Co-founded in 2010 by the late Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, ANGEL’S ENVY began as a passion project that combined their family’s deep-rooted passion for and knowledge of the industry with an innovative outlook on bourbon making and finishing. ANGEL’S ENVY opened the doors in 2016 and puts you in the center of our distilling process for a unique tour experience.
9
Barrels & Billets
800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202-2620
An exciting bourbon experience where guests can blend, create and bottle their very own bourbon. Guests will blend with six award-winning WoodCraft bourbons which includes a 200 Year Oak, European Oak, American Oak, Cherry Wood, Maple Wood, and Smoked Oak. During the experience, guests will learn the art of bourbon blending before the blending process begins. Once the blending experience is complete, guests can have their recipe bottled onsite.
10
The Grill
9755 Fall Creek Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46256-4713
11
Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum
2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603-2126
The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum provides children with the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world. We do this in part through understanding, supporting, and promoting play in the fullest sense of the word, one that includes imagination and creativity.
12
Luthy Botanical Garden
2520 N Prospect Rd (turn at the corner of Prospect & Gift), Peoria, IL 61603-2129
Surround yourself with spectacular displays of spring blooming bulbs or the blazing color of autumn, the Garden offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the beauty of each passing season. Established in 1951, Luthy Botanical Garden encompasses five acres and offers over a dozen theme gardens, a Conservatory, a garden gift shop educational programming, numerous events, a rotating sculpture exhibit and magnificent floral displays.
13
Forest Park Nature Center
5809 N Forest Park Dr, Peoria, IL 61616-3506
A Peoria Park District facility, Forest Park serves as the doorway to more than 500 acres designated as part of the Illinois State Nature Preserve. The center provides visitors with more than seven miles of trails that lead through dense forest, along trickling stream beds, and over dramatic hillsides. The A-frame trail head features a small natural history museum, nature store, and a room dedicated to bird-watching. Trails and museum are free and open to the public. NO PETS ALLOWED!
14
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
129 N Main St Red Stone Building, Corner of Main and Second Streets, Davenport, IA 52801
15
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
16
Endless Brews
310 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801-1410
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
17
German American Heritage Center
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
18
1 Hundred West
100 W 76th St, Davenport, IA 52806-1339
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.
19
Capitol Building
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
20
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
21
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.
Customize this Trip

OVERVIEW

1
Start:Peter Kern Library
Knoxville, Tennessee·
4.0
(99) review
Hidden inside the historic Kern Building, behind The Oliver Hotel lobby, is Knoxville’s one and only speakeasy, The Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution. The dark wood, fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters create a warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop.
407 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902-2112
2
Krutch Park
Knoxville, Tennessee·
4.5
(90) review
504 Market St, Knoxville, TN 37902-2107
3
Knoxville Botanical Garden
Knoxville, Tennessee·
3.5
(97) review
2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914-5958
4
Muse Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee·
4.0
(91) review
Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children. We inspire & empower ALL children through transformative learning experiences through a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based, exhibits and Outreach programs for children aged 6 mos. to 10 y/o. *Museum Play - Indoor educational learning & play spaces, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor learning spaces & a playground! *Field Trips - Bring your class, homeschool, daycare or youth group for a day of fun! *Parties/Events - Choose from a variety of packages to celebrate your special day with us. *Planetarium - We house East Tennessee's only public-access planetarium with shows that rotate every hour!
516 N Beaman St, Knoxville, TN 37914-4410
5
Waveland State Historic Site
Lexington, Kentucky·
4.5
(97) review
Experience 19th century plantation life at this historic compound where you can tour the mansion or "big house," see quarters where slaves lived, visit a smokehouse and other elements of daily life in the Old South.
225 Waveland Museum Ln, Lexington, KY 40514-1618
6
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
Lexington, Kentucky·
4.5
(984) review
The first era of the Lexington Brewing Co. began in the 1890s and came to a halt during Prohibition, changing ownership several times in the decades that followed. By the time Pearse Lyons and his son, Mark, explored the brewery in 1999, it was a dilapidated shell of what it had once been. However, Pearse was a visionary and entrepreneur and saw only what it could be. Spurred by a passion for brewing and distilling that courses through the Lyons family lineage of Irish coopers, Pearse revived Lexington Brewing Co. and restored a craft beer tradition that dates back to the 1700s. Pearse continued to dream big as he set his sights on distilling — a natural progression given his background in fermentation, his family’s heritage and Kentucky’s bourbon tradition. Two copper pot stills that were commissioned from Scotland arrived at Lexington Brewing Co. in 2008. In 2012, Town Branch Distillery opened, first new distillery to be built in Lexington, Kentucky, in more than 100 yrs.
401 Cross St, Lexington, KY 40508-2806
7
Cooking at the Cottage
Louisville, Kentucky·
5.0
(9) review
Cooking at the Cottage, opened November 1, 2010 as a cooking school and offer a number of different and unique classes as well as series of classes each semester. Our classroom is open for corporate and team building events, private parties and much. We have a retail store adjacent that, specializing in quality cookware, bakeware, textiles, decorating supplies, gadgets, coffee/tea/chocolate.
3739 Lexington Rd, Louisville, KY 40207-3023
8
Angel's Envy Distillery
Louisville, Kentucky·
4.5
(967) review
Built in the heart of Louisville, the ANGEL’S ENVY Distillery is downtown’s first fully operational whiskey production facility. Co-founded in 2010 by the late Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, ANGEL’S ENVY began as a passion project that combined their family’s deep-rooted passion for and knowledge of the industry with an innovative outlook on bourbon making and finishing. ANGEL’S ENVY opened the doors in 2016 and puts you in the center of our distilling process for a unique tour experience.
500 E Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1002
9
Barrels & Billets
Louisville, Kentucky·
4.0
(9) review
An exciting bourbon experience where guests can blend, create and bottle their very own bourbon. Guests will blend with six award-winning WoodCraft bourbons which includes a 200 Year Oak, European Oak, American Oak, Cherry Wood, Maple Wood, and Smoked Oak. During the experience, guests will learn the art of bourbon blending before the blending process begins. Once the blending experience is complete, guests can have their recipe bottled onsite.
800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202-2620
10
The Grill
Indianapolis, Indiana·
3.5
(9) review
9755 Fall Creek Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46256-4713
11
Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum
Peoria, Illinois·
4.5
(84) review
The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum provides children with the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world. We do this in part through understanding, supporting, and promoting play in the fullest sense of the word, one that includes imagination and creativity.
2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603-2126
12
Luthy Botanical Garden
Peoria, Illinois·
4.0
(73) review
Surround yourself with spectacular displays of spring blooming bulbs or the blazing color of autumn, the Garden offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the beauty of each passing season. Established in 1951, Luthy Botanical Garden encompasses five acres and offers over a dozen theme gardens, a Conservatory, a garden gift shop educational programming, numerous events, a rotating sculpture exhibit and magnificent floral displays.
2520 N Prospect Rd (turn at the corner of Prospect & Gift), Peoria, IL 61603-2129
13
Forest Park Nature Center
Peoria, Illinois·
4.5
(79) review
A Peoria Park District facility, Forest Park serves as the doorway to more than 500 acres designated as part of the Illinois State Nature Preserve. The center provides visitors with more than seven miles of trails that lead through dense forest, along trickling stream beds, and over dramatic hillsides. The A-frame trail head features a small natural history museum, nature store, and a room dedicated to bird-watching. Trails and museum are free and open to the public. NO PETS ALLOWED!
5809 N Forest Park Dr, Peoria, IL 61616-3506
14
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
15
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
16
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.
310 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801-1410
17
German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
18
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.
100 W 76th St, Davenport, IA 52806-1339
19
Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
20
Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
21
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

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Knoxville and Des Moines?
The distance is 831 miles
What's the travel time between Knoxville and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 15h 18m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Knoxville 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
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Weather in Des Moines in June
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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
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Knoxville?
We have a lot of great trip options for Knoxville! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you