Road trip from Washington to Des Moines
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Sights & Landmarks
Concerts & Shows
Food & Drink
Nature & Parks
Shopping
Museums
Spas & Wellness
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All Category
Sights & Landmarks
Concerts & Shows
Food & Drink
Nature & Parks
Shopping
Museums
Spas & Wellness
Nightlife
Fun & Games
Outdoor Activities
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ITINERARY
18h 57m1,016 miles18 stops
1
Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
2
Cathedral of Learning
3
Allegheny Cemetery
Instituted in 1844, this 300-acre cemetery is the final resting place of such notables as Lillian Russell, Stephen Foster and General John Neville.
4
Point State Park
Serving as a key strategic spot during the French and Indian War, this National Historic Landmark and park offer stunning views of the city and a variety of outdoor recreation.
5
Lock 3
6
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – Tripadvisor
7
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)
8
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
9
Michigan Avenue Bridge
The view from the bridge is one of the best vistas the city has to offer.
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
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.
12
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
13
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
14
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
15
German American Heritage Center
16
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.
17
Brenton Skating Plaza
18
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:Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland·
4.5
(99) review
3100 Swann Dr Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217
2
Start:Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(979) review
4200 5th Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260
3
Start:Allegheny Cemetery
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(94) review
Instituted in 1844, this 300-acre cemetery is the final resting place of such notables as Lillian Russell, Stephen Foster and General John Neville.
4
Start:Point State Park
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania·
4.5
(951) review
Serving as a key strategic spot during the French and Indian War, this National Historic Landmark and park offer stunning views of the city and a variety of outdoor recreation.
5
Start:Lock 3
Akron, Ohio·
4.5
(98) review
200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308-1315
6
Start:Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, Ohio·
4.5
(9964) review
Headquartered in a boldly designed building on Lake Erie's shore, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000-square-foot museum featuring ever-changing exhibits documenting the history of rock and roll, from Elvis to our days. You’ll see hundreds of original artifacts, from Jimi Hendrix outfits to The Beatles’ handwritten lyrics. Experience the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night at the Power of Rock Experience or have your very own jam session at the Garage. You can also watch a concert while you're here, so check out the Rock Hall’s schedule and plan ahead. – Tripadvisor
7
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)
8
Start:Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Fort Wayne, Indiana·
4.0
(99) review
4000 Parnell Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1414
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: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: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.
12
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
13
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
14
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.
15
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
16
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.
17
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
18
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
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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
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Washington DC and Des Moines?
The distance is 1,016 miles
What's the travel time between Washington DC and Des Moines?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 18h 57m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Washington DC 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
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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!
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Washington DC?
We have a lot of great trip options for Washington DC! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you