Thomas Mitchell Park is 18 miles from Des Moines. The dump station is free for guests of the park, but you can expect to pay a small fee if you're not staying overnight. While there, you can have a picnic in the park's woodland and enjoy the blooming wildflowers in season. The Ames Water Pollution Control Facility is 30 miles from Des Moines. You can only use this dump station if you are a resident of Ames. It's free to use, however. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. It's a 39-mile dive to Pattee City Park, and you can use the dump station there for free. The park has seasonal restrooms and horseshoe pits. There are also tennis courts there if you'd like to have a game after emptying your RV rental tanks.
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Explore Des Moines, Iowa in an RVshare RV Rental
Des Moines, Iowa originated in May of 1843 when Captain James Allen oversaw the construction of a fort on the spot where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers merged. The new settlement was named Fort Des Moines, but it would be abandoned only three years later. However, the fort was resettled and converted into a town shortly after and designated as the seat of Polk County. Much of the town was lost during the Flood of 1851, forcing Des Moines to rebuild from scratch. It was incorporated as a city on September 22nd, 1851. The city's first major growth and expansion period began in 1866 after a railroad link was completed in the area.
Nowadays, Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in Iowa, with a population of roughly 215,000. The bustling city offers plenty to do and see, and one place you may want to visit is the impressive Capitol Building. You can take a tour of the building, which dates back to 1871 and features beautiful domes. Another destination worth visiting is the Downtown Farmers' Market, where you'll find over 300 vendors offering produce, baked goods, arts and crafts, and more.
There are a few places in town you'll definitely want to visit if you enjoy museums. You can learn about Iowa's history at the State Historical Museum, explore the cool exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa, or browse the paintings and sculptures at the Des Moines Art Center. You can also stop by some of Des Moines' unique historical sites, such as the Salisbury House & Gardens and Terrace Hill.
If you're looking for outdoor fun, one option is to visit Prairie Lakes Park to enjoy a bike ride or nature walk. Or, you could spend your day boating or fishing at Big Woods Lake.
Events Near Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines Arts Festival - Des Moines' annual Arts Festival takes place in late June at Western Gateway Park. The popular event hosts 180 of the nation's top artists in a beautiful urban setting.
Cajun Fest Boil & Brew - If you're looking for some fun, come on out to JR's Southpork Ranch in early June to enjoy Cajun cuisine, live music, all-you-can-eat crawfish, and Camp Cajun for the kids.
Oktoberfest Des Moines - Each year in downtown Des Moines, the lively Oktoberfest event takes place. The event happens in late September, and attendees get to enjoy a huge variety of German and craft beers, tasty German food, live music, and much more.
Explore Des Moines, IA
While you're in Des Moines, IA, you can take part in a city-wide scavenger hunt that's organized by Operation City Quest. You'll have two hours to collect as many items as possible. Every August, you can enjoy the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, which is the state's capital city. Get some fresh produce and other items at the downtown farmer's market, and prepare them in your rented RV's kitchen. If you love art, then you can explore both the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Des Moines Art Center. These two attractions feature both local and international artists. If you like horticulture, then you can tour the Des Moines Botanical Garden, which covers 14 acres and features more than 1,000 species of plants from all over the world. For a craft beer hot spot, check out the Exile Brewing Company, which is right in the city. If you'd like to add a bit of whimsy to your culinary experience, try the famous restaurant called Zombie Burger in downtown Des Moines. Day trips from Des Moines include the vintage Dutch village of Pella, Iowa. It's about 50 miles away and offers views of old windmills and the chance to sample traditional European pastries. If you like classic architecture, the classic bridges of Madison County are around 40 miles away in Winterset. There is a medieval castle tower to explore there as well.
Road Trips Starting from Des Moines, IA
Popular State Parks Near Des Moines, IA
Walnut Woods State Park is 9 miles from Des Moines. Birdwatching is the most popular activity at Walnut Woods State Park. About eight dozen species have been sighted in the park, and some of the notable examples include owls, hawks, flycatchers, and warblers. The 2 miles of easy hiking trails are just made for walking laps, and during the winter, you can cross-country ski on them as well. The drive to Ledges State Park is 41 miles. Stroll through 4 miles of hiking trails at this park or walk through the stream at Peas Creek. The campground at Ledges State Park has full hookups at some campsites, as well as restrooms, showers, and a dump station. About 40 miles from Des Moines you'll find Elk Rock State Park, which covers 50,000 acres and lies on the shore of the State of Iowa's largest body of water, Lake Red Rock. There are two boat ramps within the park. Anglers can bait a line for bluegill, crappie, bass, channel catfish, and walleye. There are three hiking trails within Elk Rock State Park, the longest of which is the Elk Rock Perimeter Loop. It's a 9-mile loop trail that gains about 500 feet of elevation.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Des Moines, IA
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is 123 miles from Des Moines. While there, you can experience a taste of President Hoover's Quaker upbringing. You can also visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, tour a Quaker meeting house and blacksmith shop, and stroll along the site's 1-mile walking route. RV parking is available either across the street from the visitor center or next to the picnic areas adjacent to the gravesite. Parking is limited, so plan ahead. About 195 miles to the south is Harry S Truman National Historic Site. You can take tours of his home, which was once known as "The Summer White House." Tours are limited to eight people, and you must procure free tickets at the visitor center. You can also take walking tours of the city to see sites that are related to President Truman. The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library is also only a mile down the street. Parking is extremely limited at the site as there is only one lot earmarked for RVs which is to the west of the visitor center. The staff can also advise you on where you can legally park your RV on the street nearby.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
River Oaks RV Park is 21 miles from Des Moines. It's got 97 RV-specific campsites with full hookups. You can even fish in the stocked pond in the campground. If you have a larger rig, then the pull-through sites will be convenient for your visit. Adventureland Campground is just 11 miles from Des Moines, IA. The 110 campsites for RVs have full hookups, and after a day's adventuring, you can relax in the pool, hot tub, or both. The campground has public Wi-Fi access throughout. If you need a few essentials or an afternoon snack, then you can get them at one of the multiple campground stores. If you'd like a little solitude for your camping, then the Kellogg RV Park is just right. It's only got 38 campsites for RVs. However, you don't have to trade solitude for modern amenities because this campground, which is 42 miles from Des Moines, IA, has showers, restrooms, full hookups, and on-site laundry facilities. There is a single convenience store for those times when you need sundries.
RV Rentals Near Des Moines, IA
RVs are also great for taking road trips. Local trips can be to Walnut Woods or Wedges State Park. One great trip is the 333-mile jaunt from Des Moines to Chicago where you can attend Cubs games during the Major League Baseball season. Indiana Dunes National Park is only a few miles beyond the Windy City. It's 585 miles from Des Moines to Louisville, KY, which is a fun place to visit if you're a fan of Kentucky Bluegrass Music. At 663 miles, a trip to Cleveland is just 78 miles further away than Louisville, KY. While in Cleveland, you can attend Browns games during the National Football League season. Nearby parks include Big Creek State Park, Badger Creek State Park, and Margo Frankel Woods State Park, all of which are either within the city itself or within a 20-mile radius. There are some nearby RV campgrounds, as well, including Timberline Campground and the campgrounds at the Iowa State Fair, both of which are fewer than 10 miles from Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting an RV Near Des Moines, IA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Des Moines, IA by trip duration?When renting an RV in Des Moines, Iowa, you can expect to pay $225 a night for motorhomes and $120 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Des Moines, IA RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Des Moines, IA RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Des Moines, IA RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.