Greater South Side Travel Guide
Des Moines





Visit Greater South Side
Popular places to visit

Gray’s Lake Park
Explore the great outdoors at Gray’s Lake Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Principal Park
You can take time to visit Principal Park during your travels to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Iowa State Capitol Building
After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.

Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Top hotels in Greater South Side

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

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Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025
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Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side

Grays Lake
While Grays Lake isn't home to many top sights, Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Indianola Hills
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indianola Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Watrous South
While there might not be top attractions in Watrous South, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Blank Park Zoo and A. H. Blank Golf Course.

Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.

Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while you're in town.
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Adventureland
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Drake University
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Principal Park
- Blank Park Zoo
- Iowa Events Center
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Hy Vee Hall
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Saylorville Lake
- Merle Hay Mall
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Valley Junction
- Raccoon River Park
- Des Moines MEPS
- Wooly's
- Salisbury House
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
- 801 Grand