Visit Southwestern Hills
Popular places to visit
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Des Moines Art Center
Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
Our pick of the best Southwestern Hills Hotel Deals
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Great stay, spotless, many amenities.
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
I like the aesthetic of the hotel and the two restaurants/bar options within the hotel.
Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The staff was helpful. The shuttle service was excellent.
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Fast and friendly check in. Good breakfast time and choices. Clean and friendly area.
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Nice
Reviewed on 6 Nov 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Clean room, great atmosphere and excellent staff. Room was clean and no gross “hotel” smell. The only thing negative is we had a jet tub room and we had no hot water to enjoy it. The shower had no hot water either, along with no water pressure.
Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Southwestern Hills
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 Air Lanes Bowling Center.
Greater South Side
While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
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.
North of Grand
North of Grand might not have many top sights, but Salisbury House and Des Moines Art Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
Waterbury
While Waterbury may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Val Air Ballroom and Des Moines Art Center.
