Grays Lake

Des Moines

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
A calm lake with mist rising from the water, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.
A park with a curved walking path, surrounded by grass and trees.
A river with a forested area and several buildings in the background.

Stay near popular Grays Lake attractions

A concrete bridge over a river with metal railings, surrounded by dense green trees.

Gray’s Lake Park

8.4/10 (8 reviews)
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
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Top hotels in Grays Lake

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is P8,800 per night from Oct 3 to Oct 4
P8,800
per night
Oct 3 - Oct 4
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
The price is P6,103 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
P6,103
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,909 reviews)
"I have a disability so I requested a handicap room with a walk-in shower with grab bars. The floor of the shower was smooth with no texture and there was not a safety mat in the room to put on the shower floor. While taking my shower the floor became very slippery and I fell all the way down landing ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Wildwood Lodge

Wildwood Lodge

3 out of 5
11431 Forest Ave Clive IA
The price is P6,171 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
P6,171
per night
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Stay at this hotel in Clive. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Wildwood Lodge
Sonesta Essential Des Moines

Sonesta Essential Des Moines

2 out of 5
4755 Merle Hay Road Des Moines IA
The price is P4,248 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
P4,248
per night
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Des Lux Hotel

Des Lux Hotel

3.5 out of 5
800 Locust St Des Moines IA
The price is P8,940 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
P8,940
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,108 reviews)
"One of the most elegant hotels on the planet. Likely the best all around in Iowa. Amazing in every way."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

Des Lux Hotel
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is P4,123 per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
P4,123
per night
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,824 reviews)
"Room was clean. I got in later so I could catch an early flight."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
See all 792 properties in Grays Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Grays Lake

Find the best Grays Lake areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
The entrance to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with a large dome structure in the background.

Downtown Des Moines

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while in the area.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.
Photo by Eric Mondres
Open Photo by Eric Mondres

Drake

If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.

A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.

Greater South Side

While Greater South Side might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Grays Lake