Des Moines, Iowa is a great I-80 overnight stop! Why? Consider this… you’ve traveled all day, you’re tired, hungry, the kids are wired… you get the picture. What you really need right about then is that perfect overnight stop… an exit where you feel safe and comfortable… an exit with a good mix of accommodations and a variety of eating places… not just fast food. And, maybe a little shopping later before you get back to the motel. The next morning you can gas up nearby and head out. Everything you need conveniently located right off the exit! That’s what makes Des Moines, Iowa a great overnight stop!
About Des Moines, Iowa…
Des Moines is Iowa’s lively capital city, sitting just south of I‑80 and easy to reach from multiple exits. It’s big enough to have real city energy—pro sports and concerts, a walkable downtown, and standout architecture like the gold‑domed Iowa State Capitol—yet compact and navigable after a long day on the road.
For an overnight stop, Des Moines offers a strong mix of convenient hotels and things to do without a lot of detouring. The East Village and Court Avenue District are popular for dinner and a stroll, with local favorites (and great coffee) close together, plus the scenic Pappajohn Sculpture Park and trails along the river if you want to stretch your legs. If you’re traveling with kids—or just want something different—the Blank Park Zoo and Science Center of Iowa are easy, low‑stress options.
It’s also a great “reset” city: clean, friendly, and generally easy parking and traffic compared with larger metros, while still delivering excellent food and a fun nightlife scene. From quick comfort‑food to top‑notch farm‑to‑table dining, Des Moines punches above its weight, making it a satisfying place to recharge before getting back on I‑80 in the morning.
Places to Stay in Des Moines…
There is a good selection of places to stay conveniently located at this I-80 exit. Here are our recommended choices, based on customer recommendations:
- AmericInn by Wyndham Johnston Des Moines
- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Des Moines-Northwest
- Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines – Merle Hay Road
- Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center
- Sonesta Essential Des Moines
Places to Eat in Des Moines…
While this Des Moines I-80 exit has a good share of the national restaurant chains, it also is home to dozens of smaller regional chains and one-of-a-kind outlets. If you’re looking for an exit with lots of choices, this is it. Here’s a partial listing of places to eat here:
1st and Tenders, Applebee’s Grill + Bar, Bandit Burrito, Bennigan’s, Boss’ Pizza and Chicken, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cajun Belle, Caribou Coffee, Cheba Hut “Toasted” Subs, Chick-fil-A, China Cafe, Dunkin Donuts, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Flame The Taqueria, IHOP, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Jimmy John’s, Joe’s Pub, El Mariachi, Marino’s Italian Restaurant, McDonald’s, MrBeast Burger, Pagliai’s Pizza, Panera Bread, Perkins American Food Co., Pita Pit, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Sonic Drive-In, Subway, Sushi a Go Go, Taco Bell, Trostel’s Greenbriar, Twisted Bean Coffee Company, Wendy’s, Wong’s Chopsticks
Places to Shop in Des Moines…
Staying overnight at this I-80 exit gives you the opportunity to spend a few hours of shopping before you call it a day. There are literally dozens of retail outlets conveniently located here… not to mention the Merle Hay Mall, with over 90 stores and restaurants, plus a bowling alley and a cinema serving house-brewed beers.
Here’s a list of shopping options nearby: Car-X Tire & Auto, Crowned Aquatics Pet Supply, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Harbor Freight, Hobby Lobby, Hy-Vee Grocery Store, Johnston Ace Hardware, Kohl’s, Liquor Land, Many Hands Thrift Market, Merle Hay Mall (90+ stores and restaurants), Northern Tool + Equipment, Office Depot, Pet Supplies Plus, Sally Beauty, Target
Gas Up and Head Out
Gas stations conveniently located at this I-80 exit include:
Casey’s, Fast & Fresh, Git-N-Go, Kwik Star, Quik Trip, Shell, Stop N Go
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