Road trip from Des Moines to Lincoln
All Category
Nature & Parks
Sights & Landmarks
Shopping
Museums
Water & Amusement Parks
Fun & Games
Spas & Wellness
Show more (4+)
All Category
Nature & Parks
Sights & Landmarks
Shopping
Museums
Water & Amusement Parks
Fun & Games
Spas & Wellness
Concerts & Shows
Nightlife
Outdoor Activities
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
3h 33m188 miles23 stops
1
The Lift
2
4th Street
3
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security.
4
Brenton Skating Plaza
5
Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
6
Capitol Building
7
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 22 of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 Acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns' contribution of 28 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.
8
Iowa State Fairgrounds
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
9
Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
10
Fitness Sports
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
11
Hot Shops Art Center
12
Hollywood Candy
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
13
The Backline Comedy Theatre
The best place to see comedy in Omaha, located downtown near the Old Market. We host standup, improv, sketch, and musical acts each week, and when we're not doing shows, we are a training center for the local comedy scene.
14
Joslyn Art Museum
This property is temporary closed
15
The Escape Omaha
The Escape Omaha is Nebraska's first-ever live-action escape challenge. You and up to five of your friends have an hour to work together and solve a series of puzzles, riddles, and assorted challenges to put together the clues to escape one of our four unique rooms.
16
Fun Plex
17
Putting Plus
18
Icehouse Sports Bar
19
Westwood Cinemas 8
20
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park is much more than a trampoline park. If you're looking for the best year-round indoor attractions in the Omaha area, Urban Air is the perfect place. With new adventures behind every corner, we are the ultimate indoor playground
21
True REST Float Spa
True REST is a zero-gravity environment where the mind & body can completely relax & reset. Float effortlessly to relieve pain, recover, and improve sleep.
22
Indian Creek Golf Course
Omaha’s Premier 27-Hole Public Golf Course thrills golfers with 37 acres of fairway, 70+ well-placed bunkers and 15 holes with the threat of water. Practice facility includes driving range, practice putting greens and short game area. There are also two indoor heated hitting bays. We should all play more golf this year!
23
Platte Valley Antique Mall
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Des Moines to Lincoln
1
Start:The Lift
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
222 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-2206
2
Start:4th Street
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
4th Street, Des Moines, IA
3
Start:World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(81) review
The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security.
4
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
5
Start:Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.0
(73) review
Robert D. Ray Asian Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309
6
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
7
Start:Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(739) review
Open to visitors since September 2009, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park features artwork by 22 of the world's most celebrated artists. The 4.4 Acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian friendly entranceway to downtown Des Moines. This accessible setting, coupled with the skilled landscape design and caliber of the art, makes it unlike any other sculpture park in the United States. The Pappajohns' contribution of 28 works for the park is the most significant donation of artwork ever made to the Des Moines Art Center.
8
Start:Iowa State Fairgrounds
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(882) review
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
9
Start:Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
75 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-5866
10
Start:Fitness Sports
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(9) review
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
11
Start:Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(96) review
13th & Nicholas, Omaha, NE 68102
12
Start:Hollywood Candy
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.0
(99) review
Hollywood Candy is a giant candy store proudly serving Omaha’s Old Market since 2007. We offer a large selection of housemate chocolate candy including our chocolate covered bacon, chocolate potato chips, candy cookie pops and our famous Peanut Butter Surprise. We have all flavors or Jelly Belly jelly beans and a large selection of M&M’s. We offer the largest selection of bulk candy in the area including hard to find retro brands, favorite brands like Hershey’s and Oreo, rock candy, gummies, sour candy, and lollipops. Our Soda Shoppe offers over 200 varieties of familiar and unique soda brands. We have the largest collection of PEZ dispensers for everyone to enjoy plus a large assortment for sale.
13
Start:The Backline Comedy Theatre
Omaha, Nebraska·
5.0
(9) review
The best place to see comedy in Omaha, located downtown near the Old Market. We host standup, improv, sketch, and musical acts each week, and when we're not doing shows, we are a training center for the local comedy scene.
14
Start:Joslyn Art Museum
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(901) review
This property is temporary closed
15
Start:The Escape Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(89) review
The Escape Omaha is Nebraska's first-ever live-action escape challenge. You and up to five of your friends have an hour to work together and solve a series of puzzles, riddles, and assorted challenges to put together the clues to escape one of our four unique rooms.
16
Start:Fun Plex
Omaha, Nebraska·
3.5
(92) review
7003 Q St, Omaha, NE 68117-1649
17
Start:Putting Plus
Omaha, Nebraska·
5.0
(9) review
9216 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68134-5734
18
Start:Icehouse Sports Bar
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.0
(8) review
10920 Emmet St, Omaha, NE 68164-2913
19
Start:Westwood Cinemas 8
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.0
(9) review
2809 S 125th Ave Suite 297, Omaha, NE 68144-3872
20
Start:Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Omaha, Nebraska·
3.5
(8) review
Urban Air Adventure Park is much more than a trampoline park. If you're looking for the best year-round indoor attractions in the Omaha area, Urban Air is the perfect place. With new adventures behind every corner, we are the ultimate indoor playground
21
Start:True REST Float Spa
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(8) review
True REST is a zero-gravity environment where the mind & body can completely relax & reset. Float effortlessly to relieve pain, recover, and improve sleep.
22
Start:Indian Creek Golf Course
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(8) review
Omaha’s Premier 27-Hole Public Golf Course thrills golfers with 37 acres of fairway, 70+ well-placed bunkers and 15 holes with the threat of water. Practice facility includes driving range, practice putting greens and short game area. There are also two indoor heated hitting bays. We should all play more golf this year!
23
Start:Platte Valley Antique Mall
Omaha, Nebraska·
4.5
(9) review
13017 238th St I-80 Exit 420, Omaha, NE 68366-2121
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
Unlock Effortless Travel Planning
Create your dream trip in minutes by this prompt. Try now!
EXPLORE MORE
Discover Exciting Road Trip Inspirations
Des Moines to Tacoma
1,773 miles
30h 49m
19 stops
Water & Amusement ParksShoppingNightlifeMuseumsSights & Landmarks
Des Moines to Kalamazoo
463 miles
8h 38m
28 stops
ShoppingMuseumsNightlifeConcerts & ShowsFun & Games
Des Moines to Gainesville
1,229 miles
23h 3m
19 stops
Nature & ParksMuseumsSights & LandmarksShoppingTraveler Resources
Des Moines to Thousand Oaks
1,722 miles
29h 55m
30 stops
Traveler ResourcesNature & ParksFun & GamesConcerts & ShowsMuseums
Des Moines to Deltona
1,334 miles
25h 22m
25 stops
Outdoor ActivitiesFun & GamesToursConcerts & ShowsNature & Parks
Des Moines to Yonkers
1,122 miles
20h 49m
26 stops
Fun & GamesToursConcerts & ShowsNightlifeSights & Landmarks
EXPLORE OTHER
Check Out Different Road Trip Options
Provo to Scottsdale
618 miles
11h 46m
9 stops
MuseumsConcerts & ShowsOutdoor ActivitiesToursSpas & Wellness
Baton Rouge to Rancho Cucamonga
1,782 miles
30h 48m
31 stops
Spas & WellnessNightlifeFun & GamesMuseumsTraveler Resources
Louisville to Oyster Bay
806 miles
15h 29m
15 stops
Food & DrinkBoat Tours & Water SportsNature & ParksSights & LandmarksFun & Games
Bakersfield to New Haven
2,887 miles
51h 42m
43 stops
Fun & GamesOutdoor ActivitiesNature & ParksSights & LandmarksConcerts & Shows
Tucson to Denton
948 miles
16h 6m
32 stops
ShoppingFood & DrinkMuseumsNightlifeSights & Landmarks
Greenville to Fort Lauderdale
698 miles
12h 57m
27 stops
Boat Tours & Water SportsToursNature & ParksSpas & WellnessOutdoor Activities
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Des Moines and Lincoln?
The distance is 188 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and Lincoln?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 3h 33m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines and Lincoln?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Lincoln?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Lincoln
What’s the weather like in Lincoln?
The weather in Lincoln is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Lincoln in January
Weather in Lincoln in February
Weather in Lincoln in March
Weather in Lincoln in April
Weather in Lincoln in May
Weather in Lincoln in June
Weather in Lincoln in July
Weather in Lincoln in August
Weather in Lincoln in September
Weather in Lincoln in October
Weather in Lincoln in November
Weather in Lincoln in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Lincoln?
Plan your dream Lincoln trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Lincoln
A 2-day itinerary in Lincoln
A 3-day itinerary in Lincoln
A 4-day itinerary in Lincoln
A 5-day itinerary in Lincoln
A 6-day itinerary in Lincoln
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Des Moines?
We have a lot of great trip options for Des Moines! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you