Road trip from Des Moines to Madison
All Category
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Nightlife
Museums
Outdoor Activities
Show more (2+)
All Category
Fun & Games
Sights & Landmarks
Shopping
Nature & Parks
Nightlife
Museums
Outdoor Activities
Spas & Wellness
Reset
Show less
ITINERARY
5h 45m282 miles15 stops
1
Brenton Skating Plaza
2
Capitol Building
3
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.
4
Nick's Bar & Grill
Nick's Bar & Grill, in Cedar Rapids, IA, is the premier restaurant serving Hiawatha, Marion, Fairfax, Palo, Atkins and surrounding areas since 2014. We offer burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, pizza, skillets, a full bar, 14 flatscreen televisions, dart boards, electronic gaming and much more. For your next meal, visit Nick's Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids.
5
Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
6
Dragon's Lair Family Adventure Center
Immerse yourself in your favorite video game for real. Play classic games like capture the flag, defuse the bomb and VIP. To name a few of our ever growing selection of games. Test out our realistic weapons and wireless sensors. They will put you in the middle of the action. Come and experience the Lair.
7
Ellis Park Golf Course
8
Gilded Pear Gallery
Gilded Pear Gallery is a full service contemporary art gallery in Cedar Rapids, IA. The gallery features over 70 artists across varying media including jewelry and fine crafts as well as rotating exhibitions every 6-8 weeks. We specialize in corporate and residential art consultation-installation, framing, art appraisals, and more. View our website to learn more about our artists and services or visit the gallery to see an exhibit!
9
GoFree Escape Rooms
GoFree Escape Rooms is home to independent, locally designed live adventure games in which players work together to solve a series of puzzles, clues, and riddles to complete an assigned mission.
10
Spare Time Cedar Rapids
NOW OPEN: Spare Time is bringing Games, Lanes, Food, and Fun to Cedar Rapids, Iowa! Our newest location features luxury bowling, arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, restaurant, bars, and more!
11
Indian Creek Nature Center
12
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
13
Washburn Observatory
14
Alliant Energy Center
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
15
KOSA Spa
KOSA Spa provides a sanctuary; a place to retreat, to nourish body, mind, and spirit, and in so doing reconnect with one’s best self. KOSA Spa blends wellness best practices from the 5,000-year-old Indian tradition of Ayurveda with seasonal, organic, Wisconsin-sourced ingredients and artisanal products. KOSA Spa’s offerings include customized wellness balancing plans; treatments, including Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pinda Sweda, Massage, and Facials; and personal retreats that include access to our hot-stone sauna, aromatherapy hydro-steam room, meditation studio, sanctuary lounge, and organic, Ayurvedic teas and foods.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
Des Moines to Madison
1
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
2
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
3
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.
4
Start:Nick's Bar & Grill
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.0
(7) review
Nick's Bar & Grill, in Cedar Rapids, IA, is the premier restaurant serving Hiawatha, Marion, Fairfax, Palo, Atkins and surrounding areas since 2014. We offer burgers, soups, salads, appetizers, pizza, skillets, a full bar, 14 flatscreen televisions, dart boards, electronic gaming and much more. For your next meal, visit Nick's Bar & Grill in Cedar Rapids.
5
Start:Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.5
(6) review
2999 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-4521
6
Start:Dragon's Lair Family Adventure Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
Immerse yourself in your favorite video game for real. Play classic games like capture the flag, defuse the bomb and VIP. To name a few of our ever growing selection of games. Test out our realistic weapons and wireless sensors. They will put you in the middle of the action. Come and experience the Lair.
7
Start:Ellis Park Golf Course
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
3.5
(7) review
1401 Zika Ave NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1257
8
Start:Gilded Pear Gallery
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
5.0
(5) review
Gilded Pear Gallery is a full service contemporary art gallery in Cedar Rapids, IA. The gallery features over 70 artists across varying media including jewelry and fine crafts as well as rotating exhibitions every 6-8 weeks. We specialize in corporate and residential art consultation-installation, framing, art appraisals, and more. View our website to learn more about our artists and services or visit the gallery to see an exhibit!
9
Start:GoFree Escape Rooms
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
5.0
(5) review
GoFree Escape Rooms is home to independent, locally designed live adventure games in which players work together to solve a series of puzzles, clues, and riddles to complete an assigned mission.
10
Start:Spare Time Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
3.0
(5) review
NOW OPEN: Spare Time is bringing Games, Lanes, Food, and Fun to Cedar Rapids, Iowa! Our newest location features luxury bowling, arcade games, laser tag, escape rooms, restaurant, bars, and more!
11
Start:Indian Creek Nature Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa·
4.5
(63) review
5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
12
Start:First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(96) review
900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705-2298
13
Start:Washburn Observatory
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(9) review
1401 Observatory Dr, Madison, WI 53706-1209
14
Start:Alliant Energy Center
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.0
(99) review
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
15
Start:KOSA Spa
Madison, Wisconsin·
5.0
(9) review
KOSA Spa provides a sanctuary; a place to retreat, to nourish body, mind, and spirit, and in so doing reconnect with one’s best self. KOSA Spa blends wellness best practices from the 5,000-year-old Indian tradition of Ayurveda with seasonal, organic, Wisconsin-sourced ingredients and artisanal products. KOSA Spa’s offerings include customized wellness balancing plans; treatments, including Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pinda Sweda, Massage, and Facials; and personal retreats that include access to our hot-stone sauna, aromatherapy hydro-steam room, meditation studio, sanctuary lounge, and organic, Ayurvedic teas and foods.
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
Fort Wayne to Columbus
156 miles
3h 21m
11 stops
Nature & ParksSights & LandmarksFun & GamesMuseumsFood & Drink
Antioch to Huntington
2,923 miles
51h 47m
41 stops
Sights & LandmarksBoat Tours & Water SportsWater & Amusement ParksMuseumsFun & Games
Chicago to Lincoln
519 miles
9h 39m
17 stops
Nature & ParksSights & LandmarksMuseumsShoppingFood & Drink
Philadelphia to Anchorage
4,339 miles
85h 38m
28 stops
MuseumsToursShoppingNature & ParksSights & Landmarks
Champaign to Phoenix
1,670 miles
29h 9m
20 stops
MuseumsOutdoor ActivitiesFun & GamesFood & DrinkSpas & Wellness
Springfield to Oakland
3,036 miles
53h 37m
39 stops
Sights & LandmarksNature & ParksWater & Amusement ParksMuseumsFun & Games
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Des Moines and Madison?
The distance is 282 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and Madison?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 5h 45m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines and Madison?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Madison?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Madison
What’s the weather like in Madison?
The weather in Madison is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Madison in January
Weather in Madison in February
Weather in Madison in March
Weather in Madison in April
Weather in Madison in May
Weather in Madison in June
Weather in Madison in July
Weather in Madison in August
Weather in Madison in September
Weather in Madison in October
Weather in Madison in November
Weather in Madison in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Madison?
Plan your dream Madison trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Madison
A 2-day itinerary in Madison
A 3-day itinerary in Madison
A 4-day itinerary in Madison
A 5-day itinerary in Madison
A 6-day itinerary in Madison
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