Major Highways & Driving Tips in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. I-35
A major north-south highway connecting Minneapolis and Texas; crucial for travelers to Des Moines.
- Interstate System: Part of the U.S. interstate highway system
- Travel Time: Approximate travel time between Minneapolis and Des Moines is about 10 hours
- Toll Roads: No toll roads on I-35 within Des Moines city limits
2. I-80
Transcontinental east-west highway connecting San Francisco and Boston; an essential route for travelers to Des Moines.
- Interstate System: Part of the U.S. interstate highway system
- Travel Time: Approximate travel time between San Francisco and Des Moines is about 30 hours
- Toll Roads: No toll roads on I-80 within Des Moines city limits
3. I-235
Circumferential highway around downtown Des Moines; connects important points of the city.
- Location: Surrounds the central business district of Des Moine
- Travel Time: Approximate travel time to circle downtown is about 30 minutes without traffic
- Interchanges: Provides access to I-35, I-80, and other important city roads
4. I-80/I-35 Interchange
Crucial interchange for travelers switching between I-35 and I-80; well-designed for efficient transitions.
- Interstate System: Key intersection between two major interstates
- Traffic Management: Features modern traffic management systems for smooth transitions
- Accessibility: Provides easy access to downtown Des Moines and nearby attractions
5. Des Moines Metro Area Expressway (M.A.X)
Expressway system connecting suburbs and easing traffic congestion in Des Moines metropolitan area.
- Location: Connects suburban communities around Des Moines
- Travel Time: Reduces travel time between suburbs and downtown Des Moines
- Toll Roads: Some segments of the M.A.X system are toll roads
6. US-65
North-south highway connecting Kansas City and Iowa; an alternative route to I-35 for some travelers.
- Alternative Route: Provides a scenic and smaller traffic alternative to I-35
- Travel Time: Approximate travel time between Kansas City and Des Moines is about 6 hours
- Toll Roads: No toll roads on US-65 within Des Moines city limits
7. Iowa Highway 5 (IA-5)
East-west highway connecting Missouri and Nebraska; an alternative route to I-80 for some travelers.
- Alternative Route: Provides a scenic and smaller traffic alternative to I-80
- Travel Time: Approximate travel time between Kansas City and Des Moines is about 6 hours
- Toll Roads: No toll roads on IA-5 within Des Moines city limits
8. Grand Avenue (Des Moines' Main Street)
Historic roadway serving as the main street of downtown Des Moines; offers a mix of local shops and restaurants.
- Location: Runs through the heart of downtown Des Moines
- Local Attractions: Adjacent to popular attractions such as the State Capitol and Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Pedestrian Friendly: Features wide sidewalks and pedestrian crossings for easy exploration
9. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
Important east-west road connecting downtown Des Moines with neighborhoods and attractions.
- Location: Runs through neighborhoods and commercial areas of the city
- Attractions: Nearby attractions include the Iowa State Fairgrounds and Gray's Lake Park
- Public Transportation: Serves as a major route for Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) buses
10. I-223
Avoids downtown traffic by connecting I-80 and I-35; ideal for commuters.
- Location: Connects the north and east sides of Des Moines
- Traffic Management: Reduces traffic congestion by providing a bypass for downtown Des Moines
- Interchanges: Provides access to major roads such as I-80, I-35, and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
11. Des Moines Bike Trail
Extensive network of paved bike trails connecting various neighborhoods, parks, and attractions in Des Moines.
- Location: Runs through various residential, commercial, and recreational areas
- Active Transportation: Promotes cycling as an alternative mode of transportation
- Recreation: Offers opportunities for sightseeing and exercise while exploring the city
12. Des Moines Parkway
Scenic bypass route providing an alternative to downtown traffic on I-235.
- Location: Runs along the Des Moines River
- Scenic Drive: Offers beautiful views of the river and nearby attractions
- Alternative Route: Provides an alternative route to I-235 for drivers seeking a scenic drive
13. Drake University's Campus Drive
Main road connecting Drake University with downtown Des Moines; offers a mix of residential and commercial areas.
- Location: Connects the university with downtown Des Moines
- Local Attractions: Adjacent to Drake University's historic campus and local shops and restaurants
- Student Life: Serves as a hub for student life at Drake University
14. University Avenue
Important road connecting Iowa State University with downtown Ames; offers a mix of residential and commercial areas.
- Location: Connects Iowa State University with downtown Ames
- Local Attractions: Adjacent to campus buildings, local shops, and restaurants
- Student Life: Serves as a hub for student life at Iowa State University
15. I-29/I-35 Interchange
Crucial interchange connecting I-29 and I-35 for travelers heading to or from Sioux City.
- Interstate System: Key intersection between two major interstates
- Traffic Management: Features modern traffic management systems for smooth transitions
- Accessibility: Provides easy access to nearby attractions such as the South Dakota border and Sioux City