15 days in Des Moines, Cooperstown & New York City Itinerary

Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. Explore hidden gems such as Iowa Speedway and Des Moines River Trail. Step out of Des Moines with an excursion to Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve in Grinnell--about 1h 5 min away. There's lots more to do: ponder the world of politics at Capitol Building, stroll around Gray's Lake Park, take a stroll through East Village, and explore the activities along Saylorville lake.

For photos, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Des Moines holiday planning tool.

Use the Route module to see travel options from your home to Des Moines. Expect a daytime high around 84°F in June, and nighttime lows around 64°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Fri) to allow time for the flight to Cooperstown.

Best known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown embraces Americana.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground. Change things up with a short trip to Erie Canal Cruises in Herkimer (about 40 minutes away). The adventure continues: get in on the family fun at Barnyard Swing, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Cooperstown Distillery, see the interesting displays at Petrified Creatures, and contemplate the waterfront views at Otsego Lake.

Find out how to plan Cooperstown trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

You can drive from Des Moines to Cooperstown in 18.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive; or do a combination of bus and train. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 1 hour. Traveling from Des Moines in June, expect Cooperstown to be slightly colder, temps between 75°F and 55°F. On the 22nd (Tue), you're off to New York City.

Writer Pearl Buck once called New York City “a place apart,” and this giant urban center remains unlike any other in the world.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Food Tours and New York Botanical Garden. There's still lots to do: walk around Central Park, see the interesting displays at New York Public Library, capture your vacation like a pro with an inspiring photography tour, and get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our New York City trip planner.

Getting from Cooperstown to New York City by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Cooperstown in June since evenings lows in New York City dip to 65°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly back home.