4 days in Des Moines & Springfield Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 20th (Thu): take a stroll through East Village, identify plant and animal life at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center, and then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company. On your second day here, ponder the world of politics at Capitol Building, then see the interesting displays at Iowa Quilt Museum, then snap pictures at Hogback Covered Bridge, and finally take in the views from Holliwell Bridge.

For maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Des Moines online trip planner.

New York City to Des Moines is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. In April in Des Moines, expect temperatures between 62°F during the day and 41°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can travel to Springfield.

On the 22nd (Sat), take an in-depth tour of Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, then steep yourself in history at Edwards Place Historic Home, then take an in-depth tour of The Lincoln Home Visitor Center, and finally let the kids burn off some steam at Washington Park. On your second day here, contemplate the long history of Dana-Thomas House, explore the galleries of Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and then identify plant and animal life at Lincoln Memorial Garden.

To find traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, read Springfield route planning site.

You can do a combination of flight and train from Des Moines to Springfield in 5.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. In April in Springfield, expect temperatures between 65°F during the day and 43°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) so you can catch the flight back home.