Top rated rental cars in Des Moines, IA
Iowa’s capital city is more than just a fly-over town. Full of character and class, it’s home to exciting museums, picture-perfect parks, and important historical landmarks. In the city’s vibrant downtown, you can enjoy live music, local flavors, and a thriving arts scene.
When you’re ready for more, fuel up the tank and travel out of town for gorgeous parks, happening cities, and access to the beautiful Des Moines River.
Get a taste of the old and new U.S. in Des Moines.
Stroll through the grandiose halls and grounds of this glamorous 1920s estate, modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England. You can also see plenty of historic memorabilia, antiques, and musical instruments.
The historic and cultural hub of the city is the East Village, where you can see gems like the ornate State Capitol and the Historical Museum, as well as wander among hip shops and happening restaurants.
Get up close and personal with everything from otters to African elephants at the Blank Park Zoo. One of the park’s most popular areas is the Australian Adventure, where you can see kangaroos and koalas.
Rent cars in Des Moines, IA
A Midwest city full of character, Des Moines is surrounded by nostalgic small towns and rustic landscapes, perfect for escaping the daily grind. In historic Pella, a 19th-century Dutch settlement, you can travel back in time amid an old windmill and charming bakeries. Or soak in natural beauty at Ledges State Park. When you’re ready for the big city life, head to booming Kansas City for iconic museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
Rent the perfect carJust under three hours away is one of the midwest’s most happening destinations: Kansas City. Check out the expansive Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the National WWI Museum, and the American Jazz Museum. Then check out the hip downtown area and sample some amazing barbecue.
Skip town and drive an hour southeast to Pella, a beautiful city founded in 1847 by Dutch immigrants. Here, you can visit authentic Dutch bakeries, amble along the Molengracht Canal, and explore the Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill.
From Des Moines, it’s just a short 30-minute drive to Ledges State Park. At this natural playground, you can hike a sandstone gorge, kayak in the Des Moines River, or picnic while keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Recent reviews
Tony helped us get to the car and had everything ready when we needed it.
Nice fun car to drive around Des Moines if back again before the relocation in permanent, will definitely use again!
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If you’re planning a day trip to Pella, travel along Highway T14 to get there. This fun drive through Iowa’s central countryside twists and turns as it skirts wildlife areas and Lake Red Rock. End your journey at Jaarsma Bakery for delicious Dutch pastries.
Short but sweet, this 5-mile route loops around the Neal Smith Wildlife Area near Prairie City. As you drive, you’ll see gorgeous wildflowers, vast plains, and plenty of bison. You’ll need to stay in your car, but you can usually see the bison fine without getting out.
Head toward Saylorville Lake and take 415 north to Polk City. As you wind along this curvy road, you’ll encounter beautiful lakeside views and picturesque campgrounds. Complete your trip by heading further North to Big Creek Lake, a lovely park with lots of recreational options.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. Liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.
When a trip is booked in the state of Washington, physical damage to the host’s vehicle is covered by insurance purchased by Turo, but Turo’s insurance does not change the contractual responsibilities of hosts or guests with respect to physical damage to a host’s vehicle.