Stayed down town one year. At the last minute. Expensive room but travel agent got it for cheap. Parked across the street in the parking garage. Spent a few hours watching people cruise the strip from my 5th floor window. Also noticed heavy police presence. This was 7 years ago. Noticed an undercover officer walking thru the parking garage every hour. Was offered if I wanted to buy some pot(stupid kids), only because of the car I was driving. See avatar.
Personally I would stay in Altoona (NE of fairgrounds). Easy access to the fairgrounds without having to deal with downtown traffic. There's a Hampton and LaQuinta just off the interstate that are pretty decent.
The fire works shot by folks in the neighborhood last year was better than any commercial show I've seen
We used to stay at the Kirkwood hotel somewhere in downtown Desmoines. Pretty decent cool old hotel, plus it is right by all the bars.... -Abone.
I've lived in downtown DSM. All parking will be unsecured and either on the street or in a publicly accessible ramp (some owned by the city, others by parking companies). Unless, of course, you stay at the Marriott or Embassay Suites and are willing to let a valet park your car. Personally, I'd also stay in Altoona due to the ease of access. There are a couple of new hotels near the "Outlets of Des Moines" in addition to the aforementioned.
I went last year, Covid crisis and all. Stayed in Altoona , near the casino, can't remember the motels name. Easy short drive to the fairgrounds. Very warm last year. Google maps Des Moines & check for motels.
You could just stop in central mo. My show will be a lot better. I can even get you a room at the local hotel. Safe neighborhood. Just a thought.
I live in Des Moines, and yes Altoona is a great place to stay, but I live on the South side by the Airport and we have a nice Fairfield inn, Doubletree, and Homewood suites that are only 10 mins away from the fairgrounds on the Highway 5 bypass. I wouldn't worry about leaving a car in any of those places as they are well lit and crime in Des Moines and Altoona is low.
There should be about 4 - 5000 cars plus. In Des Moines. It was one of the shows Gary Meadors liked the best.
I would not stay down town. Too many young mischief kids hang out down there at night on the weekends. Stay in the burbs, Host Hotel is in West Desmoines Marriot ( if you can get a room) or plenty of rooms in Ankeny ( North) or Altoona ( North East). But no guarantees - In todays society locks only keep the honest people out. Doesn't matter where you are. I hope that isn't the case while you are here. Good luck - hope you have a great time and maybe we'll run into each other.
The Jalopy Journal
