Casinos Near Des Moines Iowa | Top 7 Picks

Iowa is known for its variety of casinos, and Des Moines is no exception. While there aren’t any casinos located within the city limits, there are several options within a short drive. In this article, we’ll give you our top 7 picks for the best casinos near Des Moines Iowa, along with information about what games they offer and how to get there.

Top 7 Best Casinos Near Des Moines Iowa

1. Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel

Prairie Meadows is a premier casino located in Altoona, IA, just 15 minutes from downtown Des Moines. It features a 85,000 square foot gaming floor with over 1,700 slot machines and 60 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat.

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For poker enthusiasts, the casino has a 11-table poker room that hosts daily tournaments and cash games. The hotel also features 168 rooms, an indoor pool, and multiple dining options.

Address – 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009

How to get there: Take I-235 East to I-80 East. Take Exit 142A for IA-415 South toward Altoona. Turn left onto Prairie Meadows Dr.

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2. Lakeside Hotel Casino

Lakeside Hotel Casino is located in Osceola, IA, about a 45-minute drive from Des Moines. It features over 1,000 electronic gaming machines and 16 table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps.

The casino also has a small poker room that hosts occasional tournaments and cash games. The hotel features 150 rooms, a pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.

Address – 777 Casino Dr, Osceola, IA 50213

How to get there: Take I-35 South to Exit 33 for US-34 toward Osceola. Turn left onto Casino Dr.

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3. Diamond Jo Worth Casino

Diamond Jo Worth Casino is located in Northwood, IA, about a 2-hour drive from Des Moines. It features over 1,000 electronic gaming machines and 30 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette.

For poker enthusiasts, the casino has a 7-table poker room that hosts daily tournaments and cash games. The casino also features multiple dining options.

Address – 777 Diamond Jo Ln, Northwood, IA 50459

How to get there: Take I-35 North to Exit 214 for Diamond Jo Ln.

4. Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo

Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo is located in Waterloo, IA, about a 2-hour drive from Des Moines. It features over 950 electronic gaming machines and 25 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette.

The casino also has a 6-table poker room that hosts daily tournaments and cash games. The hotel features 195 rooms, a pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.

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Address – 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701

How to get there: Take I-80 East to I-380 North. Take Exit 72A for US-218 South. Take Exit 182 for IA-21 East toward Waterloo. Turn right onto Isle of Capri Blvd.

5. Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel is located in Tama, IA, about a 1-hour drive from Des Moines. It features over 1,300 electronic gaming machines and 25 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette.

For poker enthusiasts, the casino has a 10-table poker room that hosts daily tournaments and cash games. The hotel features 404 rooms, a pool, a spa, and multiple dining options.

Address – 1504 305th St, Tama, IA 52339

How to get there: Take I-80 East to IA-21 South in Tama. Take exit 201 from I-80 East. Follow IA-21 South to 305th St.

6. Rhythm City Casino Resort

Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport is another option for those looking for casinos near Des Moines, IA. It is situated approximately 168 miles from the city, which is a little over 2.5 hours by car. The casino floor features over 900 slot machines and 14 table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. Poker enthusiasts can also enjoy a six-table poker room that hosts daily tournaments and cash games.

The resort has 106 guest rooms and suites, an indoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, and several dining options. Its location on the banks of the Mississippi River also offers guests stunning views and access to outdoor activities such as boating and fishing.

Address – 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807

How to get there: Take I-80 East to I-74 East. Take Exit 3 for Middle Rd. Turn left onto Middle Rd and continue onto Spruce Hills Dr. Turn right onto Elmore Ave.

7. Wild Rose Casino & Resort

Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Jefferson is another option for those looking for casinos near Des Moines, IA. It is situated approximately 66 miles northwest of the city, which is a little over an hour’s drive. The casino floor features over 500 slot machines and table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. Poker enthusiasts can also enjoy a five-table poker room that hosts daily tournaments and cash games.

The resort has 71 guest rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and several dining options. Its location in the heart of the Raccoon River Valley also offers guests access to outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

Address – 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129

How to get there: Take I-80 West to Exit 127 for IA-25 toward Menlo. Turn right onto IA-25 North and continue onto Wild Rose Dr.

What Else is There to Do Near Casinos in Des Moines, Iowa?

While the casinos themselves offer plenty of entertainment options, there’s also plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas of Des Moines. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Visit the Iowa State Fairgrounds: Located just outside of Des Moines in the town of Altoona, the Iowa State Fairgrounds host a variety of events throughout the year, including the Iowa State Fair in August. The fairgrounds also have a museum dedicated to the fair’s history and a year-round farmers’ market.
  2. Catch a Baseball Game: Des Moines is home to the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The team plays at Principal Park, which is located just across the river from downtown Des Moines.
  3. Explore Downtown Des Moines: The city’s downtown area has plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to explore. Check out the Des Moines Art Center, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, or take a stroll along the Des Moines Riverwalk.
  4. Go to Adventureland: Located in Altoona, Adventureland is an amusement park that offers roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions for all ages.
  5. Visit the Salisbury House & Gardens: This historic house in Des Moines was built in the 1920s and is now a museum. It features a collection of rare books, art, and artifacts, as well as beautiful gardens to explore.

With these options and more, you can easily make a trip to the casinos near Des Moines, Iowa into a fun-filled vacation.

Final Thoughts on the Casinos Near Des Moines Iowa

While there are not many casinos directly in Des Moines, there are several great options nearby for those looking for gaming and entertainment. From Lakeside Hotel & Casino’s proximity to outdoor activities to Rhythm City Casino Resort’s stunning location on the Mississippi River, each casino offers something unique. Whether you’re a fan of slot machines, table games, or poker, these casinos have something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in Des Moines, consider taking a short trip to one of these nearby casinos for some fun and excitement.