The Best Hotels Closest to Walnut Ridge Recreation Area in Des Moines for 2026

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Our top choices for Walnut Ridge Recreation Area hotels

A building with a sign reading "WILDWOOD LODGE."

An indoor swimming pool with a stone-tiled floor, red-framed windows, and a sign reading "LAKE WILDWOOD".

A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, a sofa, and a coffee table.

A spacious lobby with a central seating area, large windows, and a distinctive antler decoration.

1. Wildwood Lodge

15 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Theresa

AED 341

AED 382 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Oct - 21 Oct

An outdoor seating area with yellow chairs and a colorful sofa, a fire pit, and a wooden ceiling with hanging lights.

A hotel with a modern exterior, a covered outdoor seating area, and a traditional building in the background.

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a desk, and a television.

A modern restaurant with a long wooden table and chairs, a counter with a beverage dispenser, and shelves with bowls and glasses.

2. Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

15.3 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Cassandra

AED 350

AED 392 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

An indoor swimming pool with tiled flooring, a wooden ceiling, and a seating area with chairs and umbrellas.

A multi-story brick building with a covered entrance, flagpoles, and a landscaped area with trees.

A covered patio with a wooden table and chairs, a cushioned bench, and a hanging plant.

A reception area with a wooden counter, overhead pendant lights, framed pictures on the wall, and a refrigerator stocked with beverages.

3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, IA

15 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Dennis

AED 299

AED 335 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Nov - 9 Nov

A La Quinta hotel with a modern design, featuring a prominent sign, a covered entrance, and a brick facade.

A spacious lobby with modern furniture, a patterned wall, and a tiled floor.

A spacious indoor area with multiple seating arrangements, including tables and chairs, a sofa, and a television mounted on the wall.

A large indoor swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by lounge chairs and a small seating area.

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

11.9 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Todd

AED 307

AED 344 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A modern lounge area with a grey sofa, red chairs, and round tables.

A swimming pool with red chairs and tables, a lifeguard stand, and a yellow wall with signs.

A self-service food area with a variety of snacks and beverages, a local items section, and a 24/7 market sign.

A building with a 'tru by Hilton' sign on the side.

5. Tru By Hilton Grimes Des Moines

6.5 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Tyler

AED 325

AED 364 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables, and wall-mounted lamps.

A spacious, modern interior with a long wooden table and bar stools, a seating area with sofas, and a kitchen area with a countertop and shelving.

A conference room with a long table, chairs, a flat-screen TV, and windows with a view of greenery.

6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston

6.4 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Robin

AED 327

AED 367 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A swimming pool with four lounge chairs and a view of trees through large windows.

A modern breakfast bar with a coffee machine, cereal and fruit options, and a yogurt, eggs, and milk dispenser.

A reception area with two reception desks, a blue geometric wall design, and hanging pendant lights.

7. Holiday Inn Express Des Moines Ankeny by IHG

10.9 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

gary

AED 349

AED 391 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Nov - 7 Nov

A modern outdoor seating area with a central fire feature, cushioned seating, and string lights.

A modern building with a covered entrance, large windows, and a mix of brick and stucco exterior.

A buffet setup with various food items, a toaster, and a coffee station.

A bathroom with a round mirror, wooden cabinets, and a towel rack with white towels.

8. Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

13.6 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Barbara

AED 479

AED 536 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Oct - 18 Oct

An indoor swimming pool with a waterfall feature, surrounded by Adirondack chairs and a wooden deck.

A hotel room with a large bed, a fireplace, a TV, and a jacuzzi.

A wooden interior with a reception desk, a mounted moose head, and a staircase.

A cozy room with a stone fireplace, a flat-screen TV mounted above it, a sofa, a bed, and a window with blinds.

9. Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

8.3 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Jacklyn J

AED 359

AED 402 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a computer, a TV, and artwork on the wall.

A reception desk with a 'Welcome' mat, a sign for 'Sleep Inn & Suites', and a door to the right.

A modern lobby with a sofa, chairs, a lamp, and a wall with a floral pattern.

A Sleep Inn & Suites building with a stone facade, multiple windows, and a clear sky.

10. Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines

11.8 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Susan

AED 344

AED 385 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A hotel with a reflection in a calm body of water, surrounded by open fields.

A pool area with a view of the city, a table with chairs, and a lounge area with chairs.

A hotel room with two large beds, a television, a desk, and a mirror.

A modern reception area with a stone accent wall, a seating area with a sofa and chairs, a computer station, and a sign that reads "Connect & Print".

11. Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

18.6 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Jeffrey

AED 436

AED 488 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

A modern bar area with a variety of beverages and a fruit bowl on the counter.

An outdoor patio area with seating and a fire feature, surrounded by trees and a building in the background.

A spacious lobby with a central kiosk labeled "The Shop" selling chilled and frozen items.

An indoor swimming pool with a clear blue water, surrounded by grey tiles, and equipped with a metal ladder. There are lounge chairs and tables with red legs, and large windows allowing natural light.

12. Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

8.6 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Lisa

AED 372

AED 416 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Nov - 9 Nov

An outdoor seating area with sofas and tables, stone pillars, and a pathway leading to a building.

A river with a building on the left and a bridge in the foreground.

A bar area with a marble counter, a refrigerated display case with beverages, and a wall-mounted decorative piece.

A hotel room with a large window offering a view of a body of water and a grassy area.

13. Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

18.6 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Robert

AED 466

AED 522 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

An outdoor patio with modern seating and a built-in fireplace.

A modern restaurant with a long counter, multiple seating areas, and a kitchen visible in the background.

A hotel bathroom with a large mirror, a sink, and a chair.

A La Quinta hotel entrance with a modern design, numbered 1390, and a landscaped entrance area.

14. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines West Clive

15.1 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Tamara

AED 281

AED 315 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

A hotel exterior with a stone fire feature, outdoor seating, and a curved building facade.

A swimming pool with chairs and a view of the outside.

A modern bar area with a wooden counter, bar stools, and a variety of beverages.

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel with a covered entrance, multiple floors, and a landscaped front area.

15. Courtyard Marriott Ankeny

12.4 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Kendra

AED 358

AED 401 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Oct - 16 Oct

An outdoor patio area with wooden beams and string lights, furnished with chairs and tables, and a stone wall backdrop.

A modern kitchen with a long counter, a buffet area with plates, and a view into the dining area.

A hotel with a modern design, featuring multiple floors and a prominent sign.

A modern reception area with a wooden reception desk, a mounted TV, and a seating area with striped chairs.

16. Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel

12.1 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Nicholas

AED 294

AED 330 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A Holiday Inn Express & Suites building with a modern design, featuring a stone facade and a covered entrance.

A modern breakfast area with a self-serve station, a large apple-shaped sign, and a kitchen display.

A lobby with a brown sofa, grey armchairs, a small round table, and a vending machine.

A swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by lounge chairs and a wooden cabinet.

17. Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Des Moines - Jordan Creek by IHG

19.4 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Joshua

AED 378

AED 424 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Nov - 9 Nov

A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple stools, and a selection of bottles and glasses.

An outdoor patio area with wicker furniture, including sofas and tables, and a glass-enclosed building in the background.

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by lounge chairs and a glass-enclosed patio area.

A modern lounge area with sofas, armchairs, and a fireplace.

18. Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines West Clive

14.8 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Bridget

AED 327

AED 367 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A modern kitchen with a large island, wooden chairs, a bowl of fruit, and a television above the island.

A brick building with outdoor seating and large windows.

A Hampton Inn hotel with a brick facade, a 'Welcome' sign, and a clear entrance.

A hotel room with a blue sofa, a TV, a desk, and a large window with a cityscape view.

19. Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive

16.9 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Jesus

AED 325

AED 364 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

An outdoor patio area with wicker furniture, a fire pit, and a view of the building's exterior.

A spacious living area with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a dining table.

An indoor swimming pool with clear water, tiled walls, and large windows allowing natural light.

A spacious living area with a herringbone floor, wooden accents, and modern furniture.

20. Staybridge Suites Des Moines North Ankeny by IHG

10.8 km from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Carl

AED 419

AED 469 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Wildwood Lodge	9.6 Exceptional 1,221 reviews	View
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University	9.4 Exceptional 1,007 reviews	View
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, IA	9.0 Wonderful 1,000 reviews	View
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA	9.2 Wonderful 1,054 reviews	View
Tru By Hilton Grimes Des Moines	9.4 Exceptional 106 reviews	View

Hotels recommended for families near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston

Johnston

AED 327

AED 367 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A building with a stone facade, multiple windows, and outdoor seating with tables and chairs.

An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, a stone wall, and a view into the interior of a restaurant.

A dining table with decorative items, including a Buddha statue, candle, and vases.

A spacious room with a large table in the center, surrounded by chairs. The room has large windows with multiple views of the outdoors.

Qube Hotel

Polk City

AED 277

AED 328 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

The exterior of Red Lion Inn & Suites with a covered entrance, stone pillars, and potted plants.

A lobby with a high ceiling, wooden staircase, and multiple seating areas with patterned upholstery.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a sofa, a television, and a bathroom.

A hotel room with a sofa, a small table, a TV, and two lamps.

Red Lion Inn & Suites Grimes

Grimes

AED 339

AED 380 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Oct - 19 Oct

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Johnston

AED 359

AED 402 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A modern lounge area with a stone wall, comfortable seating, a flat-screen TV, and a fireplace.

An outdoor seating area with a fire pit, lounge chairs, and a sofa.

A modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a white countertop, and a built-in sink.

A modern kitchen with a long wooden table, built-in appliances, and a brick accent wall.

Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny

Ankeny

AED 493

AED 552 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

A modern retail space with a central island stocked with beverages, surrounded by shelves of snacks and packaged goods.

A modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, and hanging pendant lights.

A modern breakfast bar with a variety of food options, including fruits, sandwiches, and beverages.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Ankeny

Ankeny

AED 465

AED 521 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

Johnston

AED 372

AED 416 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Nov - 9 Nov

A reception area with two white reception desks, a blue and white geometric wall design, and a patterned carpet.

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a small table, and a painting on the wall.

A kitchenette with shelves stocked with snacks and a refrigerator containing bottled water and soda.

A coffee station with two coffee machines, a coffee press, and various coffee-related items.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Urbandale by IHG

Urbandale

AED 345

AED 387 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Nov - 10 Nov

Top Walnut Ridge Recreation Area Hotel Reviews

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

8/10 Good

"2 of the lights in the room were burned out or didn't work and the remote needed new batteries. I reported these issues to the front desk when I checked out."

Qube Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Good place"

Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston

10/10 Excellent

"We love Ame's property. From the booking to the checkout there was great communication and so much kindness shown. We had an amazing 2026 Cousin Camp!!"

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

8/10 Good

"The hot tub wasn’t working but over all was a good stay"

Spacious 5BR Retreat w/Beautiful Views,3 King 2 Full 1 Queen bed, AC in Johnston

10/10 Excellent

"We stayed here with two other families and the house was a perfect home base for the weekend. The kitchen had just about everything we needed, the bedrooms are spacious, and the kids loved the basement as a hang out space. The location is great because it’s not far off the interstate and the house is directly across the street from a huge park. We took the younger kids over to play; nice that it was walkable. Would stay here again!"

The Johnston House - Located in the heart of Johnston - Close to Saylorville

10/10 Excellent

"Very nice home and very clean. Does need some lighting outdoor at night if your coming in as I do for work in the evenings"

4 Mi to Big Creek State Park: Spacious Family Home

10/10 Excellent

"This home was absolutely perfect for our family, we traveled to the Polk city area for a wedding. It was clean, convenient, excellent communication with the owner/property manager, quiet neighborhood, close to conveniences. We had five adults, a five year-old and a baby. House worked perfectly! Thank you!"

Large New 4-bedroom house with AC in Suburban Grimes

8/10 Good

"Wonderful home! Kitchen is very nice for cooking/hanging out with everyone across dining/living space. Ventilation would be improved in bedrooms with ceiling fans. The garage is set up as rec/game room but in Iowa summers and winters it is either too humid or too cold making the area less of an option for use. Used for events at Iowa State Fairgrounds with very easy interstate driving. Location close to bars/restaurants/shopping while being a quiet suburban neighborhood. Overall a very solid option!"

3BR-Easy Lake Access-PingPong-Surrounded by Woods

10/10 Excellent

"Much needed life outside the city! Mother Nature fishing"

Other attractions near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Oak Grove Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Oak Grove Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Polk City. Discover the area's restaurants or seek out the golf courses.

See properties

Sandpiper Super Shelter & Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Sandpiper Super Shelter & Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Polk City. Discover the area's restaurants or seek out the golf courses.

See properties

Cherry Glen Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Cherry Glen Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Polk City. Discover the area's restaurants or seek out the golf courses.

See properties

Saylorville Lake Marina

Explore the waterfront in Polk City with a trip to Saylorville Lake Marina. Discover the area's restaurants or seek out the golf courses.

See properties

Polk City Refuge

You can take time to visit Polk City Refuge during your travels to Polk City. Discover the area's restaurants or seek out the golf courses.

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Cherry Glen Greenway

Cherry Glen Greenway is just one of the places to see in Ankeny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

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Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

9.4/10 (15 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Iowa Gold Star Military Museum during your trip to Johnston. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?

Walnut Ridge Recreation Area is located in Johnston. This family-friendly area is known for its array of dining options. You'll find 31 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.

Where is the best place to stay near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?

GrandStay Hotel & Suites is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers free breakfast and an indoor pool. It's located 4 mi (6.4 km) from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area. Other good choices within 5 miles include Qube Hotel and Tru By Hilton Grimes Des Moines.

How many hotels will I find near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?

Expedia has 31 hotels and other accommodations a few miles from Walnut Ridge Recreation Area.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area, will I receive a refund?

Yes, the majority of room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might be able to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter dates in and click on "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to get the best options available near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?

For more details about changing or cancelling your stay near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area, head over to our customer service page.

What can I see and do near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area?

Get outside and spend some time strolling around Oak Grove Recreation Area, Sandpiper Super Shelter & Recreation Area, and Cherry Glen Recreation Area. Bring the family to Ankeny Art Center, Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, and Pole Position Raceway while you're checking out the area near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area. If you're looking for something to do, plan a visit to Big Creek State Park, Saylorville Lake Marina, and Tournament Club of Iowa while you're in the area.

Find hotels near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area, Des Moines from AED 315

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Our top choices for Walnut Ridge Recreation Area hotels

1. Wildwood Lodge

2. Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, IA

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ankeny IA - Des Moines IA

5. Tru By Hilton Grimes Des Moines

6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston

7. Holiday Inn Express Des Moines Ankeny by IHG

8. Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

9. Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

10. Sleep Inn & Suites Ankeny - Des Moines

11. Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Altoona

12. Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

13. Hyatt Place Altoona/Des Moines

14. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines West Clive

15. Courtyard Marriott Ankeny

16. Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel

17. Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Des Moines - Jordan Creek by IHG

18. Courtyard by Marriott Des Moines West Clive

19. Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive

20. Staybridge Suites Des Moines North Ankeny by IHG

Compare popular hotels close to Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Hotels recommended for families near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Johnston

Qube Hotel

Red Lion Inn & Suites Grimes

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny

Home2 Suites by Hilton Ankeny

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Urbandale by IHG

Top Walnut Ridge Recreation Area Hotel Reviews

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Qube Hotel

Charming and Private 3-bedroom house by Saylorville Lake, North of Johnston

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Spacious 5BR Retreat w/Beautiful Views,3 King 2 Full 1 Queen bed, AC in Johnston

The Johnston House - Located in the heart of Johnston - Close to Saylorville

4 Mi to Big Creek State Park: Spacious Family Home

Large New 4-bedroom house with AC in Suburban Grimes

3BR-Easy Lake Access-PingPong-Surrounded by Woods

Other attractions near Walnut Ridge Recreation Area

Oak Grove Recreation Area

Sandpiper Super Shelter & Recreation Area

Cherry Glen Recreation Area

Saylorville Lake Marina

Polk City Refuge

Cherry Glen Greenway

Iowa Gold Star Military Museum

Frequently asked questions