Travel & Parking

Directions to the Grand Blue Mile:

From the North

• Traveling south on I-35 S, continue straight to I-235 W
• Take exit 7 for Keo Way, keep right at fork for Keo Way
• Turn right on 9th St and continue to Locust St
• Ramp parking available on Locust St and Grand Ave (one block North)

From the South

• Traveling north on I-35 N, take exit 72A for I-235 E
• Take exit 7B toward Keo Way, keep right on Keo Way
• Turn right on 9th St and continue to Locust St
• Ramp parking available on Locust St and Grand Ave (one block North)

From the East

• Traveling west on I-80 W, take exit 137A for I-235 W
• Take exit 7 for Keo Way, keep right at fork for Keo Way
• Turn right on 9th St and continue to Locust St
• Ramp parking available on Locust St and Grand Ave (one block North)

From the West

• Traveling east on I-80 E, continue straight to I-235 E
• Take exit 7B toward Keo Way, keep right on Keo Way
• Turn right on 9th St and continue to Locust St
• Ramp parking available on Locust St and Grand Ave (one block North)

Parking

An array of parking options are available in Downtown Des Moines, including streets, ramps, and surface lots—all within close proximity of the Grand Blue Mile course. More information, including a map of City of Des Moines parking ramps is available here.

Hotel

Des Moines Marriott
700 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309

Centrally located and modernly styled, the Des Moines Marriott serves as an official host hotel of the Drake Relays and is a short walk from the Grand Blue Mile start and finish lines and other recreational areas.