Plan Your Visit
Weather
Iowa weather can change throughout the day, with an average high of 85°F, average low of 60°F and an average of 65% humidity in June. But, these are averages — temperatures can reach 100°F and rain showers are possible, so be sure to plan and pack accordingly!
Lodging
PLEASE BE AWARE OF HOTEL BOOKING SCAMS — World Pork Expo does not coordinate with any hotel booking groups. All reservations must be made directly with the hotels.
Hotels
Support World Pork Expo by booking with these approved hotels/motels. Each year, more than 3,000 hotel rooms are booked throughout Des Moines and the surrounding area for WPX attendees. To get the World Pork Expo rate, you must book by May 14, 2025, but be sure to plan ahead — rooms go quickly every year!
Camping
2,300 campsites are available on 160 acres within the Iowa State Fairgrounds for those interested in camping on-site during WPX.
Transportation
Getting to Des Moines
Driving
Two major highways — Interstate 35 (which runs north-south) and Interstate 80 (east-west) — intersect in Des Moines.
Flying
The Des Moines International Airport services many major airlines, though most flights will connect through a larger city like Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver or Minneapolis.
Getting to the Iowa State Fairgrounds
For GPS and online mapping services, use the address 3000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317. The Iowa State Fairgrounds is located at East 30th Street and East University Avenue, 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines.
We suggest these routes:
Eastern Iowa
From I-80 take Exit 141 (Hwy. 65 Bypass), travel south on Hwy. 65 to Exit 79 and head west on Hwy. 163 (East University Avenue) approximately three miles to the Fairgrounds. It is suggested that visitors enter the Fair parking lot at E. 36th as a left-hand turn may not be allowed into the grounds at E. 33rd at certain times.
Northern Iowa
From I-35, take I-235 to Exit 10A then head east on East University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.
Western Iowa
From I-235, take Exit 10A then head east on East University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.
Public Transportation In Des Moines
Des Moines Area Rapid Transit (DART)
DART is the largest public transit agency in Iowa, serving 19 cities in and around Polk County, and is at your service for travel between your hotel and World Pork Expo.
- DART World Pork Expo information
- DART System Overview
Taxicabs and Shuttles
Whether you need transportation to or from the airport, transportation between World Pork Expo and your hotel, or transportation for evening outings, the Des Moines area offers a variety of options for individuals and large or small groups:
- Trans Iowa shuttle services: 515-244-4919
- Capitol Cab Company: 515-282-8111
- YellowCabCo: 515-243-1111
Uber
Uber and Lyft are smartphone apps and payment is automatic — no cash, no card, no hassle. Sign up with either service online to start riding.
Explore the Industry Further
Interested in learning more about the pork industry during your visit?
Iowa Pork Producers Association
Clive, IA
National Pork Board Headquarters
Clive, IA
National Pork Producers Council Headquarters
Urbandale, IA
National Swine Research and Information Center
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
U.S. Pork Center of Excellence
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
American Association of Swine Veterinarians Headquarters
Perry, IA
Discover Des Moines
Des Moines is proud to host the World Pork Expo, and we invite you to explore our growing city. You can enjoy locally owned restaurants, wineries, breweries and live music venues, or browse the shops in the East Village, explore public art, walk or bike endless trails and discover many other family-friendly attractions.