Where is the best place to park for 1 day only?
If I go,I'll only have 1 day to do it,before getting my butt back to work the next day.Probably get there around 8/9AM wed.or Thu.,and leave that evening around 5PM.
No overnight stay is possible.
I plan to pick up a large item,so where is the best place to be able to access my Truck and drive it up to the vendor?
Is there any place that won't charge for parking?
Aren't the local streets marked for NO PARKING that week?

Des Moines Police patrol the area and mark off No Parking on residential streets. Stay out of trouble by parking in the Airport lot next door to the Iowa Gas HQ Holiday Inn. Local residents and non-Iowa Gas businesses may call to complain about cars parked by them. The parking fee is worth the next door location and peace of mind.

Bring a hand truck or wagon to cart off your purchases. You can possibly double park to pick up an item, but don't push your luck too long.

Thanks Jim.
What does the Airport lot charge?..and is it by the day or hour?

Map of lots and fees.

http://www.dsmairport.com/parking/general-parking-map/

Economy #1 is next door to swap meet. Just cross side street to walk back and forth.

You can't get physical access to the parking lot/vending area until about 6 pm when every one closes up and some people drive out. Picking up a big item is difficult at mid day because of congestion but by 6 pm they will let you in to pick stuff up. If its movable with a wheel cart, thats the best.

Hey Rick,
I don't think you would have a problem finding a parking spot in the hotel parking lot(not the vending area though). It gets tough to find one at night, but I think one can be had during the day. Pat.

Thanks guys....appreciate it.