Central Iowa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Iowa State University showing a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture
Reiman Gardens featuring a park and signage as well as a family
Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a park and heritage architecture
Reiman Gardens showing a garden and wild flowers
Des Moines Art Center featuring art and interior views

Delve into rural America in the heart of Iowa, where rolling farmland, the state capital and a wealth of cultural attractions await. 

Visit Central Iowa for some of the United States’ most traditional landscapes and friendly people. Rolling hills and acres of green, lush farmland provide a true picture of rural America. The central part of this big state is characterized by bucolic villages and towns, where occasional farms and their red-sided barns are the only things breaking the panorama of pastures.

Between the fields, Central Iowa also has fascinating towns and cities. Stop first in the capital city of Des Moines. Look up at the sparkling golden dome of the State Capitol. Wander through the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park to see works by more than 20 artists as well as a staggering panorama of the city. Visit in the summer and attend the legendary Iowa State Fair, a large collection of rides, food and animals.

Southwest of Des Moines is Madison County. Seek out the iconic covered bridges, the largest group of which exists in one area in the western half of the Mississippi Valley. Nearby, visit the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum.

Just east of the winding Des Moines River, Fort Dodge is an interesting town to explore. Wander around the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, have a tasting at a local winery, attend a community festival or concert, or head off for fun in the outdoors. Find numerous parks including the Brushy Creek State Recreation Area with hiking and horseback riding.

Head east to Iowa Falls on the shores of the Iowa River. Walk over the Iowa Falls Swinging Bridge, stroll through one of the city parks or take a trip down the river on an iconic and traditional riverboat.

The large international airport in Des Moines serves as the main entry point to Central Iowa. Embark on a memorable road trip and drive along I-80, the major east-west route through the state. Entering from Illinois, it passes many points of interest before going through Des Moines and west toward Omaha, Nebraska.

Where to stay in Central Iowa

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by Polk County Courthouse or 801 Grand might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to State Historical Museum of Iowa and Wooly's while you're in town.

Historic East Village
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Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while you're in town.

Court District
Grays Lake showing a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

4/5(2 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Greater South Side
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Southwestern Hills

Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Southwestern Hills
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city

Western Gateway

While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Western Gateway
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The price is NZ$257 per night from 23 July to 24 July
NZ$257
23 July - 24 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,015 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$124 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$124
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,527 reviews)
"I've stayed here before."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
3 out of 5
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is NZ$194 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$194
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"I like the location. However, I couldn't park my car at the hotel parking lot due to construction, which created the inconvenience for guests parked their car across the street, with invisible signs that I couldn't see. I drove around in circles for couple time before I could park my car. I wish ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 2025

Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way, Des Moines, IA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (92 reviews)
"Great, modern & great location."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Principal Park and Wells ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Great play to stay!
"There were 4 of us and we were attending a comedian performance. The location was great and we enjoyed the outdoor patio. Thank you for a great stay!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
Newly remodeled Clean Spacious 5-bedroom  House with AC, WiFi, Golf Cart
Newly remodeled Clean Spacious 5-bedroom House with AC, WiFi, Golf Cart
Clear Lake
Stay at this vacation home in Clear Lake. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Surf Ballroom and Museum and Clear Lake Fire Museum ...
Family Reunion
"This property is newly renovated with a great location! It was the perfect house with lots of space. The beds were comfortable, everything was very clean, and easy communication with owner. Stay at this property for a stress free vacation!!!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Newly remodeled Clean Spacious 5-bedroom House with AC, WiFi, Golf Cart
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Central Iowa