Central Iowa

Travel Guide

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

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 featuring a city, a high-rise building and landscape views

Downtown Des Moines

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Downtown Des Moines boasts corporate campuses, fine dining, and unique retail destinations. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and enjoy easy access to DART transit and skywalk connections.

Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines Botanical Center showing a waterfall

Capitol Park

While Capitol Park isn't home to many top sights, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Iowa State Capitol Building are some notable places to visit nearby.

Capitol Park
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

Directly east of Downtown Des Moines, this nationally recognized historic district boasts the Iowa State Capitol complex, State of Iowa Historical Museum, and Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore eateries, boutique shops, and loft-style housing in its charming structures.

Historic East Village
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Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while in the area.

Court District
Grays Lake which includes a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

While Greater South Side might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Greater South Side
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Southwestern Hills

While Southwestern Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Southwestern Hills
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
The price is CA $108 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $108
CA $121 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
5.6/10 (567 reviews)
Just manage expectations and it’ll be fine!
"We booked to stay during the state fair with our 3 year old. The hotel is older, for sure. Certainly not a luxury establishment. That said, though, our rooms were clean. The AC worked very well in our room, almost freezing us out the first night until we adjusted it. Our room opened to the waterpark ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
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 CA $193 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $193
CA $216 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Everything was perfect at this lovely hotel except I didn’t care for the restaurant food. Just not suited for my tastebuds."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA

2 out of 5
7655 Office Plaza Dr N, West Des Moines, IA
The price is CA $86 per night from Aug 22 to Aug 23
CA $86
CA $97 total
Aug 22 - Aug 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (536 reviews)
"The outside needs paint! Handrails were rusty and need repainted. Ice machine was out of order! Room was very clean and in excellent condition."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
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 Casey's Center ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
"Did not know what to expect upon arrival but was pleased to find our own little apartment in this very modern building … loved the kitchen and availability of the in unit laundry. Only complaint I could say is no hair dryer (4 girls) and one night there was an alarm prompting evacuation in the middle ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 13, 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Remodeled 5-bedroom 3-Bath house for your family fun!

Remodeled 5-bedroom 3-Bath house for your family fun!

Clear Lake
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Clear Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions McIntosh Wildlife Area ...
10/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"Check in was super easy all instructions were simple to follow. The main floor is beautifully remodeled with tons of space for a family to hang out. The views of the lake are amazing."

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Remodeled 5-bedroom 3-Bath house for your family fun!
Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home

Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home

West Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Valley Stadium ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"The home was exceptionally clean and well stocked with amenities (soap, shampoo/conditioner, towels, extra pillows and blankets), which made for a very comfortable stay. The location is ideal, close to all shopping and restaurants in West Des Moines and easy access to the interstate system. The host ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Comfortable and Spacious 3 Bedroom Home
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