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
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
Default Image

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
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
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
Default Image

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
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 $192 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $192
CA $215 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,009 reviews)
"Can’t say enough about the dining options on property. The café coffee is some of the best I’ve ever had. The mac & cheese there is to die for. And the daily happy hour at the upscale restaurant was also amazing. Staff was amazing and I certainly will never stay anywhere else in Iowa."

Reviewed on Aug. 6, 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
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 $107 per night from Aug 20 to Aug 21
CA $107
CA $120 total
Aug 20 - Aug 21
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 (530 reviews)
Vaycay
"Bed was a little to firm for us. It was a bit to noisy. Kids running in the hallway at 11pm."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
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
The price is CA $102 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
CA $102
CA $114 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (1,579 reviews)
"The breakfast was hood. The bed was very comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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! (97 reviews)
"I liked that the property was close to the sky walk. Areas that need improvement: rugs in both bathrooms, needed nonslip covers in both tubs, more towel rods or hooks in bathroom to hand robes and towels, both rooms need nightstands, and main living area needed a table."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks

1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks

Boone
Stay at this vacation home in Boone. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Birthplace of Mamie D. Eisenhower and Boone and Scenic ...
10/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
A trip back in time
"We feel so fortunate to have been able to stay at the 607 Guest House! From the second we walked through the door, I felt like I was at my Grandma's house once again! Everything was clean and we loved the attention to detail throughout the home! Our stay was comfortable, relaxing and fun! Thank you, ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

1800s Home, Train-Themed Decor, Walk to Downtown & Attractions, Exclusive Perks
Modern Oasis: 2-Story Loft, 2bd/2bth Downtown

Modern Oasis: 2-Story Loft, 2bd/2bth Downtown

2 out of 5
Des Moines
Stay at this apartment in Des Moines. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casey's Center and Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
"Met our needs for a 4 night stay."

Reviewed on Aug. 1, 2025

Modern Oasis: 2-Story Loft, 2bd/2bth Downtown
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