Central Iowa, IA

Travel Guide

Iowa State University featuring a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture
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 featuring a garden and wildflowers
Des Moines Art Center featuring 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 which includes landscape views, a skyscraper and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4.5/5(711 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
View into downtown from the Capitol Building.

#capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market while in the area.

Court District
Great Western Trail. Lovely and mostly flat. Connects to other trails in the greater DSM area. Ride it to work when the weather's good.

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
Checked out the Mars Cafe in Des Moines, IA. Great spot with good seating, wifi, and a pretty good latte. Nice flavor to the espresso. A good spot for a light lunch wit good sandwiches. 

If I have to be in Iowa it's nice to find a good coffee joint.

Drake

If you're spending some time in Drake, Des Moines Community Playhouse and Knapp Center are top sights worth seeing.

Drake
Grays Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

4/5(189 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
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,607 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
NT$3,607
NT$4,040 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
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! (1,007 reviews)
"No complaints"

Reviewed on 2025/6/16

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
The price is NT$2,010 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
NT$2,010
NT$2,251 total
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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! (1,506 reviews)
"Convenient airport shuttle. Quick and efficient check-in / check-out. Quiet location despite proximity to airport. Our room was decent size. Convenient electrical outlets for charging laptop / phones. Working desk is small but adequate. Comfortable beds. Plenty of hot water. Nice variety for breakfast. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/19

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,715 reviews)
"Beautiful property and room for a fair price."

Reviewed on 2025/6/16

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
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! (89 reviews)
"All the convinces of home, while being central to all activities."

Reviewed on 2025/6/15

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
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