East Central Iowa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a park, a fountain and wild flowers
Vander Veer Botanical Park featuring a park
Vander Veer Botanical Park showing a park
Davenport which includes a city
Putnam Museum featuring interior views
Discover the history and culture of Iowa, where artsy cities, historical villages and long-abandoned colonies nestle amid beautiful natural settings.

Travel through East Central Iowa to find farmland and pasture as far as you can see. Iowa is famed for its agriculture, but culture abounds here too.

Experience the artsy, student atmosphere of Iowa City, where the University of Iowa creates a youthful ambiance. Walk along the pretty banks of the Iowa River, visit the impressive Museum of Natural History and learn about a past president at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

The picturesque city of Cedar Rapids is a cultural hub in East Central Iowa. Discover the heritage and culture of Iowa at top attractions including the Grant Wood Studio, where the artist painted American Gothic, and the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, with a large collection of Wood’s paintings. Explore the NewBo City Market, the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library and the African American Museum of Iowa and begin to understand the complex and fascinating local history.

A short distance from Cedar Rapids are the Amana Colonies, settled in the 19th century by a German religious sect. Although the Great Depression brought an end to their communal way of life in 1932, seven colonies remain today. Over 500 buildings are still almost completely intact. Explore kitchens, barns, a winery and brewery at this historic landmark.

Imagine 19th-century Holland at Pella. A short distance from the capital of Des Moines, Pella was established in 1847 by Hendrik Peter Scholte and immigrants from the Netherlands. Visit the Pella Historical Village, Scholte House Museum and Gardens and Klokkenspel. Each May, Pella explodes with color for the Tulip Time Festival. Don’t miss the fully restored Vermeer Mill, one of the largest working grain mills in the United States.

Des Moines, in Central Iowa, offers the largest and most convenient international airport to destinations in East Central Iowa. Efficient highways link the major towns and cities. Head off the highways, though, to discover the true Iowan countryside and community feel.

Where to stay in East Central Iowa

Davenport which includes a river or creek and a city

Downtown Davenport

If you're spending some time in Downtown Davenport, Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Davenport
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Iowa River Landing

While visiting Iowa River Landing, you might make a stop by sights like Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Johnson County Historical Society.

Iowa River Landing
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library featuring interior views and heritage elements

Southwest Area

While visiting Southwest Area, you might make a stop by sights like Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.

Southwest Area
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building, a park and heritage architecture

Mann

While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building.

Mann
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Weber

5/5(1 area review)

While Weber may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Coral Ridge Mall and Finkbine Golf Course.

Weber
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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Twain
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is ₹8,543 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
₹8,543
₹9,568 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,082 reviews)
"I had a nice stay. The only downside is that wifi was not stable."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is ₹7,466 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
₹7,466
₹8,480 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Easy 2 block walk to the pedestrian mall area."

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2024

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline
Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline
2.5 out of 5
101 18th St, Moline, IL
The price is ₹8,250 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
₹8,250
₹9,403 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Got there late and they were still amazimg"

Reviewed on 21 Nov 2024

Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline
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 Wi-Fi, a business centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (67 reviews)
"Great place! We loved it!"

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2024

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Moon River Cabins
Moon River Cabins
3 out of 5
905 South Riverview Dr, Bellevue, IA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Bellevue. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Bellevue State Park and Riverview Park are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (59 reviews)
The Stars where so BRIGHT!
"Friendliest staff! Beautiful cozy Cabin! Loved my jetted bathtub! Terrific view. Quaint town! Close to major city. The Stars were so BRIGHT!!! Cozy fire place kept cabin warm along with central heating cooling and tons of ceiling fans. So Romantic and most of all peaceful 😌"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Moon River Cabins
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 East Central Iowa