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
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
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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
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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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
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Weber

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Weber, you might make a stop by sights like Frytown Conservation Area and Redbird Farms Wildlife Area.

Weber
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹7,607 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
₹7,607
₹8,641 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Apr - 10 Apr
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
"Great hotel, great service! right in the heart of everything!"

Reviewed on 30 Mar 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons
Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons
3.5 out of 5
1415 River Dr, Moline, IL
The price is ₹8,769 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
₹8,769
₹9,908 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,115 reviews)
"Close proximity to the concert venue and many food/drink options!"

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
Fully refundable
The price is ₹9,088 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
₹9,088
₹10,179 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Apr - 10 Apr
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,088 reviews)
"Wet convenient for a visit to u of Iowa"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2025

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
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 Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
Great spot, not quiet.
"Everything was great except this room is VERY close to the main entrance and the walls are VERY thin, making it a noisy stay. On top of that, someone started vacuuming the hallway outside at 7am."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

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 East Central Iowa