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, Figge Art Museum and Davenport Skybridge 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Weber

5/5(1 area review)

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

Weber
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is ₹9,053 per night from 5 May to 6 May
₹9,053
₹10,139 total
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
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)
"It’s in the heart of the plaza area so near a lot of restaurants, bars, and stores."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

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 ₹7,577 per night from 4 May to 5 May
₹7,577
₹8,607 total
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (1,044 reviews)
"Did not like one car per room"

Reviewed on 20 Apr 2025

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 ₹8,332 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
₹8,332
₹9,496 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
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! (1,075 reviews)
"No issues with checking in. Staff courteous. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2025

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 Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (83 reviews)
"Overall it was perfect for our team. We were able to take the skywalk pretty much all the way to the event center. Could have been a little cleaner but overall great. We will stay here again next year!"

Reviewed on 13 Apr 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