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

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
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
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
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
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

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
The price is ₹6,901 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,901
₹7,839 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,119 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is ₹8,736 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,736
₹9,785 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,065 reviews)
"The decor and vibe of the hotel was so much fun! Very comfortable beds and great night sleep!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

3 out of 5
3330 E Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA
The price is ₹5,151 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹5,151
₹5,769 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Davenport. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
Family Vacation
"This hotel was good enough"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center
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! (96 reviews)
"I love Iowa, Desmones."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House

2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House

3 out of 5
Newton
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Newton. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Aurora Park and Agnes Patterson Memorial ...
2 Mi to Main St: Newton Guest House
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