East Central Iowa, IA

Travel Guide

Vander Veer Botanical Park featuring wildflowers, a park and a fountain
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a garden
Vander Veer Botanical Park featuring a garden
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

3.5/5(161 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Southwest Area, Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library are top sights worth seeing.

Southwest Area
Davenport which includes a city and a river or creek

Downtown Davenport

4/5(76 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Davenport, you might make a stop by sights like Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino.

Downtown Davenport
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Iowa River Landing

4/5(205 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Iowa River Landing, Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Johnson County Historical Society are top sights worth seeing.

Iowa River Landing
Iowa Museum of Natural History which includes an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park

Mann

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mann, University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are top sights worth seeing.

Mann
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Twain

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Twain and surrounding area, you can visit Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
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Weber

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

While visiting Weber, you might make a stop by sights like Redbird Farms Wildlife Area and Frytown Conservation 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 ₩109,881 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
₩109,881
₩124,813 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,091 reviews)
"Nice and clean hotel. Very walkable and centrally located."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
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 ₩79,609 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
₩79,609
₩89,162 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Davenport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"My check in time was 3 pm...given keycard went to room and was dirty ( meaning someone just moved out and house keeping hasn't cleaned it) the housekeeper was clean ing another room and said try a room he had just cleaned. Poor guy was the ONLY housekeeper there and looked worked to the bone. You ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is ₩139,105 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
₩139,105
₩155,797 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,064 reviews)
"Overall great! Just that the AC in our room alarmed causing loud noise every five minutes but we were given another room."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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 WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (92 reviews)
"Great, modern & great location."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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