East Central Iowa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vander Veer Botanical Park showing wild flowers, a garden and a fountain
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a park
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a garden
Davenport showing 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 showing a city and a river or creek

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 heritage architecture, an administrative building and a garden

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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University Heights

While there might not be top attractions in University Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Finkbine Golf Course and Kinnick Stadium.

University Heights
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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
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is AU$155 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
AU$155
21 Oct - 22 Oct
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! (1,226 reviews)
Great location
"Everything was great, no complaints"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 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 AU$100 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$100
13 Oct - 14 Oct
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! (1,017 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center
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 AU$177 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$177
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,202 reviews)
"Clean room, spacious, friendly staff, great complimentary breakfast, easy and free parking"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons
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.
Riverfront Winter Getaway - HotTub-Games-Firepit

Riverfront Winter Getaway - HotTub-Games-Firepit

North Liberty
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in North Liberty. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sugar Bottom Park and Raptor ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"Great property & location! Loved the waterfront access for fishing & kayaking! Relaxing screened in porch to enjoy the outdoor views without the bugs! Great communication with host, who answered several of our questions promptly. Highly recommend this property!"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Riverfront Winter Getaway - HotTub-Games-Firepit
3BR/2BA Beauty near TBK sports complex. Right off I74, close to everything!

3BR/2BA Beauty near TBK sports complex. Right off I74, close to everything!

Bettendorf
Stay at this vacation home in Bettendorf. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Family Museum and Isle Casino ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"Inside of house was wonderful. The outside if the property was awful. Grass and weeds were overgrown. Made trying to sit outside unpleasant."

Reviewed on 7 Sept 2025

3BR/2BA Beauty near TBK sports complex. Right off I74, close to everything!
Country Club Cottages - 1703

Country Club Cottages - 1703

2 out of 5
Washington
Stay at this vacation home in Washington. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Madison Park and Washington ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
"Love staying here when we visit South East Iowa!"

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2025

Country Club Cottages - 1703
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

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