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 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
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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
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
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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Weber

While Weber may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Coral Ridge Mall and Finkbine Golf Course.

Weber
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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Twain
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is AU$174 per night from 12 Dec to 13 Dec
AU$174
includes taxes & fees
12 Dec - 13 Dec
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,078 reviews)
"I had a nice stay. The only downside is that wifi was not stable."

Reviewed on 19 Nov. 2024

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 AU$150 per night from 27 Dec to 28 Dec
AU$150
includes taxes & fees
27 Dec - 28 Dec
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 23 Nov. 2024

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 AU$186 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
AU$186
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Awesome staff! They were friendly and helpful!"

Reviewed on 25 Nov. 2024

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.
Renwick Mansion Guest House
Renwick Mansion Guest House
Davenport
Stay at this vacation home in Davenport. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions B.J. and Mabel Palmer Mansion and Village of East Davenport ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Great add on
"We had a church group attending a conference in the area. Most of us were up at the Renwick, but the guest house was a great inexpensive option for three extra bedrooms. The house is quaint and well kept."

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2024

Renwick Mansion Guest House
Enjoy Florida in Illinois; House on Island with Pool
Enjoy Florida in Illinois; House on Island with Pool
East Moline
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in East Moline. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Hero Street Memorial ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
Awesome stay in East Moline
"The island was very cool, the house was in great shape, and there were plenty of beds for me and the team that I brought!"

Reviewed on 27 Oct. 2024

Enjoy Florida in Illinois; House on Island with Pool
Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Solon
Stay at this vacation home in Solon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Lake Macbride State Park and Macbride Nature Recreation Area ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (203 reviews)
Super cool
"Very cool remote property with kayak access."

Reviewed on 16 Nov. 2024

Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
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