East Central Iowa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Vander Veer Botanical Park showing wild flowers, a garden and a fountain
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
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 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$173 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
AU$173
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
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! (1,104 reviews)
"Great locally-themed hotel close to everything I needed for my visit for the annual book festival."

Reviewed on 29 Oct. 2024

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
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$169 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
AU$169
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,031 reviews)
"Good location and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 30 Oct. 2024

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$166 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
AU$166
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Wonderful comfortable quiet place so conveniently located. You can walk to amazing restaurants"

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 2024

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
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.
Minutes from anywhere
Minutes from anywhere
Moline
Stay at this apartment in Moline. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions John Deere Pavilion and John Deere Store are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (78 reviews)
Good and clean
"Very clean and easy to get to. Older house but well taken care of. Owner responded quickly to texts. The bed was too soft for me but overall a decent place to stay."

Reviewed on 20 Oct. 2024

Minutes from anywhere
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! (63 reviews)
Cute house
"I was very impressed with the communication of the host. He was very accommodating. We would definitely stay here again. Only downfall with this stay would be parking out front, but he gave us a heads up about a wedding and we had plenty places to park out back. Great house!"

Reviewed on 21 Oct. 2024

Renwick Mansion Guest House
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! (201 reviews)
Cabin
"The deck was full of leaves and tree falling. We had to quickly sweep before guests arrived. Door from lower level had cobwebs on it. Floors were not the cleanest. We moved the couch to look for a lost ring and under the couch was not clean at all. There was not enough wash clothes for our 12 guests ..."

Reviewed on 31 Oct. 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