Central Iowa, IA

Travel Guide
Iowa State University featuring a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture

Where to stay in Central Iowa

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes landscape views, a skyscraper and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4.5/5(711 area reviews)

Downtown Des Moines boasts corporate campuses, fine dining, and unique retail destinations. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and enjoy easy access to DART transit and skywalk connections.

Downtown Des Moines
View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while in the area.

Court District
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

Directly east of Downtown Des Moines, this nationally recognized historic district boasts the Iowa State Capitol complex, State of Iowa Historical Museum, and Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore eateries, boutique shops, and loft-style housing in its charming structures.

Historic East Village
Des Moines Botanical Center showing a cascade

Capitol Park

While Capitol Park isn't home to many top sights, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Iowa State Capitol Building are some notable places to visit nearby.

Capitol Park
Grays Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

4/5(189 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Greater South Side, Gray’s Lake Park and Water Works Park are top sights worth seeing.

Greater South Side
Default Image

Drake

If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.

Drake
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is AED67 per night from Oct 21 to Oct 22
AED67
per night
Oct 21 - Oct 22
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,292 reviews)
"We arrived very late at night and everything went smoothly Staff is friendly and very helpful"

Reviewed on 15 Sep, 2024

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
The price is AED111 per night from Sep 26 to Sep 27
AED111
per night
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,425 reviews)
"This hotel was safe, quiet, and comfortable."

Reviewed on 18 Sep, 2024

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
2.5 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr, West Des Moines, IA
The price is AED93 per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
AED93
per night
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Really wonderful experience. Great breakfast, clean comfortable room, great people."

Reviewed on 21 Sep, 2024

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
See all 1,316 properties in Central Iowa
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! (61 reviews)
"Great property in an amazing location! Walkable to great restaurants, coffee shops, and the farmers market. The kitchen was well stocked with dishes and cooking utensils. I would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 29 Aug, 2024

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
Des Moines
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a pool table. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
lost jacket
"Did you find a Jacket in the front downstairs bed room?"

Reviewed on 4 Sep, 2024

SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
Waukee
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Waukee. Enjoy a garden, a pool table, and patios. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Clive Aquatic Center ...
Great place.
"Property was exactly as expected. Communicating was easy and great with property manager."

Reviewed on 29 Aug, 2024

LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
See all properties in Central Iowa
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

Image for Iowa State University

Iowa State University

4.5/5(427 reviews)

Walk around the campus of Iowa State University, a top college in Ames. In the area, you can attend a football game or basketball game.

Iowa State University
Image for Adventureland

Adventureland

4/5(201 reviews)

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Adventureland
Image for University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa

4.5/5(106 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of Northern Iowa, during your trip to Cedar Falls. Discover the beautiful waterfalls in this family-friendly area.

University of Northern Iowa
Image for Principal Park

Principal Park

4.5/5(62 reviews)

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and lively festivals.

Principal Park
Image for Iowa State Capitol Building

Iowa State Capitol Building

4.5/5(194 reviews)

After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and lively festivals.

Iowa State Capitol Building
Image for Jordan Creek Town Center

Jordan Creek Town Center

4.5/5(522 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Jordan Creek Town Center