Central Iowa, IA

Travel Guide

Iowa State University featuring a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture
Reiman Gardens which includes a park and signage as well as a family
Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a garden and heritage architecture
Reiman Gardens featuring a garden and wildflowers
Des Moines Art Center featuring interior views and art

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
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
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
Checked out the Mars Cafe in Des Moines, IA. Great spot with good seating, wifi, and a pretty good latte. Nice flavor to the espresso. A good spot for a light lunch wit good sandwiches. If I have to be in Iowa it's nice to find a good coffee joint.

Drake

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

Drake
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
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 SAR 346 per night from Feb 24 to Feb 25
SAR 346
SAR 388 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
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! (1,602 reviews)
"It could use new carpet in hallways"

Reviewed on 21 February 2025

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 SAR 294 per night from Mar 2 to Mar 3
SAR 294
SAR 329 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Mar - 3 Mar
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! (1,001 reviews)
Good stay
"We arrived late in the evening, and the staff was responsive and courteous. Comfy bed. Very pleased."

Reviewed on 19 February 2025

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Surety Hotel
Surety Hotel
4 out of 5
206 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA
The price is SAR 479 per night from Feb 24 to Feb 25
SAR 479
SAR 550 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (913 reviews)
"Great staff and a beautiful hotel."

Reviewed on 16 February 2025

Surety Hotel
See all 1,431 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 Ruan Center and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (71 reviews)
"It's great to have full apartment amenities for the week-long stay."

Reviewed on 26 January 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
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NEW REMODEL! ARCADE GAMES, PNG PNG, SKEE BALL, ACCESS TO POOLS..WE HAVE IT ALL!
Urbandale
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Urbandale. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena and Merle Hay ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Just as described
"Our large family had a great stay here! There was something for everyone to do!"

Reviewed on 9 January 2025

NEW REMODEL! ARCADE GAMES, PNG PNG, SKEE BALL, ACCESS TO POOLS..WE HAVE IT ALL!
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena and Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
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

Iowa State University which includes modern architecture

Iowa State University

4.5/5(427 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Iowa State University, during your trip to Ames. In the area, you can attend a football game or basketball game.

Iowa State University
The Tornado and Dragon roller coasters at Adventureland.

Adventureland

4/5(201 reviews)

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

Adventureland
The Campanile at the center of the 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
Brigde

Principal Park

4.5/5(62 reviews)

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.

Principal Park
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture

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 great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Iowa State Capitol Building

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 acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Jordan Creek Town Center