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
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
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
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, Des Moines Community Playhouse and Knapp Center are top sights worth seeing.

Drake
Grays Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

4/5(189 area reviews)

While Greater South Side might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Greater South Side
Great Western Trail. Lovely and mostly flat. Connects to other trails in the greater DSM area. Ride it to work when the weather's good.

Southwestern Hills

While Southwestern Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.

Southwestern Hills
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is SAR 538 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
SAR 538
SAR 603 total
1 Dec - 2 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,055 reviews)
Beautiful place with very nice & clean rooms!

Reviewed on 22 November 2025

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University

3 out of 5
2650 University Ave. Des Moines IA
The price is SAR 357 per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
SAR 357
SAR 400 total
7 Dec - 8 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
the staff was fast and professional , the room quiet and well appointed

Reviewed on 25 November 2025

Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is SAR 236 per night from Dec 14 to Dec 15
SAR 236
SAR 265 total
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,670 reviews)
Staff

Reviewed on 25 November 2025

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
See all 1,566 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Casey's Center ...
9/10 Wonderful! (110 reviews)
This business has multiple apartments within the apartment building at this address. The apartment that I was in needs a serious deep clean and the oven door was literally coming apart. I don’t know how anyone could consider it acceptable to rent out to a guest, in this condition.

Reviewed on 26 November 2025

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
This charming house for six puts you at the heart of the action.

This charming house for six puts you at the heart of the action.

Clear Lake IA
Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Surf Ballroom and Museum and Clear Lake Fire Museum are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
The house was amazing, the host was very prompt with any questions I had. I recommend this house to everyone, beautiful inside and out and walking distance to the water.

Reviewed on 23 November 2025

This charming house for six puts you at the heart of the action.
Historic Pella Cottage w/Firepit Retreat

Historic Pella Cottage w/Firepit Retreat

Pella IA
Stay at this vacation home in Pella. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Central Park and Molengracht Plaza are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Cute property. Clean and comfy.

Reviewed on 21 November 2025

Historic Pella Cottage w/Firepit Retreat
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

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

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

Adventureland
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a statue or sculpture

Iowa State Capitol Building

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

Iowa State Capitol Building
The Campanile at the center of the University of Northern Iowa.

University of Northern Iowa

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

Jordan Creek Town Center

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

Casey's Center

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

Casey's Center