East Central Iowa, IA

Travel Guide

Vander Veer Botanical Park featuring wildflowers, a park and a fountain
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a garden
Vander Veer Botanical Park featuring a garden
Davenport which includes 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 city and a river or creek

Downtown Davenport

4/5(76 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Davenport, you might make a stop by sights like Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino.

Downtown Davenport
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library featuring interior views and heritage elements

Southwest Area

3.5/5(161 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Southwest Area, Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library are top sights worth seeing.

Southwest Area
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Iowa River Landing

4/5(205 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Iowa River Landing, Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Johnson County Historical Society are top sights worth seeing.

Iowa River Landing
Iowa Museum of Natural History which includes an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park

Mann

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mann, University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are top sights worth seeing.

Mann
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Twain

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Twain and surrounding area, you can visit Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
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University Heights

When in University Heights, you can plan a visit to Finkbine Golf Course and Kinnick Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

University Heights
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is ¥13,100 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥13,100
¥14,880 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,155 reviews)
"Excellent experience and tremendous value. Very clean and comfortable with large rooms. The staff was friendly, efficient and empowered to make decisions. Highly recommend!!!!"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

3 out of 5
3330 E Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA
The price is ¥8,407 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
¥8,407
¥9,417 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Davenport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center
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 ¥15,190 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
¥15,190
¥17,162 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,166 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful front desk!!"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons
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.
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 laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Macbride State Park and Coralville Lake are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (217 reviews)
"Absolutely 5 stars! Lisa was a great host! Very responsive. The home is lovely and very welcoming. We would absolutely stay again!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Delightful Camping XP w/ Water Trampoline, Fishing Derbies, and Group Fire Pit

Delightful Camping XP w/ Water Trampoline, Fishing Derbies, and Group Fire Pit

Oxford
Stay at this vacation home in Oxford. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions F.W. Kent Park and Amana Colonies National Historic ...
Delightful Camping XP w/ Water Trampoline, Fishing Derbies, and Group Fire Pit
Safe & Spacious 3BR/3BA family and pet friendly home near TBK sports complex

Safe & Spacious 3BR/3BA family and pet friendly home near TBK sports complex

Davenport
Stay at this vacation home in Davenport. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions NorthPark Mall and Vander Veer Botanical ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
Nice place
"Nice place, as advertised."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Safe & Spacious 3BR/3BA family and pet friendly home near TBK sports complex
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