Central Iowa Vacations

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Where to stay in Central Iowa

Find the best Central Iowa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Central Iowa
A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.

Downtown Des Moines

2 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

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.

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A street lined with brick buildings, parked cars, and hanging flower baskets.

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.

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A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.

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.

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The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.

Drake

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

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

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A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.

Greater South Side

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 Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

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Find the Best Central Iowa Vacation Packages

Central Iowa Hotel Deals

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University

2100 Green Hills Drive Ames IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
￥14,588
￥16,339 total
Sep 13 - Sep 14
includes taxes & fees
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center at Iowa State University
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
￥19,539
￥21,884 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
includes taxes & fees
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
￥15,006
￥16,806 total
Sep 13 - Sep 14
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,892 reviews)
"We loved our stay here. A great location. Close to everything we needed. Clean room. Comfortable bed. Great value for the price. Highly recommend and I will stay again!"

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
See all 1,615 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.

Stay near popular Central Iowa attractions

A colorful salad with various vegetables and cheese.
Photo by Lana Garmon

Jordan Creek Town Center

9.2/10 (1,624 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.
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An aerial view of a bustling fairground with various stalls, rides, and a Ferris wheel.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

8.8/10 (945 reviews)
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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A city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/10 (573 reviews)
Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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A bridge over a river with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Analyn Suan

Principal Park

8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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Jack Trice Stadium

9.4/10 (327 reviews)
Catch an event at Jack Trice Stadium during your trip to Ames. In the area, you can attend a football game or basketball game.
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Casey's Center

8.8/10 (976 reviews)
Catch an event at Casey's Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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Knoxville Raceway

9.2/10 (103 reviews)
Catch an event at Knoxville Raceway during your trip to Knoxville. Take in the festivals while you're in the area.
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Blank Park Zoo

8.4/10 (350 reviews)
Why not meet the animals who live at Blank Park Zoo during your travels in Des Moines? Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Central Iowa vacation package cost?
The most affordable Central Iowa package is , so your dream trip can become a reality — without breaking the bank. Combine flights, hotels, car rentals and more to tailor a package that matches your traveling style.
How do I get a cheap travel package to Central Iowa?
Bundle, bundle, bundle. Flights, rental cars and hotels — combine whatever you need into a Central Iowa vacation package to save tons of cash. Score even bigger bargains when you add extras such as sightseeing tours to your booking. But that's not the only good part. You have the flexibility to put together your trip your way. We offer over 550 partner airlines and 1,000,000 hotels all over the world, so that everyone has a chance to travel and fulfill those vacation fantasies.
Where should I stay in Central Iowa?
You can't go wrong in Des Moines. Renowned attractions, like Adventureland and Iowa State Fairgrounds, will keep you busy in this vibrant city.
What are the top hotels in Central Iowa?
La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines and Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport know how to make their guests feel at home in Des Moines. If you also plan to visit Clear Lake, take a look at Best Western Holiday Lodge and Super 8 by Wyndham Mason City. Both are popular with travelers.
How far in advance should I book my Central Iowa vacation?
It depends on the airline, but you can usually compare international fares on Expedia nearly a year in advance. While it's generally a good idea to book ahead of time, lucky travelers will occasionally nab a cheaper ticket only weeks before departure dates.
What does an Expedia Central Iowa travel package include?
It all boils down to what kind of trip you want to have. Central Iowa vacation deals can include hotels, flights and car rentals. You can mix and match to find the bundle that works for you! You can also add on activities and experiences after you've booked to land even bigger discounts.
What should I know before booking a Central Iowa travel package?
Find deals that match your budget with an Expedia package. Flights, hotels, rental cars — we have them all. You'll save big bucks just by combining your bookings. Whether you're heading away on a winter adventure or relaxing on a sunny beach, your perfect vacation is only clicks away.
Can I choose my airline with a Central Iowa Expedia vacation package?
Yes — and it's easy too. Expedia has access to more than 550 partner airlines all over the world. Our vacation packages give you the flexibility to take your pick of available flights, hotels and activities that suit you.
If I'm not able to travel, can I cancel my Central Iowa vacation package?
Certainly, and we're here to help. You may be able to amend or cancel your Central Iowa vacation package for free if you booked in the last 24 hours. But you may incur a fee from your airline, hotel or car rental company if you booked more than 24 hours ago. If your travel plans suddenly change, visit our Customer Service Portal for more information.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.