Central Iowa Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central Iowa
Where to stay in Central Iowa
Downtown Des Moines
The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
Greater South Side
While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room was clean, had everything I needed. The hotel is situated in a nice part of Des Moines, easy walking to many places.
Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026
Sonesta Simply Suites Des Moines
The place
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Room was spotless.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
reserved a two room suite and was unknowingly changed to single room. believe to obtain higher cost. unresolved. reserved six months in advance. unknown charge as well. unmanned hotel so nobody to speak to and customer service is almost impossible to get ahold of. the room we had to take was fine ...
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Popular places to visit
Iowa State University
Explore the campus of Iowa State University during your trip to Ames. In the area, you can attend a football match or basketball game.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
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 acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Adventureland
- Iowa Events Center
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Drake University
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Des Moines Civic Center
- EMC Expo Center
- Diamond Jo Casino
- Blank Park Zoo
- Principal Park
- University of Northern Iowa
- Knoxville Raceway
- Grinnell College
- Iowa Speedway
- Lake Red Rock
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Reiman Gardens
- Stephens Auditorium
- Surf Ballroom and Museum
- Saylorville Lake
