East Central Iowa

Travel Guide
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes wild flowers, a fountain and a park
Vander Veer Botanical Park showing a garden
Vander Veer Botanical Park featuring a park
Davenport featuring a city
Putnam Museum which includes 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

5/5(1 area review)

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

Downtown Davenport
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Iowa River Landing

5/5(3 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
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library featuring interior views and heritage elements

Southwest Area

3.5/5(3 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
Iowa Museum of Natural History which includes an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park

Mann

5/5(1 area review)

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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Weber

5/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Weber and surrounding area, you can visit Coral Ridge Mall and Finkbine Golf Course.

Weber
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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 Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Twain
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is CA $141 per night from Dec. 23 to Dec. 24
CA $141
CA $158 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 23 - Dec 24
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,082 reviews)
"I had a nice stay. The only downside is that wifi was not stable."

Reviewed on Nov. 19, 2024

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is CA $124 per night from Dec. 3 to Dec. 4
CA $124
CA $140 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 3 - Dec 4
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Overall enjoyed our stay but could’ve been better.
"Let’s start with the pros: 1. One of the cleanest hotels I’ve stayed at! 2. No weird smell in the hallways 3. Looks updated and the elevators work quickly! No lagging. 4. The free BREAKFAST! Everything was absolutely delicious. There were both hot and cold options. No waffle maker though if that’s ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 16, 2024

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline
Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline
2.5 out of 5
101 18th St, Moline, IL
The price is CA $137 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $137
CA $156 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Got there late and they were still amazimg"

Reviewed on Nov. 21, 2024

Stoney Creek Hotel Quad Cities - Moline
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.
Renwick Mansion Guest House
Renwick Mansion Guest House
Davenport
Stay at this vacation home in Davenport. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions B.J. and Mabel Palmer Mansion and Village of East Davenport ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
Great add on
"We had a church group attending a conference in the area. Most of us were up at the Renwick, but the guest house was a great inexpensive option for three extra bedrooms. The house is quaint and well kept."

Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2024

Renwick Mansion Guest House
Enjoy Florida in Illinois; House on Island with Pool
Enjoy Florida in Illinois; House on Island with Pool
East Moline
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in East Moline. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Hero Street Memorial ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
Awesome stay in East Moline
"The island was very cool, the house was in great shape, and there were plenty of beds for me and the team that I brought!"

Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2024

Enjoy Florida in Illinois; House on Island with Pool
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 patios. Popular attractions Lake Macbride State Park and Macbride Nature Recreation Area ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (203 reviews)
Super cool
"Very cool remote property with kayak access."

Reviewed on Nov. 16, 2024

Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
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