Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Central Iowa October 2025 | Expedia.co.uk [Central Iowa Travel Guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Iowa.dx6059968)[Hotels in Central Iowa](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Iowa-Hotels.d6059968.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Central Iowa](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Central-Iowa.d6059968.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Central Iowa Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Central-Iowa.d6059968.Car-Hire-Guide)[Central Iowa Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Iowa.d6059968.Holidays-City-Breaks) # What to do in Central Iowa, IA ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Central Iowa Types of activities Where to stay [Central Iowa travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Central-Iowa.dx6059968) ![Iowa State University which includes a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268926-Central-Iowa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Reiman Gardens featuring signage and a park as well as a family](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268921-Central-Iowa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Iowa State Capitol Building which includes heritage architecture and a garden](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268851-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Reiman Gardens which includes a park and wild flowers](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268908-Iowa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Des Moines Art Center which includes interior views and art](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268834-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Central Iowa Attractions Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Central Iowa has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Central Iowa, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Central Iowa with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes. #### Places of interest in Central Iowa Central Iowa is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Central Iowa, and make it a breeze to explore Central Iowa and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Central Iowa to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind. If you’re planning a visit to Central Iowa, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Central Iowa. #### Central Iowa attractions Central Iowa has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Central Iowa to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Central Iowa. Looking for things to do in Central Iowa can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Central Iowa or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Central Iowa attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails! * * * ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.co.uk/welcome-one-key) * * * ## Recommended things to do in Central Iowa | Number of things to do | 2 | | --- | --- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Des Moines Art Walk Experience](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details): £12 | | Top 5 things to do | - [Des Moines Art Walk Experience](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details) - [Des Moines Scavenger Hunt Adventures in City centre Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/des-moines-scavenger-hunt-adventures-in-city-centre-des-moines.a50885946.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | - [Des Moines Art Walk Experience](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details) - [Des Moines Scavenger Hunt Adventures in City centre Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/des-moines-scavenger-hunt-adventures-in-city-centre-des-moines.a50885946.activity-details) | | With kids | - [Des Moines Art Walk Experience](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/des-moines-art-walk-experience.a50771272.activity-details) - [Des Moines Scavenger Hunt Adventures in City centre Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/des-moines-scavenger-hunt-adventures-in-city-centre-des-moines.a50885946.activity-details) | ## What to do in Central Iowa * * * ### Popular places to visit ![Iowa State University featuring modern architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268918-Iowa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State University Visit this public university to learn about its agricultural history and explore the many museums and cultural centers on the campus. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-University-Ames.d6105990.Attraction) ![Adventureland](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f1880c574a55a0c4ce4de0e0cb126e64.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Adventureland Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Adventureland-Des-Moines.d6075042.Attraction) ![University of Northern Iowa](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/1d78a2e773a17b6b401ccaf7023c1d9e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### University of Northern Iowa Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Northern Iowa during your trip to Cedar Falls. Discover the beautiful waterfalls in this family-friendly area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/University-Of-Northern-Iowa-Cedar-Falls.d6106052.Attraction) ![Principal Park](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/a99443c85dc4b837cd6310016d52b7a4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Principal Park Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Principal-Park-Des-Moines.d6075046.Attraction) ![Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269146-Iowa-State-Capitol-Building.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Capitol Building A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-Capitol-Building-Des-Moines.d6075016.Attraction) #### Iowa State Fairgrounds Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-Fairgrounds-Des-Moines.d6075034.Attraction) #### Casey's Center Catch an event at Casey's Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Wells-Fargo-Arena-Downtown-Des-Moines.d6075036.Attraction) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Jordan-Creek-Town-Center-Des-Moines.d6075052.Attraction) #### Drake University Explore the campus of Drake University during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Drake-University-Des-Moines.d6075018.Attraction) ### Explore areas of Central Iowa ![State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269201-State-Historical-Society-Of-Iowa-Museum.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Des Moines 4/5(1 area review) 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Downtown-Des-Moines.dx6060027) ![Historic East Village](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268997-Historic-East-Village.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Historic East Village Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Historic-East-Village.dx6170617) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/8f72335b84f5a0dd4c16e39780dd7e6d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Court District Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market while you're in town. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Court-Avenue-Entertainment-District.dx6170624) ![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/b99bd48f81a261b6c1c7833c6ac20a62.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Drake While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Drake.dx897427604785860608) ![Grays Lake showing a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268861-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Greater-South-Side.dx553248635976468957) ![John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park which includes a high-rise building, a garden and a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269209-John-And-Mary-Pappajohn-Sculpture-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Western Gateway While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Western-Gateway.dx943633779787128832) * * * Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.co.uk/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. * * * ## Day trip destinations from Central Iowa ![Photo by Erik Rowley](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/5813b8636861643c4bc1a52e87f71ca6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Waterloo [](https://expedia.co.uk/Waterloo.dx364) ![Des Moines which includes a city, a high-rise building and a bridge](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/268000/268867-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Des Moines [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines.dx601690) ![Photo by Erik Rowley](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/7334d9430cbf53330ac55c40981f8aa3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cedar Falls [](https://expedia.co.uk/Cedar-Falls.dx6027) ![West Des Moines which includes modern architecture, shopping and a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/54000/54314-West-Des-Moines.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### West Des Moines [](https://expedia.co.uk/West-Des-Moines.dx7697) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)