10 TOP Things to Do in Central Iowa (2025 Activity Guide)

Iowa State University featuring heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole

Reiman Gardens which includes a garden and signage as well as a family

Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a park and heritage architecture

Reiman Gardens showing wildflowers and a park

Des Moines Art Center which includes interior views and art

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What to do in Central Iowa

Popular places to visit

Iowa State University

Visit this public university to learn about its agricultural history and explore the many museums and cultural centers on the campus.

Adventureland

Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

University of Northern Iowa

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of Northern Iowa, during your trip to Cedar Falls. Discover the beautiful waterfalls in this family-friendly area.

Principal Park

Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.

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.

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.

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.

Jordan Creek Town Center

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.

Drake University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Drake University, during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Areas of Central Iowa

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high rise building, landscape views and a city

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.

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.

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market while in the area.

Drake

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

Grays Lake which includes a lake or waterhole

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 Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.