Central Iowa tourism - tourist attractions: things to see and do

In Central Iowa, there are lots of things to see and do. Ride a roller coaster at an amusement park. Visit a Historic Site, museum or art gallery. Watch an IMAX movie at the Science Center. See amazing sculptures made from matchsticks. Go to an authentic Meshwaki Native American Pow Wow. Gamble at a casino. Watch a Broadway show. Bike. Hike. Walk nature trails. See wildlife in the zoo. Stroll through flower gardens. Skate. Shop. Swim at an aquatic center. Dine at a fine restaurant. In winter, go skiing, snowmobiling ....

Cities/towns

  • Altoona
    • Adventureland Park
      • over 100 rides
      • shows
      • attractions
      • wet and wild
      • family entertainment
    • Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
      • harness racing
      • thoroughbred horse racing
      • slot machines
      • table games
      • simulcast horse racing
  • Ames
    • Brunnier Art Museum
      • art exhibitions
      • ceramics
      • glass
    • Farm State Center
      • conference center
      • athletic and performing arts complex
    • Iowa State University
    • Main Street Cultural District
    • Octagon Center for the arts
    • Reiman Gardens
      • butterfly flight house
      • herb garden
      • wetland garden
      • rose garden
      • children's garden
      • indoor conservatory
    • Story County conservation center
  • Ankeny
    • historical society museum
  • Boone
    • Scenic Valley Railroad
    • Boone county historical center
    • Kate Shelley Railroad Museum and park
    • Mamie Doud Eisenhower birthplace
    • Stephen Oaks recreation
      • downhill skiing in winter
      • snow tubing in winter
      • snowboarding in winter
      • canoeing
      • kayaking
      • tube floats
      • Des Moines river
      • camping
      • mountain biking
      • hiking
      • paintball fields
      • motocross
      • mountain bike races
  • Brooklin
    • gigantic outdoor flag display
    • Brooklyn opera house
    • historical museum
    • 1930's standard oil station
  • Clive
  • Colfax
    • Trainland USA
      • toy train exhibits
  • Des Moines
    • Capital of Iowa
    • Shop
    • Sports
    • festivals
    • Jordan Creek Town Center
    • Living History Farms Welcome center
    • Basilica of St. John
    • blank Park Zoo
    • Art center
    • art center downtown
    • botanical center
      • Des Moines river
      • tropical plants
      • desert plants
      • conservatory
      • gardens
      • gift shop
      • cafe
    • Fort Des Moines Memorial Park and Education Center
    • Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
      • Historic Valley Junction
    • Hoyt Sherman Place
      • Mansion
      • art gallery
      • cultural performances
    • Iowa Events Center
    • Iowa Gold Star Military Museum
    • Iowa Hall of pride
    • Iowa State Capitol
    • Iowa State Fairgrounds
    • Iowa State Fairgrounds Racetrack
    • Jordan House
    • Living history farms
    • Polk county heritage gallery
    • Salisbury house and gardens
      • built in 1920 s
      • 42 room mansion
      • modeled after the king's house in Salisbury England
      • art
      • tapestries
      • rare books
    • Science center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater
    • Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
      • nine hole golf course
      • go karts
      • miniature golf
      • batting range
      • climbing wall
      • hayrack rides
      • In winter, sow tubing, skiing, snowboarding
    • State historical building
    • Terrace Hall
      • 1869 Victorian mansion
      • National historic landmark
      • recreated Victorian garden
    • Wallace House
    • Civic center of Greater Des Moines
    • Playhouse
    • symphony
    • ballroom
  • Grinnell
    • Faulconer Gallery
      • historical exhibits
      • art exhibits
  • Jefferson
    • Greene County historical society museum
      • Native American artifacts
      • Civil war memorabilia
      • Early American period rooms
    • Jefferson Telephone company museum
    • Mahanay Bell tower
    • Johnson
  • Marshalltown
    • Aquatic center
    • biking and walking trail
    • National historic district
    • art gallery
    • golf
    • Events
    • Binford House
      • 1874 home
      • National Register of historic places home
    • Fisher Art gallery
    • Glick Sower House
      • 1859 home
    • Grimes Farms and conservation center
      • wetlands
      • boardwalk trails
      • forests
      • nature center
    • Marshall county historical museum
    • Taylor #4 country school
    • Performing arts theater
  • Nevada
  • Newton
    • Iowa Speedway
      • Rusty Wallace signature track
      • Hooters Pro cup series
      • USAC midget car series
      • USAC Sprint Car series
      • USAC Silver crown series
      • car shows
      • trade shows
      • driving schools
    • Jasper County historical museum
    • Kellogg historical museum
    • Maytag Dairy Farm
    • Newton Arboretum and Botanical garden
    • Newton Kat Klub
    • Sugar Grove Vineyards and Gathering place
    • Valle Drive in Theater
  • Perry
    • Forest Park museum
    • Hometown Perry Iowa
      • Carnegie Library Museum
      • restored 1904 library
      • art
      • exhibits
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Story City
    • shopping
    • dining
    • events
    • Bartlett Museum
      • home built 1903
        • National register of historic places home
    • Factory Stores of America Outlet Center
      • clothing
      • shoes
      • housewares
      • gifts
      • flowers
    • RVP - 1875
    • Story City Carousel
    • Story Theatre Grand Opera House