Central Region, IA Land for Sale

Iowa's Central regions includes the middle of the state from top to bottom, bordering Minnesota to the north and Missouri to the south. The largest city in the region is Des Moines, which is the largest city in the state and the state capital. It is Iowa's political and economic center. Other larger cities in the region include West Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, Urbandale and Boone.

Des Moines is home to many attractions, including the Iowa State Capitol, the State Historical Society of Iowa Museum, Des Moines Art Center, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Principal Riverwalk, Iowa State Fair, Terrace Hill, the Iowa Governor's Mansion, which is a National Historic Landmark and Drake University. Other attractions in the region near Des Moines include an amusement park and racetrack casino in Altoona, Living History Farms in Urban dale, where visitors can experience Iowa's agricultural heritage firsthand, and Iowa Speedway, a racetrack in Newton. Ames features Iowa State University, the Iowa State Center and Reiman Gardens. Boone hosts the Farm Progress Show, which is the oldest and largest outdoor agricultural equipment exhibition in the country, as well as Mamie Doud Eisenhower Museum, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Ledges State Park. This region hosts the only Native American settlement in Iowa to hose a large annual Pow-wow at the Meskwaki Settlement near Tama. The movie The Bridges of Madison County was filmed in this region in Madison County, and the film and novel both took place there. The region is also home to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. Additional state parks in the region include Brushy Creek State Park, Dolliver Memorial State Park, Eagle Lake State Park, Pilot Knob State Park, Rice Lake State Park, Twin Lakes State Park and Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge.

Additional higher education institutions in the region include Central College, Des Moines University, Graceland University ? Lamoni, Grand View University, Grinnell College, Mercy College of Health and Sciences, Simpson College, William Penn University, Des Moines Area Community College, Ellsworth Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Iowa Central Community College, Marshalltown Community College and North Iowa Area Community College. Key industries in the Central Iowa region include insurance and financial services, data centers, bioscience, advanced manufacturing and logistics.

Polk County is located toward the middle of Iowa's Central region. It is the most populated county in the state. It is named after James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States. Des Moines is the county seat, and as mentioned, the state capital of Iowa, the largest city in the county and the state. Other large cities in the county include West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, Clive and Altoona. There 20 cities in total and around 25 other townships and unincorporated communities. The Des Moines River bisects Polk County. Some attractions in the county include Polk County Courthouse, and as mentioned, the Iowa State Capitol and Terrace Hill, the Iowa Governor's Mansion, a National Historic Site. Other attractions in the county include an amusement park, botanical garden, racetrack and casino, Iowa Historical Society Museum, Living History Farms, Salisbury House and Gardens, a historic house museum and the Science Center of Iowa. There are 20 county parks, which offer camping, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, hunting and fishing opportunities, canoeing and kayaking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.

Dallas County is located toward the western part of Iowa's Central region and is just west of Polk County. It is named for George M. Dallas, who was Vice President of the United States under President Polk. Adel is the county seat, and the county is included in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Perry, Waukee and Urbandale and Grimes, are the largest cities in the county, which both are partially in Polk County, are the largest cities in the county. There are less than 20 small cities, and less than 20 other small townships and one unincorporated community. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is in Dallas County, a 56-mile scenic trail which runs from Waukee to Jefferson which passes through 14 communities. Other attractions include seven county parks, Adel Historical Museum, Dexter Museum and Centennial Park.

Cerro Gordo County is located in the northern part of Central Iowa. It is named for the Battle of Cerro Gordo, which took place during the Mexican-American War. The county seat is Mason City, which is also the largest city in the county. Clear Lake is also a large city, and there are less than 10 other small cities and just over 20 other towns and unincorporated communities. There are 30 county parks, wildlife areas, greenbelts, preserves and trails, encompassing more than 3,000 acres. Visitors can enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, hunting, native prairie, trails, wildlife-viewing and winter activities.