10 Largest Cities in Iowa

  1. Des Moines
    • Capital and most populous city of Iowa
    • Population and demographics
    • State Capitol Building and government
    • Des Moines Art Center and cultural attractions
    • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and outdoor recreation
  2. Cedar Rapids
    • Second-largest city in Iowa
    • Location along the Cedar River
    • Brucemore Historic Site and cultural heritage
    • NewBo City Market and local businesses
    • Indian Creek Nature Center and outdoor activities
  3. Davenport
    • Largest of the Quad Cities along the Mississippi River
    • Figge Art Museum and cultural institutions
    • Davenport Skybridge and riverfront attractions
    • Vander Veer Botanical Park and outdoor spaces
    • St. Ambrose University and higher education
  4. Sioux City
    • Located at the confluence of the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers
    • Sioux City Public Museum and historical sites
    • Orpheum Theatre and performing arts
    • Stone State Park and outdoor recreation
    • Morningside University and higher education
  5. Iowa City
    • Home to the University of Iowa
    • Old Capitol Museum and historical landmarks
    • Iowa Avenue Literary Walk and cultural attractions
    • Hickory Hill Park and outdoor activities
    • Pedestrian Mall and downtown shopping and dining
  6. Ankeny
    • Fast-growing suburb of Des Moines
    • Prairie Trail and planned community development
    • Ankeny Art Center and cultural events
    • High Trestle Trail and outdoor recreation
    • Des Moines Area Community College and education
  7. West Des Moines
    • Suburb west of Des Moines
    • Jordan Creek Town Center and shopping
    • Raccoon River Park and outdoor activities
    • Historic Valley Junction and local businesses
    • Microsoft and major employers
  8. Waterloo
    • Located along the Cedar River
    • Waterloo Center for the Arts and cultural attractions
    • Lost Island Water Park and family-friendly activities
    • George Wyth State Park and outdoor recreation
    • John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum and industrial heritage
  9. Ames
    • Home to Iowa State University
    • Reiman Gardens and horticultural attractions
    • Main Street Cultural District and local businesses
    • Ada Hayden Heritage Park and outdoor activities
    • Ames Laboratory and research institutions
  10. Council Bluffs
    • Located along the Missouri River across from Omaha, Nebraska
    • Union Pacific Railroad Museum and transportation history
    • Harrah’s Council Bluffs and gaming and entertainment
    • Lake Manawa State Park and outdoor recreation
    • Iowa Western Community College and higher education