Des Moines

Des Moines is the capital of Iowa, in the western region of the American Midwest. It is the largest city in Iowa and the annual site of the Iowa State Fair and numerous cultural festivals during warm weather. History enthusiasts will find 110 historic sites in and around the city as part of the Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area. The city appeals to travelers with an interest in the arts who marvel at the architecture of the State Capitol with its five domes, including the large main dome with its gleaming 23-karat gold surface. The city has a good art museum, a symphony that performs in the downtown Civic Center, and a big annual arts festival that draws visitors from across Iowa and beyond.

Due in part to the moist and rich soils, summers are filled with very humid air. The average summer heat index is around 91°F during the day and 68°F at night. Heat waves can see heat indices upwards of 105°F or higher. Rain and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer; occasionally severe with tornadoes possible. During winter, road closures due to snowfall or ice are not unusual. Iowa is no stranger to heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures. Fall is pleasantly cool and typically more dry than wet.

The city has a vast array of activities for all ages, from the annual Iowa State Fair, rated by USA Today as one of the Top 10 best things to do in the summertime in the U.S., to the Des Moines Arts Festival in downtown, also rated as a Top 10 arts festival. Other events include Taste of Des Moines in October, the Salisbury Automobile Classic, and 515 Alive DJ festival in August. Sports fans can watch the Iowa Cubs (baseball), Iowa Barnstormers (arena football), Drake Bulldogs (college sports), and Des Moines Buccaneers (hockey). Outdoor activities include Living History Farms, Adventureland Amusement Park, Big Creek State Lake, Saylorville Lake for boating and fishing, Gray's Lake for walking and cycling, Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, and over 300 miles of recreational trails. Casinos include Prairie Meadows. The 2017 Solheim Cup was held at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club.

Iowa is a meat-and-potatoes place with generous servings. Look for the locally invented steak de burgo, a beef tenderloin featuring garlic, butter, and sometimes cream. For drinks, the Court District downtown has a variety of bars, breweries, dance clubs, live music spots, and restaurants. East Village near the capitol has upscale restaurants featuring wine and mixed drinks. Ingersoll Avenue offers many sipping places. Alcohol sales cease at 2AM in accordance with state law.

Several major hotel chains have rooms available in the area. The city does not have a large number of bed and breakfast establishments. Peak booking periods, especially downtown near Wells Fargo Arena, are common for three successive weeks in March when the city hosts state athletic championships. Typical prices: budget under $60, mid-range $60-120, splurge over $120.

Des Moines is affordable for backpackers. Budget accommodation under $60 per night. Meals at fast-casual spots like B-Bops cost $3-7, while diner meals run about $10. Public transit bus fare is $1.75. The Des Moines Arts Festival and Iowa State Fair have free or low admission. Many museums offer free or discounted entry.

Des Moines is an extremely safe city during all parts of the day. In case of an emergency requiring police, fire, or medical assistance, dial 911. Pickpockets and grand rip-off schemes that plague other U.S. cities are not pervasive here. Use common judgment—if you don't want attention, don't do things to draw attention. Visitors are likely to avoid any troublesome pockets.

The local area code is 515. Des Moines International Airport offers wireless internet access. Iowa was one of the first states to provide wireless internet access at rest areas. Many coffee shops like Grounds for Celebration offer free WiFi.

Nearby destinations include Ames (30 mi north, home to Reiman Gardens), Winterset (covered bridges of Madison County), Newton (Iowa Speedway), Knoxville (Knoxville Raceway), Indianola (National Balloon Classic and museum), and Van Meter (Bob Feller Museum). Larger cities like Minneapolis and Kansas City are a 3-4 hour drive north and south on Interstate 35.

From Des Moines, continue to Minneapolis (I-35 north), Kansas City (I-35 south), Omaha (I-80 west), Davenport (I-80 east), or Chicago via I-80. Regional connections include Albert Lea, Mason City, Sedalia, and Boonville. Check routebox for major highways.

Des Moines is home to several institutions of higher learning, the largest being Drake University with enrollment around 5,000. Other schools include Des Moines University (osteopathic medicine), Grand View University (liberal arts), Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), and Mercy College of Health Sciences.

In 2012, Forbes ranked Des Moines second best city for jobs, only behind Washington DC. The Greater Des Moines Partnership is a good starting place for employment information. Iowa Workforce Development also provides resources.