Des Moines, Iowa’s capital city, offers a refreshing take on Midwest travel with a blend of creativity, history, and community pride. Its downtown skyline is anchored by the gold-domed Iowa State Capitol, which offers free guided tours and a striking view from its hilltop perch. Just across the river, the East Village mixes old brick storefronts with indie shops, coffee houses, and vibrant murals. It's where old meets new, a theme that runs throughout the city’s evolving identity.

Art plays a central role in Des Moines, both in galleries and out in the open. The Des Moines Art Center features works by Monet, Hopper, and Warhol and admission is always free. A short drive away, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park invites visitors to wander through 4.4 acres dotted with large-scale contemporary sculptures by world-renowned artists. For music fans, the 80/35 Festival brings live bands and crowds to downtown each summer, while the Des Moines Civic Center regularly hosts Broadway tours and local performances year-round.

Des Moines also knows how to throw a fair. The Iowa State Fair, held every August, is one of the largest and oldest in the country. Beyond the butter cow and deep-fried creativity, it hosts livestock shows, carnival rides, concerts, and quirky contests (like beard-growing and rubber chicken tossing). The fairgrounds turn into a city of their own for 11 days, drawing more than a million visitors from across the region.