Des Moines and central Iowa

Des Moines is in central Iowa, at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, surrounded by corn and soybean fields. Besides being the seat of government, it is Iowa’s most populous city, with a compact downtown linked by covered walkways called the skywalk that help cross blocks in winter. The Capitol Hill, east of the river, dominates the skyline with a dome covered in gold leaf.

Downtown is home to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, an outdoor sculpture garden, and across the river the East Village, a neighborhood of independent shops and restaurants at the foot of the capitol. To the west is the Des Moines Art Center, with buildings by three well-known architects. In August, the eastern fairgrounds host the Iowa State Fair, an 11-day event featuring livestock, contests, concerts and food stands.

About an hour southeast, Pella was founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847 and preserves a windmill, canal and Dutch-front houses; the tulip festival swells the town in early May. To the southwest, Winterset is the county seat of Madison County, known for 19th-century wooden covered bridges and as the hometown of actor John Wayne.

This destination brings together 3 cities: Des Moines, Pella, Winterset.