Midwestern Iowa was one of the final destinations in my quest to visit all 50 states. Growing up in Virginia, Iowa had always seemed like one of those places that stayed quietly under the radar. Before visiting, I mostly pictured endless farmland broken up by small towns. There is certainly plenty of that, but I was surprised by the size of Des Moines and even more impressed by Iowa’s remaining prairie landscapes. Once I started exploring them, I realized how distinctive that ecosystem is and they quickly became one of my favorite parts of the state.
Explore Des Moines
Iowa’s capital and largest city, Des Moines was much bigger and more developed than I expected before visiting. Downtown has government buildings, historic districts, parks, public art, restaurants, and plenty of places to explore on foot. Other attractions include Gray’s Lake and the Kruidenier Trail Bridge, while the surrounding metro area adds shopping, entertainment, and casinos.
Explore the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge
Tallgrass prairie once covered most of Iowa, but only a tiny fraction survives today. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is helping restore that landscape by reestablishing native prairie plants and bringing back animals such as bison and elk. Hiking through the refuge gives you a glimpse of what much of Iowa looked like before agriculture transformed the state. The smaller details are just as interesting, with countless insects and pollinators playing an essential role in keeping the prairie ecosystem alive.
Explore Council Bluffs
Council Bluffs sits directly across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska, making the two cities feel closely connected. The area also has an important place in American westward expansion, with connections to both the Mormon Trail and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Along the riverfront you’ll find restaurants, casinos, parks, and trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Explore Winterset
Winterset is a small, picturesque Iowa town centered around its courthouse square, with local shops, churches, and historic buildings giving it a classic Midwestern atmosphere. The town is also famous as the birthplace of actor John Wayne. His childhood home has been preserved and today forms part of a museum dedicated to his life and career.
