Iowa is a state in the American Midwest, in the north-central part of the United States. It is known for its farmland, and agriculture shapes much of what visitors will see, especially corn and pork production. Its nicknames, the Hawkeye State and the Corn State, both point to that character.
Des Moines is the state capital and its largest city, and it makes a natural starting point for a visit. From there, most travellers spread out across the rest of the state, where small towns, open fields and wide skies set the pace.
What a visit offers
- Farmland and rural scenery: Much of the state is given over to fields of corn and soybeans, with farms and grain structures dotting the landscape.
- The capital: Des Moines combines government buildings with city life and gives a fuller picture of the state beyond the farms.
- Small-town travel: Driving between towns is one of the easiest ways to see the Midwest as it is lived in day to day.
Planning your trip
Iowa suits visitors who enjoy unhurried travel, open countryside and an insight into American agriculture. Because the state is large and many attractions lie between towns, a car is the most practical way to explore it. Check local conditions before setting out, particularly in the colder months.
