Blowing Hot and Cold
In the middle of the country with no mountains or oceans to temper the climate, the region’s weather draws stark contrast from season to season. Summers can be hot and humid with afternoon thundershowers. Temperatures of 90 degrees aren’t unusual—so bring a sun hat and a water bottle if you plan to spend a day at the state fair. Spring and fall brings mild, pleasant weather, but winter months can be bitter cold with sub-zero temperatures and approximately 35 inches of snowfall seasonally. Waterproof boots, thermal coats and fleece-lined gloves will keep you toasty as you see the sights.
Des Moines to-Dos
Enjoy carnival rides, midway games, corn dogs and massive turkey legs at the Iowa State Fair. For a day of spills and thrills, take to the Adventureland amusement park or Adventure Bay water works. Check out more than two dozen installed works of art, each with a different range of size, theme and height, at the 4.4-acre John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. If you’re looking for more art, the Des Moines Art Center is free and boasts over 4,800 works of art to enjoy. Des Moines caters to foodies with trendy eateries like Django Restaurant (210 10th St., Des Moines), which serves French cuisine all day long. Appeal to the inner geek and messy child in you with hands-on exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa, or learn all about rural Iowa life at the nearby Living History Farms.
Corn, Capital and Insurance Companies
Major industries in Des Moines and the surrounding area include insurance, health care and agribusiness. The weekly Des Moines Farmers Market supports hundreds of vendors from around the region and draws numerous weekly shoppers—check it out between May and October for local produce and delicious pastries. Financial services deliver another economic driver and, as the state's capital, government provides significant employment as well. So do the colleges and universities in and around the city, such as Drake University, Simpson College and Grand View University.
Getting There
Des Moines is accessible from either north or south on Interstate 35 and from east or west on Interstate 80. Take Interstate 235 from either highway to get into downtown. The Des Moines International Airport offers more than a half-dozen carriers with nonstop flights from major cities. The nearest Amtrak station is 45 miles away in Osceola. You can also take a Jefferson Lines bus from the train to the Greyhound bus terminal in Des Moines.
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