Des Moines, IA

united states

Des Moines is Iowa's capital and largest city, positioned where I-80 and I-35 intersect in the state's center. The metro area serves as a major Midwest crossroads, with easy highway access to Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Omaha. Popular drives include the 30-mile trip north to Ames and longer routes to Iowa City or Cedar Rapids. The airport sits just 5 miles from downtown, and the city is famous for its Iowa State Fair butter cow sculpture.