The capitol's glittering dome can be seen for miles around Des Moines. The steel-and-brick construction is gilded with 23-karat gold leaf.
Photograph by Ryan/Beyer/Getty Images
Related Features
-
Mississippi River Road Trip
Artistic offerings combined with small-town Americana make for the best of the Midwest.
-
U.S. Midwest Quiz
Do you know where to find yoopers, vigilantes, and the Father of Texas? Take the Midwest states quiz and test your cowboy smarts.
-
100 Top Adventure Towns
We've built the ultimate, state-by-state guide to top outdoor hubs across the country, with wallpaper, puzzles, and more.
Iowa Map
Boundaries and names shown do not necessarily reflect the map policy of the National Geographic Society.
Best Hotels
U.S. Photos
Shop National Geographic
Top Picks for Travel
- Enter Now! Traveler Photo Contest
- NEW! Best of the World Weekly
- Call for Nominations: Travelers of the Year
- How to Become a Nat Geo Photographer
- Top 10 Islands
- Don George's #TripLit Pick for June
- Download City Guides App
- Photos: Galicia, Spain
- Photo Gallery: World's Best Ecolodges
- Tips for Traveling Couples
Advertisement
Our Trips
2013 Traveler Photo Contest
-
Share Your Best Travel Photos
Enter to be featured in our weekly galleries and win a grand prize trip to the Galápagos.