Central Iowa

Cradled between the Des Moines and Iowa Rivers, Central Iowa is a region with surprising variation, culture, and opportunity oft overlooked by the outside world. The western and eastern edges of this region are defined by the Lœss Hills, which give way to the rolling hillsides and wine regions of Côtes du Des Moines and Côtes du Iowa. Between these great rivers are the gentle plains of the Skunk River valley, home to the research powerhouse of Ames. At the southern end of the region the pastoral landscape gives way to the sprawling metropolitan region of Des Moines.