Des Moines: The Capital City of Iowa

Iowa is a Midwestern U.S. state—not a city. Its capital and largest city is Des Moines, located in Polk County at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.

Des Moines (population ~215,000; metro ~700,000) anchors Iowa's political, economic, and cultural life:

• Government: Iowa State Capitol (gold-domed), governor's office, legislature, supreme court.
• Insurance & Finance Hub: "Hartford of the West"—Principal, Nationwide, Wellmark, EMC headquartered here.
• Culture: Des Moines Art Center, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Civic Center (Broadway tours), Iowa State Fair (1M+ visitors annually).
• Education: Drake University, Grand View University, DMACC community college.
• Quality of Life: 4,000+ acres of parks, 80+ miles of trails, low cost of living, short commutes.

The name derives from French Rivière des Moines ("River of the Monks"), referencing Trappist monks who once lived near the river's mouth. Incorporated 1851; became capital 1857 (moved from Iowa City). Today, Des Moines blends heartland affordability with surprising sophistication—a capital that punches above its weight.