Iowa became the 29th State in 1846. It is known as the Hawkeye State, and Des Moines is the capital city. Iowa is bordered by two great American rivers (the Mississippi and the Missouri) on its east and west sides. It has a rich agricultural tradition and also supports a diverse cultural population and history.

Des Moines was named by French explorers. The city hosts a number of annual events such as the Iowa State Fair in August and a Jazz in July celebration, with free daily jazz concerts throughout the city.
Iowa City is dominated by the University of Iowa campus. The city also boasts the beautiful Old Capitol building among the cluster of historic buildings called the Pentacrest.

Dotted across the landscape are many scenic parks, lakes and recreation areas, such as East Okoboji and West Okoboji. Iowa offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including an abundance of fishing, hiking, hunting, camping, and biking. The state even has the largest number of golfers per capita in the country, and they tee up on some of America's best public courses. Sightseeing in Iowa ranges from historic frontier forts to culturally rich cities, from authentic American farms to Old World charm in places such as Pella. While Iowa’s rich cultural heritage can be seen in the German Amana Colonies, with their many historic sites and museums.

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