Central Iowa

region of the U.S. state of 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 LΕ“ss Hills, which give way to the rolling hillsides and wine regions of CΓ΄tes du Des Moines and CΓ΄tes 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.

Cities

Understand

This region includes the counties of Carroll, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Tama, Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Madison, Warren, and Marion.

Get in

Get around

Do

Drink

The CΓ΄tes du Des Moines area on the western edge of Central Iowa is well known for its wine growing. The bluffs of the Des Moines River provide good drainage and a unique microclimate that shields the CΓ΄tes du Des Moines from the worst cold and heat of Iowan seasons. Wines here will be somewhat unfamiliar to many travelers as they are made primarily with Vitis riparia grapes, also known as the Frost Grape. Developed by the University of Minnesota to withstand the local climate, popular varietals include Boule de Poils (similar to Sauvignon Blanc), Marechal Foch, and Frontenac.

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