Town of the Week

Des Moines, Iowa
February 27, 1999
(rebroadcast from June 17, 1995)

Des Moines, where people eat more Jell-O per capita than anywhere else in the US, was originally named Fort Raccoon. The city became the capital of Iowa in 1857.

The name Des Moines derives from the Native American name Moingonia, which means "river of mounds." French explorers translated this to "Las Rivere des Moines." Although Moines has no real meaning, over time it has come to mean "the middle."

While beautiful Madison County is situated minutes from the city, there's still lots to do in Des Moines. The Iowa State Fair, White Water University, National Balloon Classic offer good family entertainment. The Des Moines Center of Science offers a great hands-on museum. The Salisbury House is a reproduction of the King's House in Salisbury, England.

Since Iowa is full of corn, be sure not to miss a human-scale maze mad out of corn! Just north of Des Moines, you'll find a big field with passageways cut out. Be sure not to get lost.

If you want another big treat, try going to Stanton, Iowa, to see the world's largest coffeepot.

For more information about Des Moines:

Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Center

Best of Iowa, Des Moines