Before it was a field of dreams, Iowa was a field of corn. Even today, Iowa is still one of the biggest agricultural states in the U.S. Find a window seat on the flight to Iowa and you’ll fly over $10 billion worth of crops and livestock that keeps Iowa’s economy strong. The Hawkeye State – named after Hawkeye in James Fenimore Cooper's 1826 book The Last of the Mohicans– leads the nation in all corn and soybean sales and comes in third in total livestock sales.

Aside from farming and agriculture, there is much to do and see in Iowa. Book flights to Iowa and play on the baseball field made famous by the movie, Field of Dreams. Walk under the famed bridges of Madison County or take part in one of the state’s revered state fairs. Iowa is the hometown of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, and is the first caucus in the nation during every Presidential election.

For the outdoors-type, Iowa has it all: fishing, hiking, camping, biking and some of the best golf courses in the nation. Whether the flight to Iowa is for business, pleasure or politics, travelers are sure to be captivated by this field of dreams.

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Iowa Climate

One of the Great Plains states, Iowa’s climate has wild weather with thunderstorms, droughts, blizzards, and hailstorms, and the western part of the state is in tornado alley.Iowa generally has hot and humid summers with temperatures reaching or exceeding 100 degrees (F). Winters are cold and harsh, January temperatures are generally in the teens and 20s, and travel can be difficult. Spring and fall are mild, but the springs are wet. Typically, the state has 266 sunny or partly sunny days and an average of 30 inches of winter snowfall.

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When to Fly to Iowa

Peak Season:

Summer is the peak tourist season. July and August are busy with fairs and festivals, and the Iowa State Fair (the state’s largest event) is held in August. There are lots of outdoor activities, and summer is the time for golfing, fishing, hiking, camping, and biking. Travelers booking flights to Iowa during the summer season should plan in advance and book Iowa flights and hotels ahead of time.

Off Season:

Des Moines is comfortable in late spring and early autumn, especially May and September, when temperatures are in the low 70s. Winter has cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, although the weather can make travel around the state difficult.

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Getting Around Iowa

Driving is the best way to get around Iowa and its cities, and the best way to see the state. Scenic drives take you to the Madison Country bridges, along the Mississippi valley, and through the Loess Hills. Iowa has 13 scenic drives and 23 visitor centers.

The terrain of plains and low, rolling hills makes bicycling easy, and the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (Ragbrai) is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state and is the longest, largest, and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world.

 

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Iowa Insider Information

  • Some of the best architecture can be found in the Midwest and the Des Moines Art Center definitely ranks high on the list. Designed by three of the greatest 20th century architects: I. M. Pei, Eliel Saarinen, and Richard Meier, this modern museum is home to some of the most exquisite modern art including works by Matisse, O'Keeffe, Rothko, and Richter.
  • Another impressive structure that shouldn’t be missed is the Figge Art Museum designed by London-based minimalist architect David Chipperfield. Overlooking the Mississippi River the museum has an impressive collection of art including works by Grant Wood and Any Warhol as well as a large selection of Mexican colonial paintings.
  • If you enjoyed reading the weepy novel Bridges of Madison County or watching the movie, then why not visit the famous covered bridges in the picturesque town of Winterset where the movie was filmed. Then head to legendary actor John Wayne’s house where he was born and take a guided tour of the 1907 property.
  • Antique lovers should head to the town of Walnut, better known as “the antique city”, and explore the quaint antique shops that house some of the best quality antiques in the country. A favorite among antique buffs is the Granary Antique Mall where you’ll find a large selection of priceless antiques and collectibles. And if you happen to be there in June check the annual AMVET's Antique Walk and Show.
  • If you’re interested in U.S. history then the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, Museum, and National Historic Site will fascinate you. The Historic Site includes a tour of the former President’s birthplace cottage, his father's blacksmith shop, a Quaker meetinghouse, a pioneer schoolhouse and the president's grave site.

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Iowa Airports

Most Iowa flights arrive at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) but The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) is an alternative airport for commuter flights.

 

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New York City (JFK) to Des Moines (DSM)
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New York City (NYC) to Des Moines (DSM)
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Approx flight times

New York City to Des Moines:
3 hr 2 mins
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In-flight Reading

The Bridges of Madison County

Robert James WallerBest-seller about a National Geographic photographer who has come to Iowa to study the bridges, but falls in love with an Italian war bride.

A Thousand Acres

Jane SmileySmiley’s reworking of King Lear to a farm in Zebulon County which won critical acclaim and a Pulitzer Prize.

Ubik

Philip K. DickOne of Dick’s most popular science fiction novels, Ubik tells of the death of Glen Runciter, of Des Moines, though, in typical Dick style, it soon seems as if he might not be the one who has died…

Sarah's Seasons: An Amish Diary and Conversation

Martha Moore DavisThe diary of an Amish woman from Kalona written in 1977.

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