But its agricultural roots run deep. You can drive just minutes from the center of town and find yourself in the thick of farm country. A two-day visit to Des Moines breaks naturally into an itinerary focusing on the urban vs. suburban influence. Here, the map alone proves Des Moines is at the crossroads of America. After breakfast head next door to Living History Farms.
Signs tick off time, marking major events on wooden markers.
In a clearing, it's 1700 in an Ioway Indian village. The midday meal is cooking over a campfire. Next stop is 1900, where large fields surround an immense red barn and a white farmhouse. Traveling 300 years can build quite an appetite. The waitress will pour your malt into a glass atop your head- if you're brave enough to let her.