Des Moines: golden domes on the great plains

Capital of Iowa in the heart of America's great agricultural plains, Des Moines is home to a state capitol with a golden dome visible for miles around.

The centre, dominated by the golden dome of the state capitol, is easily explored on foot.

The Capitol of Iowa, with its central dome covered in gold leaf, remains the only American state building with five distinct domes on its roof, visible from every corner of the city.

Just steps away, Des Moines Botanical Gardens, enclosed in a large geodetic glass dome, house tropical plants in the heart of the Midwest, sheltered from winter cold.

Moving forward, one walks through the East Village District, a neighborhood of historic buildings converted into galleries, independent shops and outdoor venues.

As evening falls, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a free public park with contemporary art works under the open sky, closes the day among illuminated monumental sculptures.

The central dome of the Iowa State Capitol is covered in thin layers of genuine gold leaf, periodically replaced to maintain its original brilliance over time.

Des Moines hosts each summer one of the largest state fairs in the United States—an agricultural tradition reflecting Iowa's role as one of the country's principal corn-producing states.