Reaching Des Moines carried special meaning. This visit marked my 48th U.S. state, leaving only two more before completing a lifelong goal. It was fitting that such an important milestone unfolded in the heart of the Hawkeye State, where history, art, and quiet beauty come together.

The day began at the magnificent Iowa State Capitol. Completed in 1886, it remains the only state capitol in the United States with five domes, its gleaming gold central dome rising above the city skyline. Walking its halls offered a reminder of Iowa’s role in shaping the nation’s political landscape through its influential caucuses and long tradition of civic engagement.

A short walk led to the peaceful Robert D. Ray Asian Garden along the Des Moines River. The garden honors Governor Robert D. Ray, whose leadership during the 1970s welcomed thousands of Southeast Asian refugees to Iowa. His compassionate response became a national model and changed countless lives, giving the garden a meaning that extends well beyond its graceful bridges and landscaping.

Nearby, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden offered a refreshing escape from the summer heat, with tropical plants flourishing beneath its striking dome. The contrast between lush greenery and the warm Iowa afternoon made the visit especially enjoyable.

Later, the sculptures at Pappajohn Sculpture Park transformed an ordinary city park into an open-air gallery, where contemporary art invites visitors to pause, reflect, and explore from every angle. The nearby First United Methodist Church added another architectural treasure, its Gothic design standing proudly in the downtown skyline.