Iowa is home to one of the best underrated travel destinations in the United States, according to a new ranking from U.S. News and World Report.
Des Moines cracked the top 15 on U.S. News and World Report’s 26 best underrated travel destinations in 2025. The rankings were based on user votes, staff recommendations and factors like population levels and available activities.
Des Moines ranked 11th in the nation for best underrated travel destinations. The city was one of seven other Midwest destinations featured on the list.
“While the Midwest’s fastest-growing city is no hidden gem, it doesn’t top many travel bucket lists,” writes U.S. News and World Report’s Elizabeth Von Tersch. “It’s tough to see why, considering the Iowa capital city’s outdoor offerings, affordability and friendly locals.”
Here are the 26 best underrated travel destinations in 2025, according to U.S. News and World Report
Iowa recently ranked 14th on U.S. News’ list of the best states in America, a drop from its sixth-place position in 2024.
Des Moines, once ranked the fourth best place to live in the U.S., fell to 55th on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025–2026 Best Places to Live list. It ranked 19th in 2024.
Two Iowa cities—Ankeny and West Des Moines—ranked higher than Des Moines on U.S. News’ list of best places to live, with Ankeny at No. 18 and West Des Moines at No. 31. Ankeny also earned a spot on Consumer Affairs‘ list of the 10 best Midwest cities to move to.
Des Moines Register Reporter Kate Kealey contributed to this report.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
