36 hours in Des Moines gives you just enough time to get a feel for the city. It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from the Quad Cities, which makes it an easy weekend trip. Spring and fall are the best times to go. The gardens are full of color, the air feels crisp, and the trails make it easy to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. The Capitol building is worth the time—it’s grand, detailed, and full of history. We went once in the dead of winter. It was cold, gray, and everything felt shut down. I wouldn’t go back that time of year. Des Moines has its charm, but it shows up best when the weather does too.

We didn’t plan much—just a quick trip to reset. But Naperville surprised us with peaceful trails, bold coffee, garden paths, and a long glass of rosé. From riverside walks to quiet moments in nearby towns, we found exactly what we didn’t know we needed: a little beauty and breathing room.

Is the Midwest worth visiting? It depends. This post explores the gap between marketing and reality, from gas station cafés to cultural blind spots. Written by someone who lives there—not someone passing through—it’s a candid take on what the Midwest offers, what it doesn’t, and why that matters.

I didn’t come to Rockford for the skyline or a famous landmark. I came because I was curious—and because at just under two hours from Rock Island, it was close enough to feel easy but far enough to feel like we went somewhere. Over the course of three days and two nights, we were pleasantly surprised. We explored some living history, thoughtful green spaces, and a few truly delicious meals.