The Hawkeye State lies between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in the heart of the Corn Belt, and its character reflects the part of American identity that celebrates small-town life amid rolling farmland and patchwork countryside. However, several bustling cities also await those who travel to Iowa, such as the state capital of Des Moines, where tradition and innovation are perfectly combined.

Nothing is more traditional than visiting one of Iowa's many local farmers' markets. The rural meets the urban in the most popular of the markets, such as the Downtown Farmers' Market, which sets up right at the centre of Des Moines.

Throughout the state, there are efforts to preserve Iowa's rural heritage and tradition. The Iowa Barn Foundation sponsors the free All-State Barn Tour every September, and it's aimed at saving and restoring these structures.

The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival has been a time-honoured tradition in Madison County since 1970. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge has reconstructed the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which features bison and elk.

Iowans have also embraced innovation in various areas. An initiative to plant alternative crops has resulted in a fledgling wine industry. Today, travellers can explore three different wine trails. At the famous Iowa State Fair, the tradition of sculpting a cow from butter remains, but it's been joined by a line-up of well-known musicians.

Along the Mississippi River, visitors can choose between watching the sunset from the stands at a minor-league baseball game in Davenport and trying their luck aboard a luxury riverboat casino in Dubuque.

For a real taste of America, travellers should head to Iowa during a presidential election year to witness some good old-fashioned stumping. The Iowa caucus is the country's first major electoral event for candidates seeking their parties' nomination.

So contenders, one of who is the future US president, make many appearances at local diners and town halls, lead parades, host barbecues, and even clamber atop bales of hay to address voters. Around the 4th of July, campaigning reaches a fever pitch, and is not to be missed.