If you don’t pay much attention to politics (or don’t live someplace where the presidential election cycle has been impossible to ignore for nearly a year), an Iowa caucus tourist guide might not make a lot of sense. Since early 2019 Iowa has been a hub for every 2020 presidential hopeful as well as the onslaught of staff, media, and national attention that comes with them.

Sure, it can be annoying to be delayed by a motorcade or stopped by security while trying to pick up lunch because a candidate happens to be dining at the same eatery. But the Iowa caucuses are also an amazing time to show my out-of-state friends (and everyone else) all our state has to offer—even in the dead of winter. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that we get cool write-ups in publications like POLITICO. Or that Ben and Jerry once hung out at a coffee shop a few blocks from my house.

With the 2020 Iowa caucuses swiftly approaching, there’s no better time to plan a politically-fueled trip to Iowa. If you happen to be passing through Des Moines during caucus season, I’ve compiled some of my favorite things to do in Iowa’s capital city as well as where you’re most likely to spot a candidate or two. As an Iowa caucus tourist there are lots of things to see and do—even if you can’t actually caucus.

But first, what even is a caucus? And why does Iowa get to vote first?Continue Reading…