Des Moines, Iowa
⚾ Iowa Cubs

A state known for its baseball heritage, Iowa has scores of diamonds for talented competitors to compete on. But only one is home to the highest-caliber team in the state. Principal Park, opening its gates in 1992, is home to the International League’s Iowa Cubs and is the second-oldest stadium in Triple-A that still maintains its original grandstand structure. The baseball heart of the Hawkeye State, the ballpark sits proudly at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.

Principal Park replaced Sec Taylor Stadium, a wooden-seat venue which had stood on the same site since 1947. The old park was home to the Des Moines Bruins and Demons before the Triple-A Iowa Oaks were formed in 1969. The Oaks live on today as the Cubs, taking that name just a year after affiliating with the big leaguers in Chicago. The teams have held a partnership for close to a half century, one of the longest agreements between non-relocated franchises in Triple-A baseball – second only to their rivals over in Omaha.

Due to its prime location adjacent to downtown Des Moines, the facility boasts some incredible cityscape views. In addition to the skyline looming over the third base side, the Iowa State Capitol stands prominently on the horizon beyond the outfield fences.

As a staunch part of the Chicago Cubs organization, the park’s concessionaires dutifully serve up several Windy City classics. Favorites like the Chicago Dog and Italian beef sandwich are amongst the highlights. Additionally, a wall of craft beers brewed across the state of Iowa are on tap at the Confluence Brewing Company.

The ballpark has plenty of socialization spots as well, such as the Schaal Chill Zone in the right field corner, complete with a “Fountain of Youth” bubbler. A big party deck allows fans to walk behind the manual scoreboard and take a peek at the operator working his magic, while picnic tables nearby feature vistas of the two rivers. On the other side of the park sits the Left Field Landing, another picnic deck with a lounge and suite building perched behind it.

A member first of the American Association, then the Pacific Coast League and now the International League, the I-Cubs have seen it all. They won one league crown in 1993, capping off their second full season at Principal Park. A conference title came in 2004, and divisional wins have also trickled in to the tune of a little more than half dozen. Since being booted out of the PCL, the franchise has struggled to find footing in the huge 20-team International League.

But as the top flight of Cubbies development, Des Moines’ baseball club enjoys a robust fanbase and a timeless ballpark to call home, assets that could help the franchise find glory once again. At Principal Park, at least, glory is a nightly occurrence. The Midwest ambiance and cozy confines often remind you that this isn’t heaven – it’s Iowa.