Name that Flyover City! — Jan 5, 2023

January 4, 2023

Here’s a review of this week’s questions:

  1. What midwestern city got its name from a river in the south-central part of the state that intersects with the Raccoon River?
  2. What southern city is situated on the edge of the widest part of the Mississippi River?
  3. The White River runs 722 miles through the U.S. state that is home to this midwestern city. What city is it?

And here are the answers:

  1. Des Moines, IA. The Des Moines River originates in Southern Minnesota and traverses the state of Iowa. Early French explorers named it La Rivière des Moines, literally meaning “River of the Monks.” The name may have referred to early Trappist monks, who built huts on the riverbank near what is now the city of Des Moines. Citizens in the area have benefited from the river’s bountiful gifts for years. Current attractions include the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, situated just outside the city on the banks of the Des Moines River, and the River Center Eventorium, which offers magical, historical settings for weddings and other large parties.
  2. Memphis, TN. Memphis history details the activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and its creation of the Memphis District along the Mississippi River. The river has given much to this great city over the years. Its culture, food and nightlife are all byproducts of its status as a riverport city that has welcomed millions of visitors from all walks of life for hundreds of years. Today the city celebrates its heritage with paddleboat cruises, concerts at Mud Island, and treks across the river at Big River Crossing, a mile-long pedestrian bridge that straddles Tennessee and Arkansas.
  3. Indianapolis, IN. The White River starts in Winchester, Indiana, northwest of Indianapolis. Once it flows through Indy, it offers locals an abundance of beautiful scenery and river-related activities to enhance their lives. White River State Park is a 267-acre urban park in downtown Indianapolis, situated along the eastern and western banks of its namesake White River. The Indianapolis Canal Walk stretches north through White River State Park to 11th Street and serves the downtown community as a waterside promenade for walkers, runners, bikers, and sightseers. Pedal boats are also available to get even closer to the water.
Posted in Flyover Trivia