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Kirsten

Plowman

5 years of experience
Des Moines, IA
United States of America (USA)

Contact Options

Ask all the questions. Listen to all the answers. Do the work. Listen again.

About

Hello all! I’m Kirsten Plowman from Iowa, located right in the middle of America’s heartland. I grew up moving from one Army base to another, so it’s no wonder I get the urge to travel! And, I enjoy helping others find their favorite way to travel via planes, trains, automobiles, and sometimes ferries and horse drawn carriages. 

Over the last few years, I’ve been leading camping and backpacking tours throughout the Midwest, focused on creating community and skills for women in the outdoors. I get to share with campers my passion for ecology, hiking, and staring at big waterfalls. This year, I’ve branched out! I’ve been leading student tours in Washington, D.C. and New York as well as adult tours in the Great Lakes and Appalachian regions. 

I’m excited to expand and learn new tours and connect with more guests. Whether that’s riding a steam engine in the Great Plains, touring Chicago’s iconic skyline, or walking the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. I want guests to get immersed in the smells of artisan bakeries and coffeeshops, flip through the pages at local bookstores, and tap our toes to live music. Together we can stare in awe at castles, seek out public art and history, and find the best late night eats.

Our beautiful planet is worth taking the time to Get To Know. 

Tours Offered & Destination Knowledge

Adventure/Hiking ToursCultural/Specialty ToursLarge Group ToursMulti-Day Tour Director/LeaderPerformance Group ToursPrivate ToursStudent Tour Director

Midwest & Great Lakes region: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. 

Major Metros: Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, Charleston, and Savannah

National Parks, Lakeshores, Monuments, & Memorials: Grand Canyon, Zion, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Badlands, Gateway Arch, Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Effigy Mounds

International Destination Knowledge: Munich, Budapest, Iceland, Ireland, Puerto Vallarta, Amsterdam, and Scotland

Fun Fact!
Every year for my December birthday, I bake over a thousand cookies and host a MEGA cookie decorating party.
Hobbies & Interests
Drinking coffee, chasing waterfalls, cross stitch & audiobooks, trying regional foods, live music, and talking about trees.

Testimonials

Kirsten is the most wonderful guide. She is so much fun, so organized, so respectful, and so kind! It was an absolutely splendid trip. We would love to travel with her again. M & S

Thank you for a wonderful tour! I struck some items from my bucket list...and added some to it! Thank you for taking care of us. You and the driver made a great team. B

This was the most unforgettable trip ever! It was such a pleasure traveling with you...Thank you for sharing all your knowledge of the area! N & R

This is the first trip we have taken with a travel/tour group. We have always done "on our own trips" and enjoyed the freedom of that experience. However, we must say we have truly enjoyed this group experience. [The Tour Operator] knows how to create great outings and manage groups. Everything was well handled and without issues. Kirsten, you added color and fun in so many ways. I was great to have your insights and experiences add on to the official tour moments. We were delighted to get to know you and be shepherded by you. J & F

Details

Gateway Airport(s)

DSM

Licenses

Washington, D.C.

Training

IATDG TourPrep with Washington, D.C. In-Person Practicum (March 2025)

Language(s)

English

Additional Education

Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor

NOLS Wilderness First Aid

American Red Cross CPR/AED

Bachelor's in Theatre

General Availability

I tour year-round and especially love helping folks enjoy winter.
With advance notice, I can be available most days and early evenings.

Photo Album