Agriculture and industry flourished
Iowa is a major agricultural producer and is often called the “Food Capital of the World.” The state leads the nation in corn, soybean, pork and egg production. The fertile soil and favorable climate make it an ideal place for agriculture, which contributes significantly to the state and national economy.
Key cities for agricultural production
- monk: While Des Moines is the state capital and a center for insurance companies, it also plays a key role in agribusiness.
- cedar rapids: Famous for its large grain processing plants and food production industries.
- Sioux City: A major player in meat processing and grain production.
Top 5 Iowa Employers
- University of Iowa
- Principal Financial Group
- Heavi
- unified point of health
- John Deere
Must-visit tourist attractions
Iowa may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of travel destinations, but the state is rich in historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty.
- Field of Dreams movie set, Dyersville: Step onto the famous baseball field and your dreams come true.
- Iowa State Fair, Des Moines: One of the largest and oldest state fairs in the nation, offering a glimpse into the state’s agricultural pride.
- Pikes Peak State Park: Known for its stunning views of the Mississippi River and beautiful hiking trails.
- amana colony: A village made up of seven villages, famous for its unique German heritage and craftsmanship.
- Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum West Branch: Dedicated to the 31st President of the United States, with exhibits about his life and career.
Interesting facts: The Iowa State Fair is famous for its Butter Cow, a life-size sculpture made entirely of butter that has been a fair tradition since 1911.
Delicious food all over the state
Iowa’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage. The state is known for its comfort food, farm-to-table dining, and of course, its world-famous pork and corn dishes.
Five famous restaurants in Iowa
- corn on the cob: A staple at any Iowa party, often served with a simple side of whipped cream.
- maid sandwich: The loose meat sandwich is an Iowa classic, especially popular among Maid-Rite diners.
- Iowa Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: Breaded and fried pork loin served on a bun that’s larger than the bun it’s placed on.
- Zombie Burger + Beverage Lab, Des Moines: Known for its creative zombie-themed burgers.
- Machine shed, various locations: Celebrate Iowa’s agricultural heritage with hearty Midwestern dishes.
Rich cultural entertainment
Iowa is rich in culture, influenced by Native American roots and European immigrant traditions. The state has a thriving arts scene, with numerous festivals, theaters and galleries.
Five great places to experience culture in Iowa
- Des Moines Art Center: Featuring contemporary art and renowned touring exhibitions.
- Iowa City Englert Theater: Historic theater hosting live music, theater performances and movies.
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Dubuque: A must-see for history and wildlife lovers.
- Iowa City Book Festival: Celebrating literature and Iowa City’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature.
- Bruce Moore Building (Cedar Rapids): Historic estates that offer a glimpse into the state’s past.
First class higher education
Iowa is home to several respected universities and colleges, known for their academic excellence and vibrant campus life. These institutions attract students from all over the world and contribute significantly to the state’s intellectual and cultural diversity.
Six Top Universities in Iowa
- University of Iowa: Known for its strong programs in healthcare, law, and creative writing.
- Iowa State University: A leader in agricultural and engineering research.
- Grinnell College: A highly regarded liberal arts college.
- Drake University: Known for its business, journalism and law courses.
- Luther College: Known for its music and liberal arts education.
- academy of sciences: Provide a liberal arts education that is personalized and focused on community.
amazing natural resources
Iowa’s scenery is diverse, from rolling hills and fertile prairies to tranquil rivers and picturesque lakes. The state’s natural beauty offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking and boating to bird watching and fishing.
Five Great State Parks in Iowa
- Ledges State Park: Known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and scenic hiking trails.
- Makoketa Caverns State Park: Known for its complex cave systems and geological formations.
- Lake Okoboji: Part of the Iowa Great Lakes, great for water sports and summer vacations.
- backbone state park: Iowa’s oldest state park, featuring rugged terrain and beautiful scenery.
- portrait mound national monument: Preserved ancient Native American earthworks and stunning views of the Mississippi River.
Interesting facts: Iowa’s Loess Hills are one of only two such formations in the world, formed by windblown silt during the Ice Age.
Become a sports paradise
Iowa State is passionate about athletics, especially at the collegiate level. The state’s universities have a rich tradition of athletic excellence, and Iowa’s landscape provides an ideal environment for a variety of sports and outdoor activities.
Popular sports teams and events in Iowa
- iowa hawkeyes: The University of Iowa’s football team, especially famous for its football and wrestling.
- Iowa Cyclones: Iowa State University’s team with a huge following in basketball and football.
- Drake Relay: One of the most prestigious track and field events in the country.
- Raghubrai: The Register’s annual weeklong bike ride through Iowa, which attracts participants from around the world.
- dream ghost player: Relive the magic of baseball with summer games and events at the iconic movie venue.
Popular Iowa Phrases
- “Is this paradise? No, it’s Iowa.: A famous line from the movie dream landembodying the state’s idyllic, tranquil charm.
- “Hawkeye’s Pride”: Celebrating the University of Iowa’s beloved athletic teams and strong school spirit.
- “corn fed”: often used to describe the hearty and healthy growth of Iowans, especially in relation to their agricultural roots.
- “Tall Corn”: Refers to the state’s lush cornfields, a staple of Iowa’s landscape.
- “Iowa Nice”: emphasizes the state’s friendly and polite culture, which is often experienced by tourists and newcomers.
More things Iowa is famous for
- health care: Iowa has top-notch medical facilities and is a leader in medical research, especially the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
- renewable energy: The state leads the nation in wind energy production, dotted with wind farms.
- markets and festivals: From the Iowa State Fair to small-town festivals, these events celebrate the state’s agricultural roots and community spirit.
- historical landmark: Iowa is rich in historic sites, including the Amana Colony, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and the Madison County Historic Bridges.
- friendly community: Iowa is known for its warm hospitality and close-knit communities that embody the spirit of Midwestern hospitality.
