Iowa – Eloray

Robert D. Ray Asian Garden, Des Moines, Iowa (2564368, Pixabay)

Let’s Visit Iowa

Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in Iowa.
For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Iowa

Highlights

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Iowa.

The Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville) is famous for being the filming location of the classic movie Field of Dreams. Fans of the movie visit the baseball diamond carved out of a cornfield, where people can play catch or tour the house featured in the film.
Amana Colonies (Amana) are known for their seven historic villages, originally founded by German Pietists in the mid-1800s. The area is celebrated for its preserved communal living, unique shops, and German-inspired crafts and food.
Iowa State Capitol (Des Moines) is renowned for its stunning 23-karat gold leaf dome and historic architecture. It serves as the seat of Iowa’s government and offers guided tours showcasing its artwork, historical exhibits, and legislative chambers.
Pikes Peak State Park (McGregor) is famous for its breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and stunning rock formations. It offers hiking trails, campsites, and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Iowa.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (West Branch) is the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States. The site includes his childhood home, a schoolhouse, and a museum detailing his life and presidency.
Adventureland Park (Altoona) is a well-known amusement park in Iowa, featuring roller coasters, water rides, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. It is one of the state’s top family-friendly attractions.
Effigy Mounds National Monument (Harpers Ferry) is famous for its ancient Native American burial mounds, some shaped like animals. The site offers insight into prehistoric cultures and has hiking trails that showcase the mounds and scenic views of the Mississippi River.
Maquoketa Caves State Park (Maquoketa) is famous for its network of caves and hiking trails, making it a popular destination for spelunkers (one who makes a hobby of exploring and studying caves) and nature lovers who want to explore Iowa’s geological wonders.
Des Moines Art Center (Des Moines) is known for its modern and contemporary art collections, featuring works from artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Andy Warhol. The museum’s architecture and outdoor sculptures make it a cultural gem in the state.
Grotto of the Redemption (West Bend) is one of the largest man-made grottos in the world. This religious site, built over several decades, features intricate stonework and religious sculptures, attracting both pilgrims and art enthusiasts.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

Discover these little-known facts about Iowa.

Iowa Is the Only State Whose Eastern and Western Borders Are Formed by Rivers
The Mississippi River forms Iowa’s eastern border, while the Missouri River and Big Sioux River form its western border, making it the only U.S. state bordered by two major rivers.
Iowa Hosts the National Balloon Classic
Every year, the skies above Indianola, Iowa, fill with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons during the National Balloon Classic, one of the biggest hot air balloon festivals in the country.
The World’s Largest Strawberry Is in Iowa
The small town of Strawberry Point is home to the world’s largest strawberry—well, a giant strawberry sculpture that stands on top of the town’s city hall, making it a quirky roadside attraction.
Iowa Is Home to the Oldest Land Grant College
Iowa State University in Ames became the first land-grant college in the United States in 1864, setting the stage for other universities that focus on agriculture, science, and engineering.
Rivers Run Both North and South in Iowa
Iowa has rivers like the Des Moines River and the Cedar River that uniquely flow both north and south, a rare occurrence for waterways in the United States.
Iowa Has a Haunted Insane Asylum
The Edinburgh Manor, located in Scotch Grove, Iowa, was once an insane asylum and poorhouse. Today, it’s known for paranormal activity, with many ghost hunters claiming to have witnessed strange phenomena there.
Iowa Is a Leader in Wind Energy
Nearly 60% of Iowa’s electricity comes from wind power, making it one of the leading states in the U.S. for renewable wind energy and giving the state its nickname The Land of Wind Turbines.
Slipknot, the Famous Heavy Metal Band, Is from Iowa
The internationally famous heavy metal band Slipknot hails from Des Moines, Iowa. Known for their masks and intense performances, they named one of their albums Iowa as a tribute to their home state.
Iowa Is the Setting for The Music Man
The famous Broadway musical The Music Man, written by Meredith Willson, is set in the fictional town of River City, Iowa. The musical celebrates small-town life and has become a beloved part of Iowa’s cultural history.
Iowa Hosts the First Presidential Caucus
Every four years, Iowa is the first state to hold its presidential caucuses, making it a key player in shaping the future of U.S. elections. The state’s caucuses draw major media attention and political campaigns.

Notable People

Here are 10 famous men and women from Iowa.

Famous Men

John Wayne (1907–1979) was born in Winterset, Iowa, and became one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, known for his roles in Westerns like True Grit, The Searchers, and Stagecoach.
Herbert Hoover (1874–1964) was born in West Branch, Iowa, and served as the 31st President of the United States. He is known for his humanitarian efforts before and after his presidency and for leading the country during the early years of the Great Depression.
Grant Wood (1891–1942) was born in Anamosa, Iowa, and became a famous painter, best known for his iconic work American Gothic, which depicts a farmer and his daughter in front of a rural house.
Johnny Carson (1925–2005) was born in Corning, Iowa, and became a legendary television host, best known for his 30-year run as the host of The Tonight Show, where he set the standard for late-night talk shows.
Elijah Wood (1981– ) was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is a well-known actor, most famous for playing Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Famous Women

Mamie Eisenhower (1896–1979) was born in Boone, Iowa, and became the First Lady of the United States as the wife of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. She was known for her charm and focus on making the White House more accessible to the public.
Donna Reed (1921–1986) was born in Denison, Iowa, and became an Academy Award-winning actress, best known for her roles in It’s a Wonderful Life and From Here to Eternity.
Ann Landers (1918–2002) was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and became a famous advice columnist. Her column Ask Ann Landers was syndicated in newspapers across the country, where she offered practical advice on personal and social issues.
Abigail Van Buren (1918–2013) was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and was known as Dear Abby, the pen name she used for her nationally syndicated advice column, which became one of the most widely read in the world.
Lolo Jones (1982– ) was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and is a world-class athlete, specializing in track and field and bobsledding. She is known for her achievements in hurdles and for competing in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.