64 Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about lowa, Iowa, positioned in the heart of the Midwest, officially joined the United States on December 28, 1846, as the 29th state. With its prime location, Iowa shares borders with six neighboring states: Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The state is recognized for its 99 counties and has Des Moines as its capital. Iowa is affectionately known as the “Hawkeye State,” and its postal abbreviation is IA.
Iowans, both current residents and natives, proudly embrace the moniker of “Hawkeyes” as a nod to their state. They constitute a vibrant populace contributing to Iowa’s rich history, diverse culture, and strong sense of community.
Iowa’s heritage intertwines a tapestry of history, cultural heritage, and economic development. Its evolution over the years reflects a blend of indigenous cultures, immigrant influences, and a dynamic societal ethos.
The state’s geographical diversity encompasses an array of landscapes, from rolling plains to fertile agricultural lands. Iowa’s economy thrives on agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife habitats contribute to its allure.
Delving into Iowa reveals a treasure trove of fascinating insights into its past, its people, the richness of its land, and the spirit of its communities. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, Iowa offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored.
Facts
1. The Magnificent Bullhead Fish Statue
One of Iowa’s most striking landmarks is the colossal Bullhead Fish Statue. Stretching 12 feet long, this stunning sculpture graces the shores of a crystal lake adorned with hundreds of genuine bullhead fish. The picturesque view it offers is a captivating sight for families and visitors alike, providing a serene experience amid nature’s beauty.
2. Hogs Reign Supreme in Iowa!
Iowa boasts a remarkable distinction as the leading state in the United States for its staggering pig population. According to the Department of Agriculture, the state witnessed a monumental count of 73.5 million pigs in June 2018. An astounding 33.2 million piglets were born between March and May of the same year, marking the highest count recorded since 1970.
3. The American Gothic’s Inspirational Home
The renowned painting “American Gothic” by Grant Wood finds its roots in Iowa. Wood’s iconic masterpiece was inspired by a farmer and his wife, depicted standing outside their modest white-story house. This historical house, which served as Wood’s muse, remains an emblem of cultural significance, immortalized through art and deeply rooted in Iowa’s heritage.
4. Enormous Strawberry Statue
A fiberglass strawberry statue stands tall on the Strawberry Point building, serving as a clever marketing emblem for the town’s strawberry industry.
5. Iowa’s Star Residents
John Wayne, the Hollywood icon, hails from Winterset, Iowa, while Bob Feller, the legendary baseballer, rose from Iowa’s countryside to fame with the Cleveland Indians during baseball’s Golden Age.
6. Corn Capital of America
Iowa boasts an impressive 92% of its land dedicated to farming, with corn reigning as its premier crop. The state’s thriving corn production significantly contributes to its economic prosperity. Surpassing the yield of entire countries like Mexico, Iowa stands as a top corn producer, second only to Illinois in soybean cultivation.
7. Ride Across Iowa: RAGBRAI Adventure
An annual extravaganza since 1973, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) marks the longest, largest, and oldest recreational bicycle tour globally. Cyclists pedal across Iowa, encompassing the state’s diverse landscapes and communities, attracting participants not just from all 50 states but also from various continents worldwide.
8. The Birthplace of Sliced Bread
Sliced bread, a relatively modern convenience, owes its existence to Iowa’s ingenuity. Invented by Otto Frederick Rohwedder, the first bread slicing machine revolutionized the way bread was enjoyed, producing the inaugural automatically sliced loaves on July 6, 1928.
9. Unique River Boundaries
Standing out among Iowa’s geographical distinctions is the state’s exclusive positioning between two navigable rivers. Iowa holds the distinction of being the only state bordered entirely by two major rivers: the Missouri River to the west and the Mississippi River to the east. These rivers elegantly delineate both the eastern and western borders of the state, a unique geographic feature worth sharing.
10. Grotto of Redemption: A Spectacle of Faith
Nestled in West Bend, Iowa, the Grotto of Redemption stands as a religious shrine adorned with nine captivating caves depicting the life of Jesus. Renowned as the world’s largest man-made grotto, this awe-inspiring structure is crafted from petrifications, shells, and minerals, showcasing the most extensive collection of precious stones and gems found in one location.
11. Sabula: Iowa’s Unique Island Town
Sabula, situated in Jackson County, Iowa, holds the distinction of being the sole town situated on an island within the Mississippi River. Spanning 1.26 square miles, this quaint town serves as home to approximately six hundred residents. Originally connected to Iowa, Sabula transformed into an island following the construction of a Lock and Dam in 1939, segregating it from the mainland and earning it the moniker “Island City.”
12. Iowa State Fair: Celebrating Excellence
Dating back to October 1854, the Iowa State Fair stands as one of the grandest state fairs across the United States. Since finding its permanent home in Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, this 11-day extravaganza held every August draws over a million visitors. Celebrating Iowa’s rich agriculture, industry, entertainment, and achievements, it stands as the largest annual event in the state, commemorating the essence of Iowa’s heritage and accomplishments.
13. Premier Gymnastics and Dance Institution
Nestled in Iowa is a world-renowned dance and gymnastics school that stands as a beacon for aspiring athletes. This institution offers state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch training, making it a go-to destination for those seeking excellence in athletic pursuits.
14. Iowa: The Unique Vowel State
Iowa stands as the sole state name in the United States that initiates with not just one but two vowels. Its pronunciation might pose a challenge initially, adding to the distinctiveness of this Midwestern state.
15. Unusual Wooden Nickel
Amidst an Iowa farm lies a remarkable sight: the world’s largest wooden nickel, towering at 12 inches. This uncommon artifact showcases an intriguing aspect of Iowa’s peculiarities.
16. Exploring Coldwater Cave
Encompassing about sixteen miles, Coldwater Cave reigns as Iowa’s largest natural cave. Accessible through a lone underwater entrance at the base of a towering 100-foot cliff, this water cave offers a captivating experience for adventurous explorers.
17. Elwood: The Stature of the Concrete Gnome
Standing proudly at 15 feet tall, Elwood holds the esteemed title of the world’s tallest concrete gnome. Adorning a garden, this larger-than-life figure weighs a staggering 3500 pounds, earning recognition for its uniqueness in the realm of concrete sculptures.
18. The Extensive Trail Bridge
Spanning 25 miles and connecting five Iowa towns from Woodward to Ankeny, the trail bridge traverses the Des Moines river valley. This remarkable bridge, stretching half a mile in length and towering 130 feet high, stands as a significant feat in engineering and is revered as one of the world’s largest trail bridges.
19. Leading in Wind Power
Iowa shines as a wind energy leader, generating a significant 25% of its total energy from wind power. Ranking third in the nation for installed wind power capacity, the state surpasses others in per-capita wind power production.
20. ‘The Day The Music Died’
Near Clear Lake, Iowa, in 1959, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of music legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JP, marking a somber day in music history.
21. Diverse Natural Lakes
Iowa boasts a range of natural lakes, including Spirit Lake, the largest glacier lake in the state, and West and East Okoboji lakes, the deepest. These picturesque sites offer year-round activities, from ice skating in winter to fishing and boating in summer, adding to Iowa’s natural beauty.
22. Matchstick Marvels Museum
In Gladbrook, Patrick Acton has devoted almost forty years to crafting intricate scale models from wooden matchsticks. These detailed creations, comprising hundreds of thousands of two-inch matchsticks intricately glued together, showcase around 70 magnificent designs. From the Wright Brothers’ Flyer to the Notre Dame Cathedral, these innovative models are on display at the Matchstick Marvels Museum, inviting the public to witness around 20 large-scale models.
23. Birthplace of the World’s First Digital Computer
Between 1937 and 1942, Professor John Atanasoff and student Clifford Berry developed the Atanasoff–Berry Computer (ABC), marking the world’s maiden electronic digital computer. This groundbreaking invention emerged from the halls of Iowa State University, setting the stage for modern computing.
24. Iowa’s Religious Landscape
A predominant majority of Iowa’s population, approximately eighty-three percent, identifies as Christians—comprising both Protestants and Catholics. While other religious denominations exist, the state’s landscape is primarily shaped by Christian denominations, offering a plethora of churches for residents and newcomers of the Christian faith.
25. Fenelon Place Elevator – Scenic Steep Railway
Dubbed the shortest, steepest scenic railway, the Fenelon Place Elevator ascends 296 feet over a mere 189 feet from Fourth Street to Fenelon Place in Dubuque. Offering panoramic views spanning three states, the Mississippi River, and Dubuque’s downtown district.
26. Historic Scranton Water Tower
Constructed in 1897, Scranton’s water tower holds the distinction of being Iowa’s oldest and ranks among the nation’s top ten oldest. Still operational, it stands as a testament to history and functional design.
27. Birthplace of US Presidents and Leaders
Iowa is the birthplace of notable political figures, including Herbert Clark Hoover, the 31st President of the United States during the Great Depression, and Henry Wallace, the 33rd Vice President, showcasing the state’s role in shaping national leadership.
28. Historical Treasures: Museums and Aquatic Exhibits
Iowa boasts several cultural repositories like the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, and African American Museum. These sites meticulously preserve and present Iowa’s rich historical narrative and cultural heritage.
29. Spiritual Retreats in Southeast Iowa
The serene landscapes of Southeast Iowa house one of Iowa’s golden domes, serving as a center for transcendental meditation and relaxation. A sanctuary for those seeking mental rejuvenation and therapeutic practices.
30. Birthplace of the Red Delicious Apple
Peru, Iowa is renowned as the birthplace of the Red Delicious apple. For apple enthusiasts and farmers seeking superior propagating material, visiting the orchards in Peru offers a chance to delve into the origins of this globally recognized apple variety.
31. Golfing Haven
Iowa stands out as a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting the highest number of golf courses per capita among all states. The people of Iowa take pride in their love for golf and the abundance of courses available for enthusiasts.
32. Agricultural Powerhouse
Renowned for its agricultural prowess, Iowa plays a pivotal role in beef, pork, corn, soybean, and cereal production. With over 85,000 farms, the state significantly contributes to food supplies, feeding over 300 individuals per farm. Its substantial farming community and average farm size highlight its critical role in national food production.
33. Iowa 80: A Truckers’ Oasis
Iowa hosts the world’s largest truck stop known as Iowa 80. Established in 1964, it serves as more than a parking spot for trucks. Dubbed “A Small City” or “A Trucker’s Disneyland,” this massive complex offers amenities like a barbershop, chiropractic services, and an extensive museum housing antique trucks—an all-encompassing paradise for truckers.
34. Monumental Concrete Bull
Audubon, Iowa is home to the world’s largest concrete bull, standing at 28 feet tall with a 15-foot span between horns. This iconic structure, erected in 1964, weighs an impressive 45 tons, attracting visitors intrigued by its sheer size and stature.
35. Manufacturing Hub
Iowa’s economy thrives on diverse manufacturing industries, prominently featuring food processing companies. Electrical equipment, chemical products, publishing, and primary metal companies serve as significant employment sources, contributing significantly to the state’s economic backbone.
36. Brandon’s Cowboy Breakfast Festival Frying Pan
The grandeur of Iowa’s culinary festivities includes the creation of the state’s largest frying pan during the Brandon’s Cowboy Breakfast Festival in 2004. This colossal pan, measuring nine feet in width and 14 feet in length (including the handle), was used to fry an impressive 44 dozen eggs, equivalent to 88 pounds of bacon. The festival is an annual event, celebrated every third Sunday of September.
37. World’s Largest Popcorn Ball in Sac City
Sac City, Iowa proudly holds the title for hosting the world’s largest popcorn ball, boasting a circumference of over 24 feet. It stands as a testament to the town’s unique attractions.
38. Birthplace of Ashton Kutcher
Renowned actor and producer Ashton Kutcher was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, adding to the list of notable personalities originating from the state.
39. Home of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum
Knoxville, Iowa is home to the esteemed National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, an ode to the history of sprint car racing. Nestled near an ancient dirt track, this museum preserves the legacy of sprint car racing and honors its champions who laid the groundwork for today’s Indycar racing.
40. Pioneering Train Robbery in Adair, Iowa
The world’s inaugural moving train robbery occurred on July 21, 1873, in Adair, Iowa. The daring burglars seized a significant sum of $3,000, marking a historic event in the realm of train heists.
41. Birth of the First Gasoline-Powered Tractor
In 1892, John Froelich revolutionized agricultural machinery by inventing the first gasoline-powered engine capable of moving both forward and backward—a milestone moment in tractor development.
42. Sioux City’s Tristate Area
Sioux City, Iowa, presents a unique geographical phenomenon where visitors can traverse three states within the city limits. The largest segment, Sioux City, belongs to Iowa, while North Sioux extends into South Dakota, and South Sioux is part of Nebraska.
43. Septuplets Birth Miracle
On November 19, 1997, 29-year-old Bobby McCaughey made history in the U.S. by giving birth to septuplets—a remarkable event, marking the first successful delivery of seven infants in a multiple birth.
44. First Mississippi River Bridge in Davenport-Rock Island
The bridge erected in 1856 between Davenport and Rock Island was a pioneering structure, marking the first span across the majestic Mississippi River, enhancing connectivity and transportation in the region’s history.
45. Scotcheroos: A Delectable Treat
The eagerly anticipated Scotcheroos season in Iowa unveils a delectable dessert. These treats, reminiscent of Rice Krispies but amped up, feature a chewy candy base infused with peanut butter, butterscotch, and melted chocolate, captivating the taste buds, particularly of children.
46. Iowa Avenue Literary Walk
Iowa City’s Iowa Avenue boasts the Literary Walk, adorned with bronze panels etched with quotes from renowned Iowa authors. Each panel showcases quotes and biographies, offering literary enthusiasts insights into the state’s literary legacy.
47. Grout Museum District in Waterloo
The Grout Museum District, established in 1932, stands as a cultural cornerstone in Northeast Iowa. Exhibiting artifacts, military history, Civil War memorabilia, and engaging interviews with veterans, this museum district offers a diverse range of experiences appealing to pioneers, science enthusiasts, veterans, and more.
48. Fort Dodge: Little Chicago
Dubbed “Little Chicago,” Fort Dodge boasts buildings reminiscent of its urban namesake. Visitors explore history and art at the Blanden Art Museum and Fort Museum, experiencing a blend of the city’s historical and artistic offerings.
49. First Colby Car and Kinney Pioneer Museum
Mason City witnessed the debut of the first Colby car in 1910, with notable achievements including a top-three finish at the 1911 Indianapolis Speedway Race. Kinney Pioneer Museum preserves these automobiles, offering visitors a glimpse into automotive history.
50. Coldwater Cave Exploration
The extensive Coldwater Cave, Iowa’s largest water cave, spans over 16 miles from Winneshiek County, Iowa, to Fillmore County, Minnesota. Unearthed by daring scuba divers in 1967, this natural wonder intrigues with its vast subterranean passages.
51. Ice House Museum
Delve into pre-refrigeration life at the Ice House Museum, which features an array of ice-harvesting tools and archives. Once the Ice and Fuel Company in 1921, the museum preserves the heritage of ice-carving techniques along the Cedar River.
52. Origins of Gladbrook’s Name
Gladbrook traces its name to a conversation between its founders, expressing gratitude for the town’s scenic brook. Their fondness for the area led to the name “Gladbrook,” born out of appreciation for its beauty and tranquility.
53. Iowa State Fair Extravaganza
A historic event dating back to 1854, the Iowa State Fair offers a plethora of entertainment, including live shows, livestock exhibits, thrilling rides, and enticing culinary offerings. The fairgrounds host major events in August, featuring beloved attractions like the Thrill Zone, Ye Old Mill, and Giant Slide.
54. National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library
Cedar Rapids’ NCSML stands as a unique cultural institution, educating visitors about Slovak and Czech heritage. Through intriguing exhibitions, the museum intertwines stories of freedom, family, and community, fostering an understanding of the rich history and culture of the region. Additionally, the museum offers diverse dining experiences for visitors to relish.
55. Des Moines: Curious Dancing Ordinance
Des Moines had a peculiar city ordinance spanning from 1942 to 2009, prohibiting public dancing between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
56. Cedar Rapids: City of Five Seasons
Dubbed the “City of Five Seasons,” Cedar Rapids originated the concept as an advertising slogan, highlighting the advantage of its smaller size, offering residents the opportunity to relish all four seasons with ample time for leisure and relaxation—the fifth season.
57. Davenport: Birthplace of Sliced Bread
Resident Otto Frederick Rohwedder, in 1928, invented a machine capable of automatically slicing an entire loaf of bread. By 1933, 80% of U.S. bread bakeries sold pre-sliced bread, a transformation in the baking industry attributed to this invention.
58. Sioux City: Dear Abby and Ann Landers Connection
Renowned advice columnists Pauline Esther Friedman and Esther Pauline Friedman, known as Dear Abby and Ann Landers, respectively, were born in Sioux City. Pauline authored Dear Abby, while Esther wrote Ask Ann Landers.
59. Iowa City: UNESCO City of Literature
Iowa City earned the UNESCO City of Literature designation on November 20, 2008, becoming the third city globally to receive this recognition after Edinburgh, Scotland, and Melbourne, Australia.
60. West Des Moines: Jordan House and the Underground Railroad
The Jordan House, constructed in 1850 by abolitionist James C. Jordan, served as a sanctuary for fleeing slaves on the underground railroad. It provided refuge and hiding places in its fields, outbuildings, and barns.
61. Ankeny: High Trestle Trail Scenic View
The High Trestle Trail, constructed over a retired Union Pacific Railroad section, offers pedestrians, cyclists, and runners breathtaking views of the valley from its elevated footbridge.
62. Waterloo: John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
Home to the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, Waterloo showcases the evolution of John Deere machines, from the initial steel plow to the advanced modern equipment, in an engaging and interactive setting.
63. Ames: Blizzard of 1942
Ames faced a significant blizzard on New Year’s Day in 1942, depositing 24 inches of snow within 24 hours, accompanied by temperatures plummeting to 24 degrees below zero, marking the coldest recorded period in Iowa.
64. Council Bluffs: The Squirrel Cage Jail
Constructed in 1885, the Pottawattamie Jailhouse, also known as the “Squirrel Cage Jail,” featured a unique three-story stack of rotating cells, reflecting a brief era when revolving cells were in vogue.
Insights into Iowa’s State Flag: Design, Symbolism, and History
| . | Details about Iowa’s State Flag |
|---|---|
| 1 | Designer of the Flag Dixie Cornell Gebhardt, born on November 18, 1866, in Knoxville, Iowa, served as the secretary in Iowa’s Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. |
| 2 | Adoption by the State Legislature Iowa’s state flag wasn’t officially adopted by the state legislature until March 29, 1921, during World War I, marking around 75 years after the state’s establishment. |
| 3 | Purpose and Design The flag was created for civil use and to honor the Iowa National Guard members stationed at the Mexican border during World War I, who requested a flag for their unit. |
| 4 | Symbolism The flag’s colors are blue, white, and red. Blue symbolizes loyalty, truth, and justice; white signifies purity, while red represents courage. The flag features an eagle holding streamers in its beak, akin to Iowa’s state seal, with the word “IOWA” listed in red letters below the eagle. |
| 5 | Inscription on the Flag The blue streamers bear the motto “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain” in white letters, reflecting Iowa’s commitment to upholding its values. |
Iowa: State Facts and Noteworthy Features
| Governor | Kim Reynolds (R) |
| State Abbreviation | IA |
| Longitude | 90° 8′ W to 96° 38′ W |
| State Nickname | Hawkeye State |
| State Motto | Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain |
| State Capital | Des Moines |
| Highest Point | Hawkeye Point, 1,671 ft (509 m) |
| State Flower | Wild rose |
| State Bird | Eastern Goldfinch |
| Statehood | December 28, 1846 |
| % Water | 0.70 |
| Official Language | English |
| U.S. President Born in Iowa | Herbert Hoover |
| Bordering States | Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin |
| State rank by area | 26th |
| Latitude | 40° 23′ N to 43° 30′ N |
| State rank by population | 31st |
| Electoral Votes | 6 |
| State rock | Geode |
| Website | www.iowa.gov |
| State Size | Total (Land + Water): 56,272 sq miles; Land Only: 55,869 sq miles |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone |
| State rank by date of formation | 29th |
| Population | 3,200,517 (Estimate July 1, 2022 from United States Census Bureau) |
| Number of Counties | 99 |
| Width | 200 miles (322 km) |
| Demonym | Iowan |
| State Tree | Oak |
| Famous people | Kurt Warner (Pro Football player), Dave Bancroft (Baseball player), Michelle Monaghan (Actress) |
| Noble Prize Winners | Norman Borlaug (Peace, 1970), Edwin G. Krebs (Physiology or Medicine, 1992), Stanley B. Prusiner (Physiology or Medicine, 1997), Alan Heeger (Chemistry, 2000) |
| Area Codes | 319, 515, 563, 641, 712 |
| Table last updated | November 19, 2023 |
| Lowest point | Confluence of Mississippi River and Des Moines River, 480 ft (146 m) |
| Length | 310 miles (499 km) |
| Lieutenant Governor | Adam Gregg (R) |
Interesting and Unique Fun Facts about lowa FAQs
Why is Iowa known for its pig population?
Iowa holds the distinction of being the leading state in the United States for its significant pig population. In June 2018, it recorded a monumental count of 73.5 million pigs, with 33.2 million piglets born between March and May of the same year, marking a historic count since 1970.
What is the significance of the Bullhead Fish Statue in Iowa?
The colossal Bullhead Fish Statue, stretching 12 feet long, stands as one of Iowa’s striking landmarks, gracing the shores of a crystal lake adorned with genuine bullhead fish. It provides a picturesque view and a serene experience amid nature’s beauty.
What is RAGBRAI, and why is it significant in Iowa?
The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) is an annual extravaganza since 1973, marking the longest, largest, and oldest recreational bicycle tour globally. Cyclists pedal across Iowa, encompassing diverse landscapes and communities, attracting participants from all 50 states and various continents worldwide.
Why is Sabula unique in Iowa?
Sabula, situated in Jackson County, Iowa, is the sole town located on an island within the Mississippi River, spanning 1.26 square miles and serving as home to approximately six hundred residents.
How did Gladbrook get its name?
Gladbrook’s name originated from a conversation between its founders expressing gratitude for the town’s scenic brook. The name “Gladbrook” emerged from their appreciation for the area’s beauty and tranquility.
Why is Iowa City designated as a UNESCO City of Literature?
Iowa City earned the UNESCO City of Literature designation in 2008, becoming the third city globally recognized for its literary contributions after Edinburgh, Scotland, and Melbourne, Australia.
