Iowa: More Than Cornfields – A Road Tripper’s Guide to the Hawkeye State

Welcome to Iowa: The Heartbeat of the Heartland

You’ve probably driven through Iowa—but have you ever truly stopped to see it? This often-overlooked Midwestern gem offers more than endless fields of corn and soybeans. It’s home to quirky roadside attractions, vibrant small towns, historic landmarks, and surprisingly good eats. Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a full-on road warrior, Iowa makes a perfect starting point for your journey through the 50 states.

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Fast Facts About Iowa (2025 Edition)

• Capital: Des Moines

• Population: Approx. 3.2 million

• Nickname: The Hawkeye State

• Motto: "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain"

• Famous For: Corn production, the Iowa Caucuses, Field of Dreams, and being the first state to recognize same-sex marriage via court ruling (2009)

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Historic Moments That Shaped Iowa

1. Iowa Becomes a State – On December 28, 1846, Iowa became the 29th state in the U.S.

2. Sullivan Brothers Tragedy (1942) – All five brothers from Waterloo died on the USS Juneau in WWII, leading to military family policies still in place today.

3. First Electronic Computer (1942) – The Atanasoff-Berry Computer, developed at Iowa State University, laid the foundation for digital computing.

4. The Iowa Caucuses – Since 1972, Iowa has been the first major electoral event in the presidential nomination process.

5. Field of Dreams Filming (1988) – Dyersville, IA became iconic after the movie, now home to the actual Field of Dreams you can visit.

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Top 10 Day Trip Ideas in Iowa

1. Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville)
Walk the same baseball diamond as Kevin Costner. Stay for a ghost game reenactment or a summer ballgame.

2. Effigy Mounds National Monument (Harpers Ferry)
Explore over 200 prehistoric mounds shaped like animals, tucked along bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.

3. Maquoketa Caves State Park
One of the most unique geological parks in the Midwest with 13 caves and scenic trails.

4. Pella – Little Netherlands in Iowa
Dutch architecture, tulip festivals, and bakeries that’ll ruin you for store-bought pastries.

5. Bridges of Madison County (Winterset)
See the famous covered bridges, then swing by John Wayne’s birthplace nearby.

6. Amana Colonies
Step back in time with a visit to this collection of historic German villages filled with crafts, furniture, and homemade food.

7. Snake Alley (Burlington)
Dubbed “the crookedest street in the world,” it’s Iowa’s answer to San Francisco’s Lombard Street.

8. Iowa State Capitol (Des Moines)
Take a free tour of one of the most ornate capitol buildings in the country with a stunning 23-karat gold dome.

9. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (Dubuque)
Blends river history, hands-on science, and aquatic animals for all ages.

10. Loess Hills Scenic Byway
A 200-mile stretch of rare wind-blown hills—great for hiking, fall foliage, and photo ops.

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Where to Eat in Iowa – Road Trip-Approved Picks

Des Moines:

• Fong’s Pizza – Try their legendary Crab Rangoon Pizza. It sounds wrong, but it’s oh-so-right.

• Zombie Burger + Drink Lab – Over-the-top burgers and freaky decor.

Dubuque:

• Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar – Farm-to-table dishes with Midwestern flair.

Amana Colonies:

• Ox Yoke Inn – Classic German family-style dining with endless sides.

Decorah:

• Mabe’s Pizza – A college-town favorite with thick crust and big flavor.

Pella:

• Jaarsma Bakery – Get a Dutch Letter and thank us later.

Council Bluffs:

• 360 Steakhouse – Upscale dining with a view from the top of Harrah’s.

Iowa City:

• Pullman Bar & Diner – Retro vibes, next-level brunch.

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Why Iowa is the Perfect Weekend Road Warrior Launch Pad

It’s affordable, it’s authentic, and it’s got a little bit of everything—history, nature, kitsch, and hearty Midwestern hospitality. Whether you're chasing Americana nostalgia or discovering roadside oddities, Iowa offers more than a pit stop—it’s a destination.

Pro Tip: If you’re coming from the north, hit Clear Lake and visit the Surf Ballroom—the final venue Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper played before the tragic plane crash memorialized in American Pie.