Ah, Iowa. The land of endless cornfields, friendly farmers, meat and potatoes dinners and overall boredom. Right? Ope, try again. We’re about to crush those myths and set the record straight on what Iowa’s all about. Our picturesque scenery, booming industries, delicious food and lively communities don’t deserve to be confused with Ohio or Idaho.
Myth #1 – “Iowa Only Has Cornfields”
To kick it off, we need to start with the most talked about myth. While we are (very proudly) the first in the nation in corn production (USDA, 2023), we ask that you look beyond the rows of stunning golden stalks swaying majestically in the breeze. We’ll let the photos speak for themselves. Prepare yourself for some much-deserved FOMO.
Myth #2 – “Everyone is a farmer”
Hey, now. Don’t knock on Iowa’s agriculture industry – it’s packed with cutting-edge technology, like GPS-guided tractors and drones that monitor crop health, from major industry powerhouses like John Deere, Corteva Agriscience and more.
And Iowa’s land allows us to be a leader in bioscience innovation and renewable energy. Iowa ranks first in the nation and second in the world in electricity generated from clean power sources (EIA, 2024, and Rocky Mountain Institute, 2024).
Though farms are important to the state’s success, Iowa is also nationally recognized as a hotspot for insurance/finance, technology, advanced manufacturing and small business success. In fact, we’re a top 10 state for business friendliness (CNBC, 2024). So, really, our exceptional employers and ample job opportunities mean you can be anything you want here.
Myth #3 – “There’s nothing to do in Iowa”
Ask some Iowans, and they’d tell you that’s exactly what we want you to think. But, because we like you and want you to move here, we’re sharing all our secrets. Did you know that Iowa is the least lonely state in the country (U.S. Census Bureau)? Would we earn that recognition if there weren’t activities to do together? Obviously not.
In the spring, embrace the thawing ground and temps by reconnecting with nature. Hansen’s Dairy (Hudson) offers the chance to bottle-feed calves; Rusty Stars Alpacas (Winterset) features hikes with an alpaca companion; and Windy Goat Acres (Chelsea) and Three Pines Farm (Cedar Falls) invite visitors for hands-on events. Spring is also a great time to bike along the state’s 2,500+ miles of paved trails or simply soak up the sun at one of our 80+ free state parks.
As things heat up for summer, cool off with an ice-cold brew or cocktail at one of Iowa’s 150 breweries and brew pubs and 26 distilleries, many of which have pet-friendly patios. Iowa also has plenty of water fun. Okoboji’s beautiful glacier-carved, spring-fed lakes cover 15,000 acres that boast endless fishing, boating and beach fun. Other lakes, rivers and streams provide over 18,000 miles of navigable waters for fishing, tubing, kayaking and canoeing adventures.
When the leaves start to turn, prepare to pack your schedule with endless fall fun. Admire the sights and sips at the state’s 111 wineries or embark on a stunning drive along Iowa’s three national scenic byways (Great River Road, Loess Hills and the Lincoln Highway) and 11 state scenic or heritage byways. Plan a visit to one of the hundreds of apple orchards and pumpkin patches across Iowa like Deal’s Orchard (Jefferson), Harvestville Farm (Donnellson) and Wilson’s Farm & Orchard (Cumming & Iowa City).
Once snow starts to fall, ditch hibernation – it’s overrated. Embrace the cold and snow-covered landscape by racing down Iowa’s slopes. Sundown Mountain (Dubuque) offers adaptive skiing for all abilities, and Seven Oaks Recreation (Boone), Cone Park (Sioux City) and Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Honey Creek) boast several runs and tubing hills. Not a fan of the cold? Check out Iowa’s collection of award-winning museums. The Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (Dubuque) tells the story of the Mighty Mississippi, the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium (Waterloo) features hands-on exhibits that show how science affects everyday life and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center (Sioux City) shares the amazing stories behind the challenging 1804 expedition.
Myth #4 -“Iowa has boring food”
Whoever started the rumor that Iowa’s food is boring clearly never experienced sweet corn dripping with butter or a breaded pork tenderloin so big it requires its own zip code. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so be sure to pack your tastebuds and stretchy pants. You’re in for a treat.
Starting in the topmost corner of western Iowa, the 1015 Steakhouse (Sibley) has a reputation that crosses borders – Minnesotans love to drive south for a taste of its famous smoked prime rib. Following the Missouri River south to Council Bluffs, sample the best of American flavors crafted with ethically sourced ingredients at 712 Eat + Drink.
Central Iowa is packed with even more famous flavors. Des Moines boasts several renowned restaurants – Jethro’s BBQ made appearances on the Travel Channel’s “United States of Bacon,” “Food Paradise” and “Man vs. Food” series; Harbinger’s Asian-inspired flavors are crafted by James Beard semifinalist Chef Joe Tripp; and HoQ’s constantly evolving menu invites diners to sample global flavors crafted with local produce. Mason City’s Northwestern Steakhouse is recognized as the “Most Iconic Steakhouse in Iowa” for its Greek-style steaks.
Housed inside a National Historic Landmark home, the Ox Yoke Inn’s (Amana) old-world German recipes were highlighted on the Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise” series. Sample more global flavors at The Map Room (Cedar Rapids), where burgers are named after and inspired by cities around the world or stop by Cobble Hill (Cedar Rapids) to admire James Beard semifinalist Chef Andy Schumacher’s dedication to fine dining. In Iowa City, Barrett’s is run by former Iron Chef contestant Cory Barrett and features breakfast items like scratch-made pastries and New York-style bagels and lunch items. For exciting dining in a small town, make a reservation at Rubaiyat (Decorah), whose refined American cuisine and extensive wines have attracted diners from around the country
Myth #5 – “There’s no culture in Iowa”
What a silly thing to think about a state where a cow made from butter draws curious crowds from across the country. (The Iowa State Fair is in fact one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the world.) Along with a unique fair culture, Iowa’s diverse communities also show off their heritage via museums and events.
Immerse yourself in the Amana Colonies, seven villages near Iowa City that were founded by German immigrants in the 1800s. The Amana Heritage Museum tells stories of the area’s German settlers, and events like Maifest, Oktoberfest and Wurstfest make it easy to celebrate the area’s heritage.
Experience the state’s Norwegian heritage at Decorah’s Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and the annual Nordic Festival; visit the Netherlands via Orange City’s Dutch American Heritage Museum and Tulip Festival or Pella’s Historical Village, bakeries and Tulip Time Festival; learn about the nation’s largest rural Danish settlements (Elk Horn & Kimballton) at the Museum of Danish America and Tivoli Fest; admire the cultures of Czech, Moravian and Slovak descendants at Cedar Rapids’ National Czech and Slovak Museum and stroll through the Czech Village’s shops and restaurants.
We can’t forget about the arts – Iowa boasts everything from professional theater performances and historic theaters to famous art galleries of all sizes. For smaller productions paired with history, catch community theater and movies at historic theaters across the state that combine old-age charm with modern technology. The State Theater (Washington) is the world’s oldest continuing operating cinema theater (Guinness World Records) and still features nostalgic fixtures like a 1948 popcorn machine and $5 tickets.
It’s safe to say that Iowa strongly supports the arts. Kyle Kirwan, a New York artist who moved to Des Moines to pursue his passion at Des Moines’ Main Frame Studios (the largest nonprofit creative workspace in the country), said it best:
“This is one of the only places I’ve been where it’s not cutthroat. People are happy for others to succeed… Chasing the art dream is a lot of effort, and to come out here and pool our resources together was really interesting and cool.”
See this effect for yourself at fine art museums and small galleries alike across the state. While The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses the world’s largest collection of Grant Wood paintings, the Mooney Art Gallery inside the Charles City Public Library features 77 art pieces from famed creators like Rembrandt, Picasso, Dali and others. The Sioux City Art Center is iconic for its three-story glass atrium, the Grant Wood Corn Room Mural and interactive art education. The Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum is housed inside a former (and still stunning) Carnegie Library and features one of the best private collections in the country. No matter where you are in Iowa, it’s brimming with culture.
