The Ultimate Event in Iowa

Listed as one of the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die the Iowa State Fair is a must see for anyone who loves to have a good time. It is a 10 day funfest that is held at the state fairground in Des Moines at the beginning of August every year. With this fair there is something for everyone.

There is a large emphasis on the agricultural products of the state with contests for large vegetables and animals such as the Super Bull and the Largest Rabbit, along with animal shows of everything from cows, pigs, and sheep to llamas, cats and dogs. If you like competitions but the animals not interesting you, try watching one of the many calling competitions that they have from pig to turkey to rooster crowing. Or how about one of the other competitions such as pie eating, chess, checkers, or arm wrestling.

These not enough of a draw for you, then how about the major concerts that go on every year. Artists such as Garth Brooks, Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Goo Goo Dolls, The Greatful Dead and many others have graced the stage at the fair over the years. Desiring something a little more daring to watch visit one of the tractor pulls, monster truck pulls or auto races. Or try some of the rides on the fairway.

Wanting local history, the Heritage Village is for you with displays of objects that have affected life in Iowa, a one-room school house, Native American homes, and much more.

Are you one to be drawn in by the quirky things that you will see then there are stuff for you here are well. On the fairway there are food vendors that will deep fry anything that you could possibly want to eat from the traditional corn dog to candy bars and oreos. Or how about the traditional Butter Cow. Yes its a life-size cow carved completely out of butter!!

These are just a few highlights of the event, there is so much more that it offers. Most importantly it offers a great time for everyone. For information on future events visit: http://www.iowastatefair.com/

I Want Cultural Immersion

Looking for cultural immersion? There are several areas in Iowa that still hold on to their cultural roots and display them proudly in many festivals.

One such place are the Amana Colonies in east-central Iowa which love to display their German roots. These towns are great to visit year round as they present a form of living history, but visiting them during the holidays provides a special treat. In november and December they have a Tannenbaum Forest which is full of beautiful Christmas trees to see, after which you can visit Santa Claus. An extra special reason to visit during this time of year is that they have the nation's tallest Weihnacht pyramid. This is a hand-crafted carousal-like pyramid that is made out of wood. On it there are depictions of Christmas motifs such as mangers, shepards, and angels. These are several levels tall and they spin in a circle for all to see. Christmas time tourism not what your looking for, visit them a couple months earlier for Oktoberfest as people in the area brew their own beers and then hold a contest to discover who has the best. Interested in this event or others that they may have, visit: http://www.amanacolonies.com/


Looking for something to do when its a little warmer out, visit one of the Dutch communities for their Tulip Festival. Both Orange City and Pella host one every year which lasts for three days. There are parades where people are in costume complete with wooden shoes and street washing. The food is traditional and great, there is dancing, however the reason to go is to look at the beautiful displays of tulips that the towns grow every year. But beware, even though the flowers are beautiful and in colors that you did not think possible DO NOT pick one as the community is very proud and protective of these plants; they will run you out of town. Both festival are in early May with Pella's occurring the weekend before the one in Orange City. When choosing which festival to visit location is the major decisions to make, Pella is in central Iowa near Des Moines while Orange City is in northwest Iowa near Sioux City. To plan a visit to them visit these websites: Orange City http://www.octulipfestival.com/ and Pella http://www.pellatuliptime.com/

Is there anything besides historical sites???

Of course there is and northeastern Iowa can help you there. In and around Dubuque there are several sites that would be interesting for many people.

Are you a sports and movie buff, then perhaps the Field of Dreams set would be a place to visit. Just 25 miles outside of Dubuque sits the original movie set near Dyersville. Yes that's right there really is a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield in Iowa!! And as a baseball field it is meant to be used so don't forget your gloves, balls, and bats as you can run the bases while you play a game out there. Just standing there you can picture the players coming out of the corn and throwing a ball around. Sound interesting, here is the information: http://www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com/

Still not finding your interests, then maybe a visit to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is what you need. The museum is full of fun for everyone, from their interactive exhibits to their 6 aquariums with living animals from the river. Ever thought you would see a shark in Iowa? Well now you can as they have some Bottlehead Shark pups just up from the Gulf of Mexico. From their windows you can watch animals like otters and bald eagles in their natural habitat. Living history more to your liking then visit their Native American Wikiup and Fur Trader Cabin. Interested in seafaring vessels then try the Pfohl Family Boatyard where they have a tugboat, scientific vessels, and houseboats. Do you really like the river? Then take an Eco Cruise and spend 90 minutes enjoying the natural beauty of the Mississippi River while learning some of its history. This museum truly has something to offer everyone, to visit go to: http://www.mississippirivermuseum.com/index.cfm#images/hm_features_sharktank.jpg

What is there worth visiting in Iowa???

When informing people that I'm from Iowa I am always asked what is in the state, isn't it just full of hills, corn, and cows? This image does not present the ideal location to grow up for many, let alone a vacation destination. However with 99 counties there are several great places and sites within the state that are worth seeing at least once, and the slower pace of life and friendly people only add to one's enjoyment. From the several locations that have been immortalized in stories and films to the lesser known traditions Iowa has something for everyone.

To begin I shall start with a county that has much to offer, Madison County. If this sounds familiar that's because it is the same Madison County that has been immortalized in the book and film The Bridges of Madison County. There were originally 19 bridges in the county, but only 6 remain today. They have been well cared for and are beautiful to see. If you time your visit just right you could go to the festival that is held every year on the second full weekend in October were you can immerse yourself in history through tours of the bridges, old-time craft demonstrations, and several other activities. For more information here is the link to the county's website: http://www.madisoncounty.com/

This county also has another claim to fame for people who love old western movies, it is the location of the birth place of John Wayne. His childhood house still stands and is a must see for anyone who calls themselves a fan. If interested in visiting more information is available here: http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/