Iowa is known for its huge cornfields and warm Midwestern charm, but it also has hidden gems and distinctive oddities that many Americans are unaware of.
From its surprising involvement in the invention of sliced bread to lesser-known haunted places and record-breaking attractions, Iowa has a rich tapestry of local legend and traditions.
Whether you’re a native Iowan or just visiting, these interesting facts will help you appreciate the Hawkeye State even more. Dive in and learn 20 intriguing facts about Iowa that only locals truly understand, showing the heart and spirit of this remarkable state.
Radar Invention
Iowa State University is where the first electronic digital computer (the Atanasoff-Berry Computer) was developed.
Field of Dreams
The renowned baseball film “Field of Dreams” was filmed in Dyersville, Iowa, and the field remains a major tourist destination.
First Mosque
The Mother Mosque of America, the United States’ oldest mosque, was established in 1934 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Amana Colonies
German Pietists founded the Amana Colonies, a series of seven villages in Iowa, which are now a National Historic Landmark.
Birthplace of Sliced Bread
In 1928, Davenport sold the first loaf of pre-sliced bread.
High literacy rate.
Iowa has one of the highest literacy rates in the US.
Bridges of Madison County
The covered bridges of Madison County inspired the best-selling novel and film “The Bridges of Madison County.”
The oldest land grant university
Iowa State University was the first land grant university founded by the Morrill Act in 1862.
Wind Energy
Iowa is a leader in wind energy generation, generating more than 35% of its electricity from wind turbines.
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Corn Production
Iowa is the largest corn producer in the United States, accounting for a considerable portion of the country’s maize supply.
Herbert Hoover
Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, was born in West Branch, Iowa.
Largest Danish Settlement
Elk Horn, Iowa, is home to the biggest rural Danish hamlet in the United States, which includes a genuine Danish windmill.
RAGBRAI
RAGBRAI (The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) is the world’s oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycle touring event.
Maharishi Vedic City
This Iowa city is dedicated to Transcendental Meditation ideas and has unique architecture and organic farming practices.
Lewis and Clark Trail
The legendary explorers Lewis and Clark passed through Iowa on their way to the Pacific Ocean.
Tulip Time.
Pella, Iowa, honors its Dutch ancestry with an annual Tulip Time event, which includes stunning tulip displays and traditional Dutch costumes.
First Female Lawyer
Arabella Mansfield, the first female lawyer in the United States, was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1869.
Effigy Mounds
The Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa protects prehistoric mounds created by Native Americans, many of which are shaped like animals.
Music Man
Meredith Willson, who was born in Mason City, Iowa, wrote the popular musical “The Music Man”.
Summary
Iowa’s wide cornfields and inviting Midwestern charm conceal a wealth of unique attractions and historical landmarks. From the discovery of sliced bread to the oldest mosque in the United States, Iowa’s rich tapestry of local tales and traditions provides enough to discover. Whether it’s the famed “Field of Dreams” or the high literacy rate, these statistics illustrate the heart and soul of this exceptional state. Dive in and uncover the amazing intricacies that make Iowa so unique.
Source: wheninyourstate
