5 BEST REASONS TO VISIT IOWA

Iowa is known for its cornfields. In fact, it produces more corn than any other state in the United States. But Iowa has more than cornfields. From border to border, Iowa’s landscape holds some hidden gems. It’s also home to fascinating history and notable personalities. The state’s culture is rich in fun and educational activities, too. With so much to explore in the state, we broke it down into the 5 Best Reasons to visit Iowa.

1. Nature and Recreation

It should be no surprise that number 1 of 5 Best Reasons to Visit Iowa is Nature and Recreation. Iowa is a primarily rural state. Even near its population centers like the state capital in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, there are numerous state parks and preserves. Some of the best places to visit and experience nature include:

Backbone State Park – Delaware County

Located in Delaware County, Iowa’s oldest state park was established in 1919. It boasts beautiful hiking along Backbone Lake and camping and cabin sites. Fishing, boating, and climbing are also available.

Effigy Mounds – Harpers Ferry

Considered sacred, Effigy Mounds is part of the National Park System and is a designated National Monument. Home to some 200 animal-shaped American Indian mounds, the monument offers cultural, natural, and historical significance.

Crystal Lake Cave – Dubuque

Crystal Lake Cave is a natural work of art located 5 miles south of Dubuque. Explore the living cave with guided tours. Mine gemstones or exercise your knowledge of stalagmites and stalactites.

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium – Port of Dubuque

Located along the Mighty Mississippi River at the Port of Dubuque, the 14-acre facility features historical exhibits and a wide variety of species from both the air, land, and water.

Okojobi Lake – Okajobi

Five interconnected lakes make up the largest natural lake in Iowa. Also known as the Iowa Great Lakes, these lakes host year-round recreation, dining, and shopping.

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad – Boone

Tour the museum and history of the area before taking an almost two-hour scenic ride on the Fraser Train from Boone to Fraser, IA.

Maquoketa Caves State Park – Maquoketa

A spelunkers dream, Maquoketa Caves State Park boasts more caves than any other state park. However, there’s a cave for just about everyone, so you don’t have to be an experienced spelunker to go exploring.

Pikes Peak State Park – McGregor

No, you’re not in Colorado. Pikes Peak State Park overlooks the Mississippi River and features some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The park also offers year-round recreation.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Center – Des Moines

Comprised of both indoor and outdoor gardens, Greater Des Moines Botanical Center offers year-round beauty to horticulture lovers. Explore bonsai, orchids, corpse flowers, water gardens, roses, art, and more in beautiful and serene settings.

2. Odd and Unusual

Iowa is not immune to the odd and unusual. That’s why Odd and Unusual is number 2 of 5 Best Reasons to Visit Iowa. For those who like to explore the out-of-the-way places, interesting backstories, or prefer the weird and quirky, Iowa has collected its fair share.

Historic Squirrel Cage Jail – Council Bluffs

We know what you’re thinking. “Why are squirrels in jail?” Well, at the Squirrel Cage Jail, they aren’t. The jail’s name comes from its unique design. The rotating, pie-shaped cells allow for maximum security and minimum staffing. In fact, this jail is three stories tall, the tallest squirrel cage jail ever built. Yes, you read that right. There are more than one of these still in existence.

Fenelon Place Elevator – Dubuque

If you don’t mind a quick trip, travel from Fourth Street in Dubuque up to Fenelon Place (still in Dubuque). This train ride is touted as the shortest and steepest train ride. The whole round trip ride covers 592 feet and elevates riders to a view of three states and downtown Dubuque.

Ida Grove Castles – Ida Grove

Ida Grove thanks one person for the unique architecture of the city. Byron Leroy began building castles in the city back in 1969 when he built Lake LaJune, named after his wife. There are six more castles found around Ida Grove.

Villisca Ax Murder House – Villisca

If the macabre piques your interest, the Villisca Axe Murder House will interest you. Shrouded in rumor, the murder of eight people, including six children, remains an unsolved mystery. If you’re up to a challenge, you can rent it out overnight.

Rollercoaster Road – Allamakee County 

Near Harpers Ferry, this stretch of rural country road gives a thrill as you go over several successive hills. Just make sure your shocks are well maintained.

Black Angel – Iowa City

Theresa Dolezal Deldwert, a Czech-Bohemian immigrant, commissioned the statue for the grave of her son Eddie in 1912. Located in the Oakland Cemetery, the Black Angel is surrounded by myth. The hauntingly beautiful statue is made of brass that has oxidized over time to give the sculpture its black patina.

3. Historic Places

In the U.S., it’s difficult to go somewhere and not experience a little bit of history. Iowa is no exception. In fact, the state is rich in historical places that will satisfy any history buff.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site – West Branch

Located in the childhood home of the country’s 31st president, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site follows the life and career of Herbert Hoover. It is also home to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. The library also hosts numerous educational and fun events like Kites Over Hoover Park.

State Capital – Des Moines

Tour the majestic Iowa Statehouse. Designed by John C. Cochrane and Alfred H. Piquenard, the elaborate five-domed building took 15 years to build. The central dome is covered in 23-carat gold.

Amana Colonies – Amanda

Settled by German immigrants over 100 years ago, the Amana Colonies take visitors back in time. They boast immersive creative experiences, several festivals highlighting German culture, museums, authentic German food, and shopping.

National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library

Iowa is rich in Czech, Bohemian, and Slovak culture. During the 1850s, they immigrated to Iowa and brought their traditions with them. Explore this history at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

4. Pop Culture

American Gothic House – Eldon

Known as the famous setting for Grant Woods’ iconic American Gothic painting, the house still stands and is a unique photo opportunity. In addition, the site offers exhibits and a gift shop.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park – Des Moines

Part of the Des Moines Art Center, the 4.4-acre park features artwork donated by John and Mary Pappajohn. Nine unique artists contributed unique pieces of art that visitors can explore, photograph, and enjoy.

Surf Ballroom – Clear Lake

On February 3, 1959, musical artists Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper completed a concert at the Surf Ballroom. They would board a plane piloted by Roger Peterson en route to Fargo, North Dakota. Unfortunately, they would never arrive but instead, perish in a plane crash. The Surf Ballroom serves as a memorial to these talented musicians and yet still hosts musical entertainment for the area. They also host a Winter Dance Party, taking everyone back in time to dance the night away.

Field of Dreams – Dyersville

The 1989 film Field of Dreams was filmed in Dyersville, Iowa. The baseball field and home featured in the film still stands and hosts baseball fans and movie lovers alike. Depending on the time of year, you might also hear the ghosts of baseball past echoing in the cornfield.

Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk – Riverdale

Trekkies love to make a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the fictional James T. Kirk in the very real town of Riverdale, Iowa. In just over 200 years from now, the captain of the Starship Enterprise will be born in this quaint community. They mark this future historic moment with a modest but peaceful monument.

John Wayne Birthplace And Museum – Winterset

The birthplace of one of Hollywood’s most beloved cowboys, John Wayne is the epitome of the western film genre. Born Marion Robert Morrison, “The Duke” grew up in a modest home in Winterset, which is located next to the museum. Not only does it include the largest collection of John Wayne memorabilia, but it also features a theatre where fans can watch his films in all their glory.

5. Festivals

Last but not least, on the 5 Best Reasons to Visit Iowa is all the fun festivals. These events bring people from all over the country for concerts, heritage, culture and let’s not forget the food.

Iowa State Fair – Des Moines

State fairs are one of the pinnacle events every summer in just about every state. They showcase the accomplishments of youth, agriculture, and the state as a whole. They also bring entertainment, food, and exhibits up close and personal to the visitors. Iowa State Fair is no different and is on everyone’s summer bucket list!

Pella Tulip Festival – Pella

Many Dutch settlers found their way to Iowa and especially to the community of Pella. So it should be no surprise that the community hosts a tulip festival to honor their heritage and usher in the warmer months with beautiful tulips!

National Balloon Classic – Indianola

There is nothing like seeing a brilliant blue sky filled with colorful hot air balloons. Each year in Indianola, the National Balloon Classic hosts more than a hundred balloons across the nine-day festival. Other attractions at the event include concerts, exhibits, balloon rides, and balloon races.

Midwest Old Threshers Reunion – Mount Pleasant

Every year in September, the ingenuity and heritage of Iowa go on display during the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. The five-day event features hundreds of farm machinery from the past as well as food, camping, and much more!

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7 INTRIGUING STORIES BEHIND WINNIE-THE-POOH

Winnie-the-Pooh and all his Hundred Acre Wood friends have been entertaining us since 1924. The bear with “very little brain” captured our imaginations and was embedded in pop culture worldwide. Dive into these 7 Intriguing Stories Behind Winnie-the-Pooh to learn more.

1. Pooh Bear joins the public domain.

Well, maybe. As of January 1, 2022, Winnie the Pooh is in the public domain according to U.S. copyright law. However, there is some dispute on the matter. In the United Kingdom, copyright law doesn’t start the clock on public domain until the author is deceased. Since British illustrator E.H. Shepard died in 1976, Pooh Bear may not indeed be in the public domain until 2046. In terms of value, only Mickey Mouse is more valuable than Winnie-the-Pooh.

2. Disney wasn’t the first to dress Pooh in a red shirt.

After acquiring the rights to the Pooh kingdom, Stephen Slesinger presented the first color version of Winnie-the-Pooh wearing a red shirt in 1932. However, E. H. Shepard, Pooh’s original illustrator, occasionally drew the bear wearing a shirt, images that illustrators would later add color to.

3. A.A. Milne published other works before Winnie-the-Pooh.

A.A. Milne began his career writing plays and began writing as a soldier during World War I. He also wrote poetry and non-fiction. British writer J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, even produced one of Milne’s plays. Milne published First Plays in 1919, and it contained “Worzel Flummery,” “The Lucky One,” “The Boy Comes Home,” “Belinda,” and “The Red Feathers.” One of his poems titled “Teddy Bear” featured Edward Bear published in 1924. The poem appeared in a collection titled “When We Were Very Young,” illustrated by E.H. Shepard.

4. You can visit the original Pooh Bear. 

The New York Public Library displays the original Pooh Bear, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga, and Tigger.

5. Milne purchased the stuffed animals at Harrods of London.

The stuffed animals were gifts to Christopher Milne, A.A. Milne’s son, and he purchased them from Harrods of London. Charles Henry Harrod established the department store in 1824. The young Milne received an 18-inch Alpha Farnell teddy bear from his father around 1920. In subsequent years, Milne would also give his son Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, and Tigger.

6. Hundred Acre Woods is real, too.

Located outside East Sussex in Hartfield, England, Ashdown Forest is the 500 Acre Wood (not hundred acre) featured in the classic stories by A.A. Milne. You can even visit Pooh Corner for tea and biscuits!

7. Kenny Loggins was only 17 years old when he wrote “The House At Pooh Corner.”

Loggins was a senior in high school, and going through the right of passage into the next stage of his life got him thinking. In an interview in the Tennessean in 2014, he tells Bart Herbison that The House at Pooh Corner “was the first book I ever read. The last chapter is where Christopher Robin is leaving the Hundred Acre Wood.” After becoming a father, Loggins returned to the song and Pooh Corner and added a new verse, “Return to Pooh Corner.”

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9 WAYS TO ENCOURAGE READING IN YOUR HOME

Every parent knows that reading is a foundational part of their children’s education. However, some children are more interested than others. Finding 1 way to encourage reading can be hard enough, let alone 9 ways. That’s why we did it for you. Your child’s literacy begins with you. There is no one singular way to encourage your child to read; there are many. The more ways you incorporate reading into their lives, the more successful a reader they will be.

1. Start as young as possible.

Reading habits can start before your child is even born. Read aloud to them while they are in the womb and continue the routine even after they learn to read. It doesn’t matter what you read, either. Textbooks, magazine articles, newspapers – whatever, just read aloud to them.

2. Create a routine.

Speaking of routines, one of the best routines is bedtime. It’s a time of day that already has a set routine (usually) of winding down to a slower pace. Reading to your children or them reading to you is a quiet way to end the day and an excellent way to include reading in your daily schedules.

3. Replace technology with books.

Replace the television, tablets, phones, and computers with books. While we can store and read hundreds of books on one device, you don’t need a battery for a book. Ok, well, maybe one for the flashlight, but you know what we mean. You also don’t have to worry if they are talking to strangers through a book, or browsing social media, or playing a video game.

4. Get in the kitchen.

This may seem like an odd way to encourage reading, but every recipe out there requires a little reading. So crack open your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe or get creative and try something new and fun. Reading directions is a skill that never goes out of style!

5. Use reading as the answer to nearly every question.

Why is the sky blue? When is National Dog Day? Who was George Washington Carver? How do I build a go-cart? All these questions can be answered by reading. Whether we direct our children to a book or an online article, allow them to find the answer themselves. They may need a little help reading the bigger words, but over time, they will develop the skills to answer the question, “How do I pronounce quintessential?”, too.

6. Get a library card.

A library card opens us to a world of resources. New topics and authors abound in a library. History, science, journals, memoirs, technology, plays, periodicals, film, and so much more. If your 12 year old can’t find the book he’s looking for at your local library, the librarian may be able to borrow it from another library. There are no boundaries to a library.

7. Write.

Encouraging our children to write helps them to organize their thoughts and practice using the language they speak. They can write letters, lists, stories, in journals or record memories from family vacations. Writing effectively takes time, so giving children an early start will open many doors for them.

8. Get caught reading.

Our children look up to us. They like to emulate the things we do – at least until they reach a certain age. Until then, grasp the opportunity to set an example. Read instead of watching TV. Read outdoors or as you drift off to sleep. It doesn’t have to be a book, either. You can read the newspaper, local magazine, comic book, blog, or the mail. But whatever you do, be a reader, too. The more you read, the more opportunity there is your children will catch you in the act.

9. No book is too big.

Repeat that. No book is too big. Yes, there will be words they don’t know yet, but how else will they learn them? Maybe they only read a chapter – at first. They might come back to it as an adult, or it might challenge them to learn more now. Of course, you do want to include age-appropriate books in your library but if your six-year-old is eyeing Tolstoy, indulge her.

What other skill gives you access to learning anything you want? Reading is not only powerful; it is something no one can take away once you learn. It’s also a skill that is self-rewarding and self-challenging. When a child masters a new word, their eyes light up. We don’t need ribbons or awards to encourage our children to read. We only need to make it a part of their life.

There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!