Like many Iowans, I spent my younger years daydreaming about getting out of Iowa as soon as I had the chance. I longed for the bright lights and busy streets of New York City, or the warm and sunny beaches of southern California. But inevitably, I came to realize that there are so many reasons that my heart will always be in Iowa. Iowa is no California; we don’t have oceans, but we do have seas of prairie grass and wildflowers. We may not have skyscrapers and subways, but we have wide open skies and gravel roads that make for a perfect night of stargazing. There are many reasons to love Iowa, these are just a few:

1. Fresh air that feels sweet and clear in your lungs.
Shannon Tripp‎/Facebook
We're far from the smoggy coastal cities - out here, it's so easy to breathe.
2. Rich, black dirt that can grow anything.
Phil Roeder/Flickr
We're so proud of Iowa's farming industry, and there's nothing like cooking with fresh produce.
3. Some of the greenest prairies you'll ever see.
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
It rains a lot in Iowa, and though sometimes the floods really reshape our lives, the beautiful green fields and wildflowers bring a bright life to the Hawkeye State.
4. Wide open skies, where you can see for miles and miles.
Aaron Rothrock‎/Facebook
We could drive our country roads for miles.
5. Charming countryside scenes of worn old barns sitting comfy in a field.
Rich Herrmann/Flickr
There's nothing that says "Iowa" more than a scene like this.
6. Breathtaking sunsets that make the whole sky glow.
Charlie Brinkmeyer‎/Facebook
Nothing beats an Iowa sunset - particularly if you catch one out in the Loess Hills.
7. Warm July nights at the county fair.
Jeremy J Von Hagel‎/Facebook
Fairs are an integral part of life in Iowa!

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8. Slow cruises down gravel roads just before sunset.
Carly Wycoff/Flickr
Remember heading out to drive the loop and choosing to "go gravel" when you were younger?
9. The simple beauty of the Iowa landscape.
Michael Leland/Facebook
Even if we leave, we can never get the images of Iowa out of our heads.
10. Charming small towns where everyone knows your name.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
From Pella, to Winterset, to Mount Vernon - every small town here is worth a visit.
11. The nicest people you'll ever meet, who would give you the shirt off their back.
Callie Reed/Flickr
"Iowa Nice" is a real phenomenon.
12. Farmers who work their hardest everyday to feed the country, and the world.
Mike Tice/Facebook
We're so proud of our farm culture!
13. Being able to enjoy the simple things in life.
Jenny Strang Lester‎/Facebook
Life out here is a little quieter, and a little slower, and that makes it a little nicer, too.
14. But always having something new to explore.
Tony Hayes/Facebook
Caves, hills, cliffs, bluffs, and rivers... there's always something to see.
15. Iowa puts the "heart" in America's Heartland.
Melanie Trewin Jencks‎/Facebook
And these reasons are just a handful of the reasons that our hearts will always be in Iowa!

I don’t know about you, but there’s no place I’d rather call home, and my heart will always be in Iowa. For more reasons to love life in Iowa, read about 8 Strange Habits That Follow You For Life After Living In The Hawkeye State.

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Heart Will Always Be In Iowa

Kim Magaraci | July 16, 2021

What are the best things about Iowa?
Iowa is such a versatile place! We've got a great balance of urban and rural, plus some fantastic natural wonders tucked away in between the farmlands and the cities. Visit our incredible state park system to find caves, rivers, lakes, hills, and cliffs. Spend some time in our cities to find museums, historic sites, art, local businesses, and mouthwatering restaurants. The best thing about Iowa is that there's truly something for everyone!

What are Iowa residents known for?
Iowa residents are known for being over-the-top nice! We're always willing to help our neighbors and we're kind to those we meet. We're also known for being a very farm-friendly state, and Iowans tend to prefer fresh produce, thanks to how available it is. The Hawkeye State is known for being a state of foodies, too. You won't find better beef or pork here, and Iowa residents are quick to talk about their favorite restaurants and iconic foods.

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