Growing up in Iowa certainly leaves its mark on you. Here are a few Iowa traditions from childhood that are sure to put a smile on your face as you reminisce.

1. School Field Trip To Blank Park Zoo
Google Local / Blank Park Zoo
Do you remember the night before your first field trip to the zoo? Hardly sleeping, dreaming about the animals you'd see... it was the best trip of the year.
2. Summer Days At Arnold's Park
Facebook / Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Nothing will ever top the memory of your first ride on The Legend. We think it's the best wooden coaster in the world.
3. Snow Days Off From School
Flickr / Kyle Taylor
Staying up late to see if the radio would announce a school closing was a highlight of winter for any school-aged kid growing up in Iowa.
4. Reaching The Top Of Pikes Peak
Flickr / Todd Ehlers
It was always such a rewarding accomplishment. Even if the views weren't clear, it felt great to be "on top of the world."

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5. Summertime Cruises Down The Mississippi
Flickr / Dirk DBQ
It's a longstanding Iowa tradition to spend some time on the Mississippi. Did you go out on a big river cruise as a kid?
6. Long Days At The Iowa State Fair
Flickr / Tony Webster
Fried foods, farm animals, and full days of rides and games - what was your favorite part of a trip to the State Fair?
7. Trying on clogs at Tulip Time
Flickr / Gunnar Ries
Some of us were lucky enough to take a pair home as a souvenir of our time spent celebrating spring in Pella.
8. Ordering A Gigantic Tenderloin
Flickr / Carol VanHook
Maybe it's just me...but going out to find those places that had the biggest tenderloins around was always a kick. This is an Iowa tradition for people of all ages...but what kid doesn't love trying to eat an entire tenderloin that's the size of the plate?

What are your favorite Iowa traditions that you look back on fondly? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re really looking for a throwback, These 12 Candid Photos Show What Life Was Like In Iowa In The 1940s and they’re sure to fascinate you.

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