If you’ve ever driven across Iowa, you know that there’s a LOT of empty space here. While many of us live in urban areas and the state is getting less and less rural with each passing year, that doesn’t change the fact that this is rolling farmland. We’re in big sky country. When you’ve got that much space, there is only one thing to do: fill it up with the world’s largest nonsense! Here at Only in Your State, we love exploring unique things such as the biggest attractions in Iowa. Check out some of this creative art that Iowans have bestowed upon their countryside:

1. The World's Largest Strawberry
World's Largest Strawberry, 111 Commercial St, Strawberry Point, IA 52076, USA
Flickr / Al
We like to joke that this one would be the main ingredient in a strawberry longcake. This 15-foot tall statue was designed by an ad agency in the 1960s. Today, you can visit in the aptly-named Strawberry Point.
2. The World's Largest Popcorn Ball
World's Largest Popcorn Ball, 1300 W Main St, Sac City, IA 50583, USA
Flickr / VideoVik
This 12-foot tall, 9,370-pound popcorn ball would certainly give you a stomachache! Luckily, it's behind glass at a special museum in Sac City. You won't be tempted to chow down. It was crafted in 2016 at Noble Popcorn.
3. The World's Largest Truck Stop
World's Largest Truck Stop, W Iowa 80 Rd, Walcott, IA 52773, USA
Flickr / Jimmy Emerson, DVM
This I-80 truck stop is absolutely ridiculous. It's bigger than some small towns! There are restaurants, cafeterias, a barber shop, dentist, library, and even a movie theater here. Check out their trucking history museum, it's really neat!
4. World's Largest Bull ("Albert")
Albert the Bull Park: World's Largest Bull, 115 Circle Dr, Audubon, IA 50025, USA
Rajesh Puli/Google Maps
Audubon's famous bull, Albert, once starred in a Super Bowl commercial! He weighs 45 tons and is one of the most unique things to see in Iowa. We're pretty sure no other state has a 28-foot bull!
5. The World's Largest Swedish Coffee Cup: Stanton
Stanton, IA 51573, USA
Facebook / Travel Iowa
Stanton's giant coffee cup water tower could have held over 800,000 cups of the stuff! Stanton was home to the famous "Mrs. Olsen" from the long-running Folgers commercials.
6. The World's Largest Frying Pan: Brandon
Brandon, IA 52210, USA
Facebook / World's Largest Frying Pan
Surprisingly, there's actually some contention as to whether this is actually the world's largest frying pan or not. Washington and North Carolina also claim to house the most gigantic of pans. This one in the tiny town of Brandon could fry up 44 dozen eggs... if only you could ever find a big enough stove!
7. The World's Largest Concrete Gnome ("Elwood")
World's Largest Concrete Gnome, 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Facebook / Reiman Gardens
Elwood lives in the peaceful paradise that is the beautiful Reiman Gardens. If you visit the gardens in winter, you'll get to see their gorgeous holiday train village. Elwood watches over the gardens from his 15 foot vantage point.
8. The World's Largest Rotating Ear Of Corn: Coon Rapids
Coon Rapids, IA 50058, USA
Facebook / Silly America
Coon Rapids is a strange place. After all, what town would decide that their most famous roadside attraction should be the world's largest rotating ear of corn? They're certainly commemorating Iowa's agriculture with this 10 foot behemoth!
9. The World's Largest Bullhead: Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, IA 50432, USA
Facebook / Crystal Lake, Iowa
Everyone likes to brag about the giant fish they catch in Crystal Lake, but we're betting none are as big as this 12 foot long monster! Everybody can take home a trophy photo from their trip out to the lake. Step in front of this massive bullhead and say "cheese!"

Each of these biggest attractions in Iowa deserves a visit. How many have you seen for yourself? Are there others that you think should make the list? Share in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!

But perhaps nothing will impress you as much as the I-80 Truck Stop. It’s truly massive! Read all about it right here: Iowa Has A Massive Truck Stop That’s Bigger Than Most Small Towns.

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More to Explore

Unique Things To See In Iowa

Lisa Sammons | December 22, 2021

What are some weird places in Iowa?

If you've ever wondered if there are weird places in Iowa, the answer is a resounding yes! A few that quickly come to mind include:

  • The little Statue of Liberty right in front of the Iowa State Capitol
  • Riverside is the future birthplace of Captain Kirk from Star Trek!
  • The Hobo Museum in Britt
  • Pinky the Elephant in Marquette

For more weird places in Iowa, check out this list!

What are some unique restaurants in Iowa?

Many people are surprised by how many great restaurants in Iowa there are. Check out this list of some of the most unique restaurants in Iowa:

  • Fong's Pizza may look like a traditional Chinese restaurant, but it serves pizza!
  • Vinny Vannucchi's in Dubuque
  • Iowa River Power Restaurant in Coralville
  • Teddy's Barn and Grill in Anamosa
  • Zombie Burger in DesMoines

What are some of the best roadside attractions in Iowa?

You'll find yourself doing a double take when you drive by these roadside attractions in Iowa:

  • The Volkswagen Beetle Spider in Avoca
  • A Large Rotating Ear of Corn in Coon Rapids
  • Smiley Face Tower in Adair
  • Gas Station in Dubuque

For a full listing, check out this article on favorite roadside attractions in Iowa.

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