14 Quirky Facts About Iowa That Sound Fake but Are 100% True

If you ask outsiders about Iowa, they might think that the Hawkeye State is a humdrum "flyover state" - but residents know better. Iowa has a rich history full of records, firsts, inventions, notable citizens, and unique sites. You could live in this state for decades and only scratch the surface.

These 14 quirky facts about Iowa peel back the layers of this unique state and reveal some of its most unique locations and cultural quirks. So, come along for the ride—you might just discover your next vacation destination or day trip.

1. Iowa Has More Pigs Than People

Iowa is the leading state for pork production in the U.S., and back in 2018, there were 73 million pigs in the state—more than 20 times the human population. The majority of farms are in the north and northeast part of the state, but there are plenty of both rural are large-scale farms around.

2. We're Home to the World's Largest Bullhead

Iowa has a lot of "World's Largest" objects, including the world's largest concrete gnome, the world's largest popcorn ball, and this giant fish statue in Crystal Lake. This lake, in the city of the same name, is one of the most popular fishing locations in the area.

3. The World's Largest Recreational Bike Race Happens Here

The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, aka RAGBRAI, is a massive non-competitive cycling event that attracts beginner and seasoned pedalers alike. The race rolls through some of Iowa's most well-known towns, like Winterset, and draws up to 20,000 riders each year. It's the world's oldest, largest, and longest multi-day bicycle ride.

4. The Red Delicious Was First Farmed In Iowa

Red Delicious apples first originated in Peru—not the South American country, but in the tiny town of Peru, Iowa, in 1892. The town, located in Madison County, is now praised for creating one of the most common apple varieties today. Now, it's the most widely planted apple tree in the country.

5. One of Our Cities Is in 3 States

While Sioux City, Iowa, is mostly located in Iowa, portions of the city's boundaries poke into Nebraska to the south and a bit of South Dakota to the north. While other U.S. cities certainly border two states, Sioux City is unique in that its metropolitan area spans across three different states.

6. We're Home to a Clockwork Jail

The Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is the only rotary jail that can still be visited—it used a unique mechanism that left only one door accessible at a time to prevent escapes. The Historical Society of Pottawattamie County runs the museum, where you can get tours and learn more about the history of the town.

7. The State Has an Island City

Sabula, Iowa, is a popular summertime destination. The island town can be reached from the mainland by various bridges, and its floating cottages are famous all across the state. You can boat, camp, and explore this quaint town surrounded by the waters of the Mississippi River.

8. We Have the Largest Ethnic Heritage Museum in the U.S.

Vesterheim, a three-floor museum in Decorah, Iowa, pays tribute to the region's Norwegian immigrant population and includes a collection of historic buildings. You can take a tour, participate in a folk art class, or purchase a handcrafted gift from the museum's store. It's a fun, family-friendly activity to try any time of year.

9. We Have 2 Massive Meditation Domes

Built in the late 1970s in Fairfield, Iowa, these massive domes were constructed as part of Maharishi International University for the practice of transcendental meditation. The accredited university offers plenty of traditional, religious, and creative-based courses and degrees.

10. Sliced Bread Was Invented Here

The first bread-slicing machine was created by Otto Frederick Rohwedder right here in Iowa, in 1928. Meaning, sliced bread has only been around for less than a century. The first loaf ever sliced by Rohwedder's creation was sold at the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri.

11. The World's Steepest and Shortest Railway Is Here

The Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque, Iowa, is a few-minute ride up an incline that provides some of the best river views in the city. This ride, also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, is the world's shortest and steepest railroad, elevating passengers 189 feet high and 296 feet long.

12. Iowa City Is a UNESCO City of Literature

Iowa City's rich literary history led it to receive the high honor of UNESCO City of Literature—an award given by the United Nations organization. To this day, the University of Iowa's many programs continue that legacy, instilling the love of reading in its students, families, and greater community.

13. We Have a Little Luxembourg

St. Donatus, a tiny town of a few hundred people, was settled by immigrants from the country of Luxembourg and currently has an inn, a historic church, a cemetery, and maybe the only Luxembourgian restaurant in the U.S. Because the town is so quaint, it makes for the perfect day trip adventure.

14. We Have the World's Largest Truck Stop (and It's Famous)

The Iowa 80 Truck Stop in Walcott is the state's and world's largest truck stop. It's a massive facility with a full-service restaurant, a dentist's office, an all-purpose store, and even a museum dedicated to the history of trucking. Talk about quirky.

How many of these quirky facts about Iowa did you know? Are there any facts about the Hawkeye State that we missed? Discover for yourself by planning a trip, using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your way.