State Pride

State Pride

3 Reasons Retirees Fall in Love With Living in Iowa

Iowa retirees say staying put is a win-win for financial security, community, and the state’s natural beauty. Maybe Iowa should be on your retirement radar, too.

by Stephanie Frias
on Apr 1
An older couple near retirement age, considering if the best place for retirement is Iowa
State Pride

3 Reasons Families Fall in Love With Living in Iowa

by Stephanie Frias
on Feb 17
Des Moines, the captital city of Iowa
State Pride

3 Exciting Places in Iowa Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026

by Stephanie Frias
on Dec 14
Aerial View of a small town in Iowa during summer
State Pride

People Live Their Whole Lives in Iowa and Somehow Miss These 3 Places

by Stephanie Frias
on Dec 7
Girl standing inside a covered observation deck that looks like a bird cage, overlooking the water at Lake Red Rock Iowa
State Pride

The One Thing To Do in Iowa Before the End of the Year

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Dec 2
Historic homes line a street.

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State Pride

5 Iowa Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

Our writer was dubious about these five tourist spots in Iowa. He ended up loving them, and you might, too.

by Trent Jonas
on Oct 18
Two teens stand in front of a replica of the Star Ship Enterprise on a float labeled "TrekFest" beneath a blue sky.
State Pride
Need to Know

4 Places in Iowa I Wouldn’t Take My Worst Enemy

The four spots in Iowa are disappointing and may not be worth the stop.

by Amanda Finn
on Apr 9
World's largest truckstop sign with a large red arrow pointing to the left towards the building against a cloudy sky.
State Pride
Need to Know

The Spooky Urban Legend in Iowa That Still Haunts Locals Today

Iowa has many urban legends. The Black Angel of Iowa City is probably the most famous.

by Trent Jonas
on Sep 30
A statue of a black angel stands above a monument in a cemetery.
State Pride

The Stars Aligned And Community Showed Up For Stellar Sparks Candle Co., A Mom-And-Daughter Run Business In Iowa

by Beth Price-Williams
on May 9
A woman and a girl stand behind a table filled with candles and products, smiling at the camera. Bright yellow wall in background.
State Pride
History

This Is The Most Iowa Sound You’ll Ever Hear, And We Can’t Stop Listening To It

by Raymond Goldfield
on Apr 19
A spacious indoor shopping area with storefronts, decorative lamps, and a vintage carriage.
State Pride
Fun Facts

10 Unique Trivia Facts About Iowa You Might Not Have Heard Before

Discover 10 unique trivia facts about Iowa, from giant roadside attractions to hidden caves and one-of-a-kind state records.

by Raymond Goldfield
on May 18
An aerial view of downtown Sioux City, Iowa, at sunset.
State Pride
History

Few People Know The Real Story Behind Muscatine, Iowa Becoming The Pearl Button Capital Of The World

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jan 24
Exterior of the Muscatine History and Industry Center, featuring a green awning and large windows displaying a gift shop.
State Pride
Need to Know

The Ongoing Mega-Drought In Iowa Is Officially The Worst Of Its Kind In More Than 70 Years

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jan 18
A winding dirt road stretches through a rural landscape with fields and distant farm buildings under a clear sky.
State Pride
History

Most People Didn’t Know That Sour Cream Raisin Pie Was Invented Right Here In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 12
A bakery storefront with a stone facade, featuring a sign for "Aunt's Bake Shop" and various baked goods listed.
State Pride
History

Most People Don’t Know That Buffalo Bill Cody’s Homestead Is Found Right Here In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 7
A two-story house with a stone exterior and white siding, surrounded by green grass and trees under a cloudy sky.
State Pride
Fun Facts

8 Surefire Signs You Have Strong Roots In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 5
A festive parade float decorated with autumn leaves and flowers, welcoming attendees to Oktoberfest.
State Pride
Meet the Locals

The World’s Largest Swedish Coffee Pot Is Right Here In Iowa And You’ll Want To Plan Your Visit

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 28
A large, decorative water tower shaped like a coffee pot, featuring colorful floral designs against a gray sky.
State Pride
Need to Know

Be On The Lookout For The Fall Webworm In Iowa This Season

by Raymond Goldfield
on Sep 22
A large spider web suspended in a tree, glistening in sunlight against a backdrop of green leaves.
State Pride
Need to Know

You Might Be Surprised To Hear the Predictions About Iowa’s Upcoming Winter

What is this winter in Iowa going to look like? The trusted Farmer's Almanac has weighed in with its 2025–2026 winter predictions.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 8
A snowy landscape at sunset, with frozen river reflecting the orange sun.
State Pride
Need to Know

Invasive Aquatic Plants Have Been Spotted Near One Of Iowa’s Most Beloved Lakes

West Okoboji Lake in Iowa faces challenges from invasive plants but remains a popular fall destination.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 30
A close-up of green aquatic plant strands with thin, needle-like leaves against a light background.
State Pride

10 Photos You’ll Only Understand If You Hail From Iowa

Discover unique and quirky attractions in Iowa that showcase the state's fascinating and diverse character.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 24
A large crowd of cyclists riding along a rural road, surrounded by greenery and signs, on a sunny day.
State Pride
Need to Know

Poison Hemlock Is Growing Across Iowa and It Can Be Deadly

Poison hemlock is spreading across Iowa yards and roadsides. Learn how to identify this dangerous plant and safely avoid it.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jun 2
Conium maculatum or poison hemlock white flowers blooming in spring
State Pride
Meet the Locals

It’s A Little-Known Fact That Sliced Bread Was Actually Invented In Iowa

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 1
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich on a plate, with peanuts and jars of jelly and peanut butter in the background.
State Pride
History

One Of The Oldest Buildings In Iowa Pre-dates The Civil War And Is Now Part Of A Historical Park

The Rhodham Bonnifield House in Fairfield, Iowa, is a historic log cabin dating back to 1838, preserved as one of the last pioneer structures in the state.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jul 20
A rustic log cabin with a stone chimney, surrounded by greenery and trees in a peaceful outdoor setting.
State Pride
Need to Know

Here Are The 10 Most Dangerous Places In Iowa After Dark

Lists the top 10 most dangerous cities in Iowa based on violent crime data.

by Deah Paulson
on Jul 17
A city street lined with historic buildings, featuring a clock tower and parked cars under a clear blue sky.
State Pride

Here Are The 9 Biggest Risks Of Living In Iowa

by Michaela Kendall
on Jul 16
A stormy sky looms over a green field with yellow wildflowers, hinting at a tornado in the distance.
State Pride
History

The Fascinating Archaeological Discovery That Put This Iowa Small Town On The Map

Turin, Iowa, known for its beautiful prairie landscape and the historic discovery of the Turin Man, offers a glimpse into ancient human history.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 12
A metal building with a sloped roof, featuring holiday decorations and a sign for a historical museum.
State Pride
Fun Facts

13 Surprising Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Iowa

Think you knew everything about Iowa? Think again. These 13 fun facts about Iowa will surprise you.

by Michaela Kendall
on Jan 9
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State Pride
Need to Know

Heads Up: Swimmers Itch Is Appearing In Iowa Lakes (Here’s What To Know)

Swimmer's itch caused by microscopic flatworms in Iowa's lakes is affecting summer swimming plans.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jun 29
A serene lake scene with lush greenery and a distant wooded shoreline under a clear blue sky.
State Pride
Need to Know

The 6 Most Terrifying Drives You Can Possibly Take In Iowa

Six of the scariest and most challenging roads to drive in Iowa, ranging from haunted roads to busy highways.

by Raymond Goldfield
on May 12
A weathered concrete bridge with arches, covered in graffiti, spans a frozen river surrounded by bare trees.
State Pride
Fun Facts

One Of The Biggest Names In TV Grew Up In One Of The Smallest Towns In Iowa

Johnny Carson, the legendary late-night TV host, was born in the small town of Corning, Iowa, which celebrates his legacy with various attractions.

by Raymond Goldfield
on May 4
White house with a gray roof, sign reading "Hweezer Johnny's Birthplace," and a small flowerbed in front.
State Pride
Meet the Locals

10 Reasons Why Living In Iowa Is The Best – And Everyone Should Move Here

Iowa offers a low cost of living, great education, safety, and a welcoming community, making it an ideal place to live.

by Michaela Kendall
on Apr 25
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State Pride
History

Few People Know Iowa Was Home To The First Public University To Admit Women In America

Iowa's public universities, particularly the University of Iowa, played a pivotal role in advancing women's rights to equal education.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 13
A landscaped area featuring green grass, trees, and a historic building with blooming pink flowers in the background.
State Pride
Meet the Locals

These 8 Celebrities Hail From Some Of Iowa’s Most Charming Small Towns

Iowa has produced many notable celebrities who have left significant legacies, including museums in their honor.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 24
Historic white house with a porch, labeled as the birthplace of John Wayne, surrounded by colorful flowers.
State Pride
History

The Geometric Earthwork In Iowa That Still Baffles Archaeologists To This Day

Toolesboro Mounds National Historic Landmark in Iowa offers a glimpse into ancient Native American earthwork and burial mounds.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 18
Sign for Toolesboro Mounds, a National Historic Landmark, with grassy mounds and trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
State Pride
History

Few People Know About The Missing Bank Robbery Loot Hiding Somewhere In Rural Iowa

Bonnie and Clyde's infamous crime spree included a bank robbery in Iowa, where their stolen loot remains missing.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Mar 6
A vintage black-and-white photo of a man and woman posing together, smiling, outdoors with trees in the background.
State Pride
Fun Facts

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

Iowa boasts a rich history and unique sites, including quirky records and notable locations.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Oct 23
Close up of Iowa 80 truck stop sign
State Pride
History

There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Elkader, Iowa

Discover three historic landmarks in Elkader, Iowa, a small town with a rich history and numerous sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

by Chris Muras
on Jan 31
A two-story brick house with green shutters, a front porch, and a landscaped yard surrounded by trees.
State Pride
History

Travelers Used To Flock to This Tiny Iowa Town for Its Healing Mineral Waters

Colfax is one of many small towns in Iowa with a unique past—it was one of the Hawkeye State's top destinations in the late 1800s.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jan 20
A brick monument sign welcoming visitors to Colfax and Mineral Springs Park stands in the snow, flanked by a historic gazebo and a white park building on a winter day.
State Pride
Fun Facts

6 Undeniable Differences Between The Eastern And Western Parts Of Iowa

Iowa's eastern and western regions have distinct cultural, geographical, and lifestyle differences.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Jan 6
City skyline with modern buildings and a river in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
State Pride
Fun Facts

Everything You’ll Ever Need To Know About Iowa From A To Z

Discover 26 fun and fascinating facts about Iowa, from historic landmarks to unique local traditions.

by Michaela Kendall
on Dec 30
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State Pride
Fun Facts

The Iowa Superstition That Will Give You Wealth, Luck, And Happiness In 2023

Iowa celebrates New Year's with traditional pork dishes rooted in German and Czech heritage for good luck and prosperity.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Dec 19
Colorful fireworks explode in the night sky, creating vibrant bursts of light and smoke against a dark background.
State Pride
Need to Know

The 10 Safest Cities In Iowa

Safewise ranks the safest cities in Iowa based on Federal crime data, highlighting Sioux Center as the safest.

by Ben Jones
on Dec 20
Six police officers stand in front of the Norwalk Public Safety sign and a police vehicle on a sunny day.
State Pride
Meet the Locals

7 Strong Beliefs Iowa Natives Stand By

From unique sandwiches to stunning lakes and inventions, the Hawkeye State is surely unique.

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 3
Okoboji Lake in Iowa
State Pride
History

The Civil War’s Oldest Soldier, A Direct Descendent Of Pocahontas, Is Buried In Rural Iowa

Curtis King, an 80-year-old farmer from Iowa, served in the Civil War as part of the unique "Graybeard Regiment."

by Cristy Carr
on Dec 9
A brown historical marker sign stands beside a road, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.