Almost Nobody Knows That Parts of the Iconic Movie “Twister” Were Filmed in This Tiny Iowa Town

The year was 1996, and everyone was headed to the movie theater to see one blockbuster film: Twister. This high-octane, man-versus-weather thriller was directed by Jan De Bont, and it delivered some of the most exciting action segments of the year—and it was all thanks to the on-location filming in Oklahoma, right? Right...? Not entirely. Few people know that Twister is possibly the most famous movie filmed in Iowa. The production shifted its location to the Hawkeye State for some of the key later segments, including the climatic F5 tornado scene. These important scenes were filmed in and around the charming small town of Eldora—a community that gives off a vibe which is certainly a far cry from the action-packed madness of the movie. If you've ever wondered, "Where was Twister filmed?" you can visit, see for yourself, and enjoy the town's unique atmosphere. Relax—the sky is looking clear. So strap in, and let's check out some of the Twister filming locations in Iowa.

The storm-chasing adventure Twister was one of the biggest hits of 1996—and it has a surprising tie to the Hawkeye State. The movie starred Helen Hunt as Dr. Jo Harding, a storm-obsessed meteorologist who had lost her father to a storm decades earlier. The late Bill Paxton starred as Jo's ex-husband, a former storm chaser who reluctantly came out of retirement to team up with Jo when massive storms threatened the Oklahoma countryside. While most of the movie was filmed on location in the Oklahoma prairie, changing weather conditions, ironically, forced the production to find a new site, and Eldora, Iowa, fit the bill as a stand-in Twister film location.

When you visit, you'll see why the filmmakers chose this charming Iowa community as a location. It's quintessentially Midwestern, and it's in a state that's not unfamiliar with the danger of tornadoes. As far as its suitability as a filming locations, the area around this small town is predominantly rolling plains and farmland. In fact, the county is so proud of its agricultural heritage that it has established a small farm museum in the area. The only remnants of the Twister filming locations in Iowa are a small house located on private property, but you'll still want to explore the town for its charm and the area's natural beauty.

While exploring the town, make sure to stop in at Sunshine Cafe for a hearty meal. This country-style restaurant is acclaimed for its breakfasts and classic Iowa fare for lunch. Visit Sunshine Cafe on Facebook to view its hours and menu, as well as for more information. Another spot that you must visit when you come to Eldora is Pine Lake State Park.

Have you visited Eldora, Iowa, and seen the Twister filming locations in person? Let us know about your visit, and tell us your favorite movie filmed in Iowa on our Nomination page.

You could make your visit into an Iowa movie location road trip by heading straight east on U.S. Route 20 from Eldora to Dyersville, where Field of Dreams was filmed. For more unexpected small-town secrets, check out this list of Iowa's most famous small-town celebrities.

Do you love the Hawkeye state and want to show off your Iowa pride everywhere you go? Check out the great Iowa gear available at Wear Your Roots.