Discover 30 Unique Hidden Gems in Iowa

Bordered by Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota, Iowa lies in the Midwestern United States, flanked by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River to the west. The state flag’s unique resemblance to the French flag reflects the French influence established during colonial times in the region.

Des Moines serves as both the capital and the largest city, and Iowa is often recognized among the most habitable states in the nation due to its safety.

Known as the Hawkeye State, Iowa derives its name from the Ioway, a Native American tribe.

Although the state might appear unassuming, it offers rich cultural diversities worth exploring. For instance, Britt is renowned for hosting the Annual National Hobo Convention, a tribute to American travelers.

Furthermore, for fans of science fiction, Iowa is famously recognized as the future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk from Star Trek, with his fictional birthdate set for March 22, 2228!

Home to the world’s largest bicycle touring event, RAGBRAI, Iowa is more than merely a stop along your travel route; it is a destination filled with remarkable hidden gems.

1. American Gothic House, Eldon

The painting “American Gothic” by Grant Wood, who is widely celebrated for depicting the rural American Midwest, is one of the most iconic artworks of the 20th century.

This celebrated painting features a farmer standing next to a woman (likely his daughter or wife), both attired in 19th-century Americana, posed in front of a historic home—the American Gothic House.

Although Wood only visited the house once in his lifetime, it served as the primary inspiration for his 1930 masterpiece. Originally owned by Charles Dibble, who lived there with his wife and eight children, the house is noted for its Carpenter Gothic architecture and distinctive upper-level Gothic windows, which inspired the stylistic elements associated with “Gothic.” The house was donated in 1991 to the State Historical Society of Iowa by its last owner, Carl Smith.

2. The Day The Music Died Memorial, Clear Lake

February 3, 1959, is infamously regarded as one of the most tragic days in music history for both America and the world.

During the “Winter Dance Party” tour through the American Midwest, Buddy Holly, J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and Ritchie Valens faced severe weather conditions. Holly, struggling with flu symptoms due to the harsh climate, opted to charter a flight to ensure timely arrival for their performance in Clear Lake.

Holly, along with Richardson and Valens, boarded a small aircraft that was ill-suited for the adverse weather. Tragically, the pilot lost control, and the plane crashed into a cornfield in Clear Lake, instantly claiming all aboard.

Don McLean, the acclaimed American singer-songwriter, famously referred to this date as “The Day The Music Died” in his iconic song “American Pie.”

While the original crash site is located slightly further away, a large pair of eyeglasses—analogous to those worn by Holly—marks the memorial dedicated to the artists.

3. Father Paul Dobberstein’s Grotto of the Redemption, West Bend

Many people make promises when in challenging situations, but often these pledges go unfulfilled—except in the case of Father Paul Dobberstein.

A German immigrant, Father Paul contracted pneumonia and prayed for recovery, vowing to construct a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary should he survive. True to his word, upon healing, he gathered numerous rare and precious stones from around the country to build the Grotto of Redemption.

Construction commenced in 1912 and extended over 42 years until Father Paul passed away in 1954. The four-story, nine-grotto masterpiece continues to develop under the stewardship of Deacon Gerald Streit.

4. Lover’s Leap Swinging Bridge, Columbus Junction

Legend has it that an Indian maiden fell for a soldier who tragically died in battle. Heartbroken, she leapt off a bridge, and it is said that her spirit watches over those who travel across the bridge.

The “Lover’s Leap” bridge, initially constructed in 1886 (or perhaps 1880), was built to grant access to Third Street while bypassing an 80-foot ravine. However, due to safety concerns, the bridge was closed in 1902.

Reopened in 1904 after significant structural improvements, the bridge faced another incident in 1920 when two brothers, Lew and Jesse Tisor, fell through the swaying bridge but emerged unharmed.

The bridge has since been rebuilt for stability; however, folklore persists that the Indian maiden still watches over everyone who passes, ensuring their safety.

5. Fenelon Place Elevator, Dubuque

Marketed as the shortest and steepest railroad globally, the Fenelon Place Elevator was established in 1882 by J.K. Graves, a prominent businessman who found it inconvenient to traverse the hill to his bank located at the bottom. This “elevator” was actually a funicular, utilizing a steam-powered winch to haul a wooden car.

Sadly, the original car perished in a fire shortly thereafter and was replaced. Graves recognized the growing interest from locals and opened the elevator to the public for a nominal fee of five cents a ride.

However, another fire in 1893 destroyed the funicular, leading concerned citizens to establish the Fenelon Place Elevator Company to ensure its safety.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the elevator charges $3 for a round trip back to the era of 19th-century socialites.

6. Sans Souci Island, Waterloo

The name “Sans Souci” translates to “No Worries” in French; however, a catastrophic flood in 2008 that caused the Cedar River to overflow was quite the opposite for the once-thriving Sans Souci Island in Waterloo.

Located amidst Cedar Lake, Sans Souci Island spans 100 acres and was a significant timber source for bridge construction in the Cedar Valley in the 1800s. Previously known as Merwin’s Island, the area housed numerous cottages, residences, a hotel, and Waterloo’s first golf course.

Roughly 50 residents once called the island home, but they were compelled to vacate due to the devastating flood, leaving the island abandoned ever since.

Despite the lack of human occupancy, the island remains a splendid destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. It is feasible to walk around Sans Souci Island in approximately one hour. Seize the opportunity to explore before restoration efforts are initiated.

7. Pottawattamie Squirrel Cage Jail, Council Bluffs

Designed by William H. Brown, rotary jails were an innovative prison cell architecture in the 19th century, operating on the principle of a moving cell, which only allowed access to one unit at a time. While innovative, this design regrettably led to injuries and fatalities among inmates.

The Pottawattamie Jailhouse, commonly referred to as the “Squirrel Cage Jail,” is one of only three remaining rotary jails in the United States. Constructed in 1885, this facility featured three stacked levels, unlike many of its contemporaries.

However, by the 1960s, the rotary feature had become less effective, and the cells ceased operation for holding inmates by 1969.

The Squirrel Cage Jail has since transformed into a museum site open to visitors.

8. High Trestle Trail Bridge, Madrid

Documented as one of the longest bridges of its kind, the High Trestle Trail Bridge dazzles as a stunning sight by night!

Stretching half a mile long and soaring 130 feet high, the bridge spans five Iowa towns and traverses the picturesque Des Moines River. Originally constructed for transporting goods via the Union Pacific Railroad, it has evolved into a popular destination for horseback riders, cyclists, and hikers, thanks to community contributions and grants.

The bridge is beautifully adorned with a series of illuminated spirals crafted from raw steel pipes, reminiscent of the state’s historic mining background. The lights illuminate every evening at dusk and continue until nightfall.

9. Matchstick Marvels Museum, Gladbrook

Situated in Gladbrook, the Matchstick Marvels Museum is a testament to extraordinary craftsmanship and relentless dedication. Every piece in the collection is the result of the enduring efforts of Patrick Acton, who dedicated 40 years to this art form.

Thus far, Acton has successfully assembled over 6.5 million ordinary two-inch wooden matchsticks into 70 incredibly detailed replicas of iconic structures and sculptures. Notable works include a 13-feet-long battleship, the USS Iowa, a six-feet tall Minas Tirith from “The Lord of the Rings,” and a twelve-foot replica of the United States Capitol.

Other celebrated creations include replicas of the Hogwarts castle, the Millennium Falcon, and the Space Shuttle Challenger. Many exhibits are complemented by Acton’s drawings, blueprints, tools, and a short documentary detailing the construction processes.

Acton’s exceptional work has appeared on various platforms, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not, AAA Travel, and The Iowan.

10. The Black Angel of Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City

Crafted in 1912 by artist Mario Kobel, this winged angel statue stands at eight-and-a-half feet and overlooks the graves of Theresa and Nicholas Feldevert, as well as Edward Dolezal, Theresa’s son from her first marriage. Although made from bronze, the statue has progressively darkened over time into a greenish-black hue.

This color change is attributed to the oxidation of the bronze, yet its striking appearance and location within Iowa City Cemetery have attracted numerous ghost enthusiasts and given rise to various urban legends. A common tale suggests that those who touch or kiss the statue risk misfortune (unless they are virtuous).

Regardless of the veracity of these claims, rising instances of vandalism around the statue have prompted cemetery officials to monitor visitors closely near The Black Angel.

11. Villisca Ax Murder House, Villisca

Between the evening of June 9, 1912, and the morning of June 10, 1912, Josiah B. Moore, his wife Sarah, their four children, and two visiting children were brutally slain with an axe left behind by the perpetrator.

A concerned neighbor raised alarm when the family did not respond to their doorbell. Subsequent police investigations revealed the murders had occurred between midnight and early morning, with cigarette butts found in the attic indicating that the murderer(s) had waited for the Moore family to return from church.

Due to insufficient evidence and the limited forensic technology of the time, the case remains unsolved to this day. However, visitors are welcome to test their detective skills at the site.

The new proprietor allows guests to spend a night in the house for a fee of $400.

12. Albert The Bull, Audubon

Overlooking the streets of Audubon since 1964, Albert the Bull, standing at 28 feet tall, holds the title of the world’s largest bull statue.

While bull statues can be found throughout America, particularly near dining establishments, Albert is recognized as the most massive of them all. This concrete statue weighs 45 tons, features a 15-foot span between his horns, and prominently displays large concrete testicles.

A kiosk situated in the parking lot where Albert stands allows visitors to observe him through plexiglass, and pressing a button activates a recorded message from Albert detailing his life—constructed as a replica of a Hereford bull (from Herefordshire, England) at nine times the size of a real one, boasting authenticity down to his toenails. Approximately 20,000 individuals visit him annually.

For years, Albert was noted to have baby blue eyes; however, due to local complaints, his eyes were painted brown in October 2017.

13. American Gothic Barn, Mount Vernon

“American Gothic” is not only a renowned painting that brought artist Grant Wood international acclaim, but it also stands as one of the most parodied artworks in modern American history, akin to da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”

While the original painting is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, a lesser-known barn off Route 30 in Mount Vernon has been entirely adorned with a vibrant, life-size interpretation of Wood’s masterpiece.

One side of the barn features a bison grazing on a prairie, while the opposing side showcases a scenic countryside that may have inspired Wood’s depiction of his farming characters.

The barn’s entire facade is painted to replicate the magic of American Gothic; however, it was not executed by the landowner. Instead, the owner commissioned artist Mark Benesh in 2008 to create this drive-by homage to the iconic artwork.

14. Huston Cemetery, West Des Moines

Commonly referred to as the “Cemetery in the middle of the road,” Huston Cemetery honors James B. Huston, one of the first settlers in Dallas County and the area’s first attorney.

The small cemetery is situated within a roundabout at the intersection of 88th Street and Mills Civic, containing nineteen graves. Among those interred are James B. Huston, his wife Nancy Hill Huston, their six children, and other family members. The first two tombstones, according to the city’s records, belonged to two slave girls named Harper.

Reportedly, the oldest grave marker dates back to 1847, while Huston’s is the most recent, erected in 1889.

The Huston family residence nearby functioned as a stagecoach station, post office, tavern, and a location on the Underground Railroad.

15. Snake Alley, Burlington

Recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not as the “crookedest street in the world,” Snake Alley, inspired by the elevation of Heritage Hill, was constructed in 1894 to connect the downtown district with the North Sixth Street shopping area. German architects Charles Starker, William Steyh, and George Kriechbaum completed the thoroughfare by 1898.

With a length of 275 feet, five half-curves, and two quarter-curves, the limestone street was designed to provide a smoother descent for horses.

While San Francisco’s Lombard Street features more twists, Snake Alley boasts sharper turns cumulatively totaling 1100° of rotation from beginning to end, compared to Lombard’s 1000°.

This iconic street hosts annual events such as the Snake Alley Criterium, an uphill bike race, and the Snake Alley Art Fair.

16. Site of the First Train Robbery in the West, Adair

On the evening of July 21, 1873, Jesse James, the notorious American outlaw, along with his accomplices from the James-Younger Gang, executed what is recognized as the “first train robbery in the West.”

Informed of a train carrying $100,000 worth of gold, the gang faced disappointment as last-minute changes relocated the shipment to a subsequent train, netting only $2000 in spoils. Frustrated, James and his gang began robbing passengers for their belongings, adding another $1,000 to their earnings.

Tragically, engineer John Rafferty met his demise during the heist when the train overturned as he attempted to reverse it.

A wheel, gifted by the Rock Island Railroad in 1954, commemorates the site of this pivotal moment in the history of American crime.

17. World’s Largest Popcorn Ball, Sac City

Sac City, Iowa, might not offer much in terms of tourist attractions, but it is home to the LARGEST popcorn ball in the world!

Introduced in 1995, the first popcorn ball tipped the scales at 2,225 pounds. However, this record was subsequently challenged by the Iowa Boy Scouts with a 2,377-pound creation. Unwilling to surrender, Sac City officials detonated the old popcorn ball with seven sticks of dynamite and began constructing a new one.

The new and improved popcorn ball, weighing in at an astounding 3,100 pounds, was displayed in a barn on Main Street. But the competition continued, culminating in the creation of a 3,423-pound popcorn ball by Lake Forest, Illinois, prompting Sac City to reclaim its title once more.

In February 2009, Sac City rolled out a mammoth 5,060-pound popcorn ball, which they believed would secure their claim to fame indefinitely.

However, even that weight was surpassed in 2013 by the Indiana State Fair with their 6,510-pound, eight-foot-diameter popcorn ball.

As of 2016, Sac City proudly reclaimed its title by unveiling a 10,000-pound, 12-foot-diameter popcorn ball, which currently resides in a custom barn on Main Street.

18. Iowa’s Largest Frying Pan, Brandon

Established in 2004 by a dedicated group of locals, the Frying Pan was intended to promote Brandon’s “Cowboy Breakfast,” a yearly event held on the third Sunday of September. The pan symbolizes the cast iron griddles used to prepare the community breakfast.

While the initial goal was to create the world’s largest frying pan (a title held by one in Washington), the town recognized fierce competition and achieved happiness by settling for the largest in Iowa instead.

According to the signage surrounding the frying pan, the construction took 41 hours of collective effort, and it can fry as much as 44 dozen eggs or 176 pounds of pork chops concurrently!

Feeling hungry yet?

19. Dubuque Shot Tower, Dubuque

The Dubuque Shot Tower, erected in 1856, was designed for the mass production of perfectly spherical lead ammunition for military use. It purportedly had the capacity to produce eight tons of lead balls each day!

Standing at 120 feet tall, the upper section of the tower is fashioned from red brick, while the lower portion was constructed with Galena Dolomite stone.

From the latter part of the 18th century until the 1960s, shot towers were the primary means of fabricating ammunition, with lead balls produced here used in shotguns as well as for ballast and shielding purposes.

The Great Panic of 1857 marked a challenging economic period for the tower, which changed ownership multiple times and was subsequently damaged in a shooting incident in 1911.

The tower was restored in 1976 and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

20. Grant Wood Murals, Ames

While “American Gothic” is certainly one of Grant Wood’s most recognized pieces, his talents extend beyond that single artwork. Some of his largest murals are prominently displayed on the walls of Parks Library at Iowa State University.

Wood adhered to the Regionalist style, often showcasing agricultural and pastoral themes involving farmland, crops, and livestock throughout his works. These murals were commissioned by the Civil Works Administration and were collaboratively executed by Wood alongside a curated selection of local Iowa artists.

21. Hawkeye Point, Sibley

Although much of Iowa is perceived as flat, Hawkeye Point, at 1,670 feet above sea level, is the highest natural elevation in the state.

The land surrounding the marker was once owned by the Sterler family, who worked the land for years. Initially, the markers were set at the end of a trough, but following the passing of Merrill Sterler in 2004, much of the property was donated to Osceola County for use as a state park.

Since this time, Osceola County, along with the Hawkeye Point Committee, has initiated efforts to enhance the area around the marker and established an informational kiosk that outlines the history of the Sterler family and the county. An additional feature is a display of 50 license plates from all US states sent to the family.

Currently, one can find a flagpole, a small office structure, a picnic table, and various granite markers nearby.

22. What Cheer, What Cheer

A prominent sign proclaiming “Welcome to What Cheer” greets visitors entering the partially-abandoned town of What Cheer, Iowa. Once a bustling agricultural and coal mining community of 5,000 residents, the population has dwindled to barely over 600.

Although the town lacks significant tourist attractions aside from a two-story museum, Masonic Opera House, and the What Cheer Flea Market, the story behind its name is intriguing.

Founded in 1865 by Peter Britton, the town was originally to be named Petersburg, though this was rejected by the Post Office. Eventually, storekeeper Joseph Andrews suggested the name “What Cheer!”

Various theories abound regarding Andrews’ choice, with the most plausible being a translation from “what cheer, Netop!” This phrase from his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island, implies a warm greeting to a friend.

In an otherwise dilapidated town, the source and history behind its name keep it on Iowa’s map, leading to the city clerk frequently receiving inquiries about its meaning from around the world.

23. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah

The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, dedicated to the Norwegian immigration experience and the lives of Norwegian settlers in the Midwest, is considered the most comprehensive museum in the country devoted to a specific ethnic group.

This national museum and cultural heritage center houses over 24,000 artifacts, including lifelike examples of early agricultural tools, folk art, wood carving, knife making, and lumbering technologies.

The museum encompasses twelve historic structures, a library and archive, and a Folk-Art School. It reportedly boasts the world’s most exclusive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts.

Originally established in 1877 as the Norwegian-American Historic Museum, it hosts the Nordic Fest, a celebration of Scandinavian culture spanning three to four days each year.

24. Bily Clocks Museum, Spillville

In the late 19th century, two brothers, Frank and Joseph Bily, lived and farmed in the charming Czech town of Spillville, Iowa. Finely skilled in both farming and carpentry, the brothers took up clock-making to pass their winter months.

Beginning in 1913, the Bily brothers began creating intricate wooden clocks purely as a pastime. Little did they know that decades later, their exemplary craftsmanship would be celebrated by their community.

The brothers created approximately 20 timepieces, among which The Apostles, at 9 feet 10 inches tall, stands as their largest work, while American Pioneer History is hailed as their best. The latter took four years to complete and was sought after by Henry Ford for a million dollars, which the Bily brothers declined to accept.

In 1946, the brothers gifted their collection to the town of Spillville with the stipulation that none of the pieces be sold.

25. Maharishi Vedic City, Maharishi Vedic City

Maharishi Vedic City, established in 2001, is the newest town in Iowa, founded on ancient Hindu principles encompassing Veda (knowledge), the law of nature, and fostering balance and harmony. The entire town is built around the concepts of Transcendental Meditation (TM).

The late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a revered advocate for meditation and harmony worldwide, led the International Transcendental Meditation movement in the 1950s in India, promoting the benefits of practicing TM.

Fairfield, Iowa, is home to the Maharishi International University, a non-profit university established in 1973 that emphasizes a “consciousness-based education system” initiated by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

The town is designed to promote happiness, prosperity, and a healthy lifestyle.

David Lynch, the distinguished American actor and director, frequently visits and advocates for TM and its benefits.

26. Stone City, Anamosa

In the 19th century, an abundant dolomite limestone source was uncovered in eastern Iowa, leading to numerous quarries emerging in Anamosa. The quarry industry flourished, resulting in the establishment of a stunning stone town referred to as “Stone City.”

By 1880, a population of 500 people resided in this new town, with surrounding quarries engaging in various construction projects. One notable structure from this era is Columbia Hall, a 54-room hotel featuring a tavern, an opera house, and a bank, completed in 1883.

Unfortunately, in 1905, the arrival of Portland Cement in Waterloo triggered a significant decline in Anamosa’s limestone operations, leading to the closure of various businesses and sales of properties.

By 1932, a collective of artists, including Grant Wood, relocated to Stone City, transforming it into a hub of creativity, despite its commercial decline.

While many buildings succumbed to fires and deteriorated over time, a few still remain scattered throughout the area.

27. The Hobo Museum, Britt

A “hobo,” distinct from a “tramp” who works only when necessary or a “bum” who does not work at all, is a migrant laborer who travels from one place to another while working along the way—akin to modern-day travelers on a “working holiday.”

The Hobo Foundation was created in the mid-1970s by three Hobo kings dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the American Hobo. Consequently, Britt has become home to the National Hobo Convention, an event annually organized since 1990.

Formerly the Britt movie theatre, the Hobo Museum began with a modest collection of Hobo artifacts and a significant donation from an anonymous Hobo. These funds facilitated the establishment of the museum, where Hobo kings and queens worldwide joyfully contributed their prized possessions for display.

Managed by the Britt Hobo Days Association, the museum features an extensive array of memorabilia, photography, and collections from notable Hobos such as Frisco Jack, Steam Train Maury, and Connecticut Slim, alongside engaging artwork.

28. National Farm Toy Museum, Dyersville

One might expect that the ideal location to study the history and science of agriculture would be on an ancient farm or within an agricultural facility; however, this is not the case!

The National Farm Toy Museum, founded in 1986 in Dyersville, Iowa, was initially intended to host the state’s annual National Farm Toy Show. Nevertheless, given that three major farm toy manufacturers are located in the city, the museum rapidly became the appropriate venue to exhibit the area’s rich industry.

Reportedly, the first farm toy in the vicinity was crafted by Fred Ertl, Sr. in Dubuque, who began constructing toy replicas of farm equipment and tools to support his family following his job layoff, leading to the establishment of Ertl Company in 1945. His initial creation, a replica of a horse-drawn sickle mower, is currently on display at the museum.

The museum features a vast selection of farm toys sourced globally, including items that originated in the 1800s.

29. World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, Des Moines

Des Moines is regarded as the epicenter of initiatives addressing hunger, making it fitting for the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates to be located here. However, curiously ironic is the fact that this institution honoring those who have contributed to alleviating hunger globally lacks an onsite cafeteria!

Dr. Norman Borlaug established the World Food Prize in 1987, and in opposition to the Nobel Prize committee’s approval, the award is annually presented to esteemed researchers and scientists who have made significant contributions towards reducing world hunger, encompassing hybrids, pest- control solutions, and innovative dry-land agricultural practices.

Honored winners receive a portrait and a plaque at the Hall of Laureates, where various rooms provide elaborate presentations highlighting the battle against global hunger.

An impressive mural further depicts the city’s historical timeline from antiquity through the 20th century.

30. Elwood, The World’s Tallest Concrete Gnome, Ames

Situated at Iowa State University within Reiman Gardens, Elwood, the towering concrete gnome, is celebrated as the tallest of its kind in the world.

Reiman Gardens, one of the state’s largest public gardens, features several remarkable attractions, making it an ideal spot for family outings. Covering an area of 14 acres, it is home to a variety of indoor and outdoor gardens, an indoor conservatory, five greenhouses, and a 2,500-square-foot indoor habitat for butterflies.

Operated by the university, the garden has garnered multiple accolades for its exceptional work in preserving the environment and promoting sustainable gardening practices.

Apart from its picturesque landscapes, the 15-foot-tall concrete gnome stands as its main draw. It is notably just two feet shorter than the world’s tallest fiberglass gnome, which is located in Poland.