All it takes is one visit to fall head over heels for the Hawkeye State! Here are a few reasons to love Iowa, whether you’re a tourist, lifelong resident, or you’re just getting to know your new home state.

  1. The State Pride

Flickr / Troy Shehan Iowans LOVE Iowa, and that attitude is infectious! Just head into town during an Iowa-Iowa football game and you’ll find everyone cheering on the Hawkeyes or the Cyclones and bonding over their mutual appreciation for the Hawkeye (ok, ok, or Cyclone!) State.

  1. The Incredible Park System

Flickr / Phil Roeder Despite its reputation for being a flyover state, Iowa has incredible geography and topography that would win over any nature lover. Visit Maquoketa Caves State Park or Gull Point State Park to see for yourself how well-curated our park system can be.

  1. The Summertime Festivals

Facebook / RAGBRAI Eldora There’s always something to do here in Iowa! Visit towns along the RAGBRAI trail, attend an art festival, visit your weekly farmers market, or check out the county fair.

  1. The Impressive, Historic Architecture

Flickr / Neal Wellons It seems like you can step back in time all throughout the Hawkeye State! The history and architecture is just one reason to love Iowa, and you’ll find a fascinating story around every corner.

  1. The Close-Knit Communities

Flickr / Louis While Iowa is trending towards becoming more and more urban, our small towns still keep up that close-knit community feel. When you settle in to an Iowa small town, you’ll feel like you’re surrounded by family.

  1. The Iowa State Fair

Flickr / Phil Roeder We may be biased, but Iowans think our state fair is the best in the country! I mean, where else can you find a famous butter cow?

  1. The FOOD!

Flickr / Carol VanHook Tenderloins, cheese curds, tavern sandwiches, fried catfish… foodies don’t need to look far to find a reason to love Iowa.

  1. The rolling, rural scenery.

Flickr / Scott McLeod Farmland is beautiful, and Iowa has plenty of it! Rural country roads show off scenery in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

  1. The Family Farms

Google Local / Does and Divas Dairy Speaking of farmland - there’s so much of it to experience! Even if you live in the city, you’re just a short drive away from a welcoming family farm where you can meet goats, pick up fresh milk, or stock up on just-picked produce.

When did you fall in love with the Hawkeye State?

Flickr / Troy Shehan

Iowans LOVE Iowa, and that attitude is infectious! Just head into town during an Iowa-Iowa football game and you’ll find everyone cheering on the Hawkeyes or the Cyclones and bonding over their mutual appreciation for the Hawkeye (ok, ok, or Cyclone!) State.

Flickr / Phil Roeder

Despite its reputation for being a flyover state, Iowa has incredible geography and topography that would win over any nature lover. Visit Maquoketa Caves State Park or Gull Point State Park to see for yourself how well-curated our park system can be.

Facebook / RAGBRAI Eldora

There’s always something to do here in Iowa! Visit towns along the RAGBRAI trail, attend an art festival, visit your weekly farmers market, or check out the county fair.

Flickr / Neal Wellons

It seems like you can step back in time all throughout the Hawkeye State! The history and architecture is just one reason to love Iowa, and you’ll find a fascinating story around every corner.

Flickr / Louis

While Iowa is trending towards becoming more and more urban, our small towns still keep up that close-knit community feel. When you settle in to an Iowa small town, you’ll feel like you’re surrounded by family.

We may be biased, but Iowans think our state fair is the best in the country! I mean, where else can you find a famous butter cow?

Flickr / Carol VanHook

Tenderloins, cheese curds, tavern sandwiches, fried catfish… foodies don’t need to look far to find a reason to love Iowa.

Flickr / Scott McLeod

Farmland is beautiful, and Iowa has plenty of it! Rural country roads show off scenery in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Google Local / Does and Divas Dairy

Speaking of farmland - there’s so much of it to experience! Even if you live in the city, you’re just a short drive away from a welcoming family farm where you can meet goats, pick up fresh milk, or stock up on just-picked produce.

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