This hike through Gitchie Manitou State Preserve will have you running down the trail. Worlds Steepest and Shortest Elevator. Another lone ghost sits in the theatre when it is dark only to vanish when anyone tries to approach it. [PDF]. A bigger problem may be descending below the earths surface into a mile-long rock hole thats so small in places that youll have to duck to get through. In 1949 a gas leak and resulting explosion killed several people. They started off playing small music clubs and Des Moines and later grew into the world-famous heavy metal band they are today. It is the 106th largest city in the United States, with a population of 214,000 (metro 559,000). [23], 41. One popular story states a young man went insane and was eventually found dead after trying to remove one of the angels hands. Thank you! You probably never seen a wooden nickel, but here in Iowa, on a farm, is a 12-inch worlds largest wooden Nickel.[9]. Iowa is also home to a number of historical locations known to be haunted. The first moving train robbery in the world happened on July 21, 1873 in Adair, Iowa. Rachel lives in eastern Iowa. One of the authors of the Nancy Drew series was born in Iowa: Mildred Wirt Benson. Love Iowa? Check out some of these interesting Iowa facts. In 1995, 3 Iowa musicians, Shawn Crahan, Joey Jordison, and Paul Gray formed the band Slipknot. Ninety-two percent of Iowas land is covered with farms. Iowa is a state that is very important to the U.S. because of its agricultural output. Peoplewho live in Iowaor who come fromIowaare referred to as Iowans and upon occasion, they are referred to as Hawkeyes. The theatres original name was the Cresco Opera House. In 2010, a man and his two sons were hunting for blackberries when one of the boys spotted a ball near a creek. Once completed, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, known as ABC, was a far cry from the computers of today at 750 pounds. About those hogsyeah, there are a lot of them. One of the most fun facts of Iowa is its rich soil also grows great grapes! In contrast to the Young Drift Plains, which are flat and well-suited for farming, the Driftless Area is primarily composed of pine forests and cliff faces. Another official was sent to resurvey, but his line was a bit north of the original line, to the tune of 2,600 acres. Sergeant Charles Floyd died during the expedition in what is now known as Sioux City, Iowa. [25], 44. The abbreviation for Iowa is IA. By entering your email address you agree to our, 60 Interesting & Fun Facts About Iowa State You Need to Know, Iowa has over 30 million acres of farmland, The Iowa State Fair attracts over a million visitors a year, Inventor Otto Frederick Rohwedder was from Iowa, The Iowa State Bird and Flower is the Goldfinch and Wild Rose, Iowa hosts the longest recreational bicycle event in the world, Beneath all the cornfields of Iowa lies hundreds of prehistoric caves, The world's first electronic digital computer was built in Iowa, Iowa is a major hub of insurance and financial institutions, Iowa had the first public veterinary school in the United States, The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium resides in Iowa, Famous author Mildred Wirt Benson was from Iowa, The canine kennel cough vaccine was developed in Iowa, President Herbert Hoover was born in Iowa, Drones are being used to fight food waste in Iowa, The Black Angel Monument in Iowa is believed to be haunted, Iowa's Mason House Inn is a "Ghost Hunting" site, Stony Hollow Road is among the "most haunted places" in Iowa, Creepy cult classic "Children of the Corn" was filmed in Iowa, Iowa State University is the state's largest research university, Iowa has served as a filming location for some of Hollywood's biggest hits, The heavy metal band Slipknot came from Iowa, Famous television host Johnny Carson was from Iowa, Iowa's State Flower, the Wild Rose, is actually 3 different flowers, Iowa is the proclaimed future birthplace of Star Trek's Captain Kirk, Iowa is a wild mushroom hunter's paradise, Iowa has one of the most crooked streets in the world, Iowa has the world's largest wooden nickel, Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood is from Iowa, The Iowa State Capitol is the only State Capitol with 5 domes, Infamous criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde once had a shootout in Iowa, Iowa's name comes from the Native American Tribe Iowa, Iowa was the 29th state inducted into the union of the United States, There are historical sites from the Underground Railroad in Iowa, Iowa's Effigy Mounds National Monument has ancient Native American Burial Mounds, Iowa was a historical stop on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Iowa is home to the largest non-governmental seed bank in the United States, The University of Iowa holds important clinical trials in the fight against cancer, Iowa inducted the first female lawyer in the United States, Iowa has some of the best soil in the country, invented the automatic bread-slicing machine, Wild Rose was designated as the state flower, American Goldfinch was declared the state bird of Iowa, RAGBRAI, is an 8-day group bike ride across the state, 358,000 tourists visit Iowa's wine country, real-life backdrop for the famous American Gothic painting, Tulip Festival to pay homage to the early Dutch settlers, built the first electronic digital computer, There are thousands of insurance and finance companies headquartered in Iowa, first public veterinary school in America, one of the largest concentrations of veterinary professionals, over half of the state's electricity comes from wind generation, Dr. William Switzer created the first kennel cough vaccine, spanning several decades, and he became both an icon and controversial figure, flying drones over fields after harvest to ensure no crop is left behind, Black Angel was created as a representation of a dream had by Ruth Dodge, birthplace home is now a historic landmark, hosted one of the longest-running television shows, Iowa Organic Association is leading the way, officially designated as the state flower in 1897, Iowa has over 50 varieties of wild mushrooms, one of the most crooked streets in the world, giant sloths roamed the wildlands of present-day Iowa state, Elijah Wood was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, established in 1858 as an agricultural college, the University of Northern Iowa was founded in 1876, Iowa was officially signed into the union, believed to have been constructed during a prehistoric period, cultural associations with the Effigy Mounds, Sergeant Charles Floyd died during the expedition, home to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, groundbreaking cancer research and treatment, Arabella Mansfield became the first female lawyer, leading the way in tornado research with its tornado simulator, 30 Fun Things to Do in Memphis for Couples, 35 Cincinnati Date Ideas That Will Impress Your Partner, 35 Omaha Date Ideas to Wow Your Other Half, Best Time to Visit San Francisco, California, 16 Landmarks in Oahu, Hawaii You Must Visit, 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Tennessee State to Discover, 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Florida State You Should Know, 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About South Carolina State to Know, 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Ohio State to Know, 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Maine State to Know. The Cresco Theatre and Opera House has also become home to numerous ghosts and assorted paranormal activity. Head swim coach Dave Armbruster came up with the butterfly stroke technique in 1935. Learn more about it, here. Thirteen caves are open for public exploration in this park alone. He was the head coach at the University of Iowa for more than 30 years. A group of young Dakota men, half-starved to death, killed a family of white settlers while out on a hunting trip. The first bread slicing machine was invented in Iowa by Otto Frederick Rohwedder. Her ghost is said to remain here playing the pipe organ, even though it no longer works. At one time the bridge was not far from the town of Tara. Legend has it that Rodriguez, an electrician who was electrocuted in the 1940s during the building of the auditorium, haunts the area by flickering the lights and turning them off and on. One ghost that people have encountered is believed to be Frederica Shattuck. According to reports, the chair has been believed to be cursed for at least 35 years. Once statehood was achieved, Iowans began setting up the system of farmlands that continued to grow through the next century and into modern-day Iowa. amethyst, and Bethlehem Cave contains 65 tons of petrified wood. Most known for cornfields and the famous Iowa State Fair, people are often surprised that there is much more to Iowa than meets the eye. She and four other children from her family are buried near the back. West Okoboji and East Okoboji lakes the deepest lake in the states. She writes for a newspaper by day, and writes content for websites by night. The 4th street of Dubuque is the Fenelon Place Elevator, dubbed the shortest, steepest scenic railway. Only 0.21% of Iowa states land is protected, one of the 10 lowest percentages of any state. It was permanently scheduled to happen in Des Moines, Iowas capital. Iowa was admitted to the union as the 29th state on Dec. 28, 1846. The surveyors state boundary line slanted four miles further north on the east side than the west because he forgot to adjust his compass. Its spooky, creepy, and terrifying. ISU also has a history of hauntings. She was a former Red Cross nurse during World War I who haunts Gold Star Hall. You can travel across three states without actually leaving the city. They worked on the computer from 1937 to 1942 at the University of Iowa. 23. Iowa is no stranger to weird laws. According to stories if you leave an unopened chocolate bar, or a candy bar, in the center of the bridge and leave something unusual will happen. 15) Dolphins can be sexually aggressive and have been known to go after humans. First Inhabited By Iowa People. The bridge is an impressive structure of half a mile in length and 130 feet in height. 10. Iowa is the 31st most populous and the 26th most extensive of the 50 states of the United States. These prehistoric creatures stood 10 feet tall and weighed 2 or more tons. Legend says her house once stood in the very spot where Swope Hall stands today. Image: Wikimedia. He made this invention in his hometown of Davenport, with his sliced bread first hitting the shelves in. French explorers arrived in Iowa for the first time in 1673. Terms of Service apply. This Maid-Rite is now, mysteriously, closed. He later attended Stanford University and became a mining engineer. He developed strains of wheat that were disease-resistant. The Red Delicious apple, in particular, was first recognized in 1872 in Madison County, Iowa. If you want to have mindless healing, consider Iowa for a quality mind relaxation. The Dibble House in Eldon, Iowa, was the real-life backdrop for the famous American Gothic painting. It is one of 27 US states that are landlocked. The Iowa-bound bridge opened in November 2020, and the Illinois-bound bridge in December 2021. Located next to one of the ancient dirt tracks in the US, it is the place to learn the history of sprint car racing and big cars. While they were pushing A motel once stood in this vacant lot, but it has since been demolished. Gamma Ray Bursts. Paranormal investigators have flocked to Edinburgh Manor over the years to study and document alleged hauntings. RAGBRAI covers over 460 miles across Iowa, with several towns hosting participants along the way. There are thousands of insurance and finance companies headquartered in Iowa. The eastern and the western borders of the state are completely formed by the rivers. The Stage Coach Inn was built in 1856 by John and Martha Moorhead; The Inn served a stage coach stop and the first court house in Ida County Iowa and was also the church, School as well as the first hospital in Ida grove were amputations sometimes accrued on the Local legend maintains that a woman once killed her 3 kids here. George Nissen and Larry Griswold built the worlds first modern trampoline at the University of Iowa in 1934 as a training tool for athletes. DES MOINES, Iowa . Sac City, Iowa, is home to the worlds largest popcorn ball. Feedback [5], 30. The newspaper was based in Des Moines and was published for many decades. Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article. Only 9% of Iowa's 1,648 concentrated animal feeding operations have the necessary permits to protect our waterways from the excess nutrients, pathogens . Both governors made battle threats, and militias and volunteers were mobilized to the border. People often refer to it as the Island City. Iowa farms produce over 2 billion bushels of corn per year. Iowa State Facts Entered Union: Dec. 28, 1846 (29th State) Organized as territory: June 12, 1838 Present constitution adopted: 1857 Fun Facts State abbreviation/Postal code: Iowa/IA Nickname: The Hawkeye State Origin of name: From the Iowa River, which was named after the Ioway (or Bxoe) people. Youll have to eat somewhere else, though. Its a natural water cave worth visiting. When a galaxy explodes (great way to start this list), it releases a massive burst of gamma rays powerful enough to completely annihilate any planetary bodies in its path. As of Sept. 1, 2018, Iowa's . In an orchard in 1880, a new variety of apples was discovered that would become known as the Red Delicious. The cemetery is said to be haunted by the spirits of restless Native Americans and Mrs. Henry Lott, the wife of a man who was known to cheat the Native Americans and steal their horses. It later became Iowa State University or ISU. Residents were forced to flee their homes in Delhi, Iowa in 2010 when massive rainfall caused the Lake Delhi Dam to fail. Lucinda, distraught at her breakup, jumped off a cliff. But sliced bread has only been around for perhaps a hundred years. People claim this bridge is haunted by a ghost. If and when she appears she drops a rose at your feet, there is a belief you will perish the very next day. State slogans have included A Place to Grow, Discover Iowan Treasures, Iowa, You Make Me Smile, Iowa Welcome You, IowaField of Opportunities. We have a low cost of living. Iowan artist Grant Wood painted the iconic piece in 1930. The foundation/drive-/walkway is still there. Locals tell a story of harrowing events that happen at 8:47 p.m. on December 23. Tornado Alley refers to a cluster of midwestern plains states that tend to get the most frequent and destructive types of tornadoes. This historic mansion is currently operated as a museum by the Blue Earth County Historical Society, and staff claim that even after the building has closed down for the night, some still walk the halls of the old house. The mounds are now a National Historic Site and are considered sacred to Native Americans. Learn more about it, The town of Van Meter has embraced their history concerning the disturbing series of events that occurred in 1903. Left-handers are supposed to die 3 years earlier . As of 2013, the states hog population was 21.2 million animals, whereas the human population was just north of three million. An access road was completed shortly after the hotel was built which directly connected the Hotel with the Depot. While on the run from the police, Bonnie and Clyde hid in an abandoned amusement park in Dexter, Iowa for several days. These non-winged sprint cars were used in the 30s and 40s. Five towns in Iowa are connected by a bridge that spans 25 miles. Iowa City has long been considered the hippiest town in Iowa, but. She was born in Wisconsin, but only lived there for a few weeks before her parents realized how much better Iowa was and moved. In 1915 the Cresco Theatre and Opera House opened in Cresco, Iowa. On that night a horrible crime was committed at what is now infamously known as the Villisca Ax Murder House. Iowa, constituent state of the United States of America. A record number of Des Moines Public School students don't necessarily know where they'll go after class, which may be harder than going to class itself. His prototype was built in his parent's garage. Thousands of heirloom vegetables are grown and seed-banked on this 890-acre farm. The scariest and most heartbreaking of the stories associated with the bridge involves a woman and her three children. Iowa also leads the US in ethanol production. Within the cemetery stands a bronze statue of an angel. Privacy Policy  |   Terms & Conditions The truck stop is not just a place for truckers to park their bread and butter earning machines, but it also hasa barbershop, chiropractor, and a huge museum with antique trucks. Our cost of living is much lower than average. Iowa even had a regiment called the Greybeards because the men were all considered elderly, including one octogenarian. She believes in serial commas, kindness, and good food. Legend has Staff at the theatre maintain that it is haunted by previous owner Mr. Goldie. [2], 19. Since 1973, this location has hosted the worlds longest, biggest, and oldest recreational bicycle touring event. In 1928 Hoover was elected as the 31st President of The United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. UNESCO has dubbed Iowa City as the nations. The winding road of Snake Alley was constructed in 1894 as an experiment intended to replicate European vineyard paths. His birthplace home is now a museum. Scotcheroos have been voted as Iowa's top treat. Dutch food, music, and art are also part of the festivities. Iowa is home to the famous investor, model, and actor who has been in countless romantic comedies. Spirit Lake, the largest glacier lake in Iowa, can trace its origins back to Hawkeye State. Agriculture is king in Iowa. The first people came to what's now Iowa at least 12,000 years ago. The Black Angel Monument in Iowa is believed to be haunted. Known as 'Frank', the poltergeist frequently slams doors and turns on lights after the place has been closed up for the night. Most importantly it is a state well known for its corn production. Iowa is also sometimes called the Corn State or the Tall Corn State/Land Where the Tall Corn Grows because it produces more corn than any other state. In its new, frightening fact sheet, Environment Iowa found that: 1. An eagle carries streamers inscribed with the state motto. 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