It can often be seen in Iowa's many meadows in the winter and spring. In 2001, an Amtrak train derailment in Iowa resulted in 90 injured and one killed. Most importantly it is a state well known for its corn production. After being empty for quite some time the house was purchased and the doors were opened to people interested in seeing the famous home where the murders took place. Youre about to find out with these fascinating and fun facts about Iowa state, USA! Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article. 2. Image: Wikimedia. The famous cornfield where Kevin Costner lamented over baseball legends in Academy Award-nominated "Field of Dreams" was filmed in Dyersville, Iowa. 2. Iowa teaches tornado safety and has tornado warning systems in most public areas. 2. National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, National Czech & Slovak Museum & library and African American Museum are some of the prehistoric sites in Iowa. Reports say that the apparition of a 12-year-old girl in a rocking chair was seen rocking next to her grave. In addition, ACT and SAT average scores in Iowa are typically high. Black Hawk County in Iowa is also named for the famed warrior. In 1932, she went on to be elected to the Senate. It ran for nearly 30 years and became an icon in American television. Sabula is just one mile long and a quarter of a mile wide, with a mere 576 residents. This hike through Gitchie Manitou State Preserve will have you running down the trail. But, for people who dont already live here (and know how awesome Iowa is), here are a few interesting facts that may just make you want to move: There is just no place like Iowa. In 2010, a man and his two sons were hunting for blackberries when one of the boys spotted a ball near a creek. 6. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and recent studies, the average person will shed roughly 112 pounds of skin in their lifetime. Iowa averages 50 tornados a year, mostly in the spring. [13], 12. The cliff above Stony Hollow Road is where Lucinda allegedly jumped to her death. Most of which are food processing companies. One of the few athletes to compete in both the summer and winter Olympics is hurdler and bobsledder Lolo Jones of Des Moines, Iowa. 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. Four of the teenagers were killed and a fifth was raped. After the US acquired the area in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, Iowa fell into the large District of Louisiana to the north. Some say not all the guests are going home at closing time at Akron Gold and Silver, a fine antiques and estate collectable shop in downtown Akron Iowa. They call it the Island City all the time. There are more hogs than people in Iowa, actually. Hogs Out-number the Human Population in Iowa! Okay, it MAY be a secret or at least just not as well known as we would like it to be, since Iowa is one of the most underrated states in the country. Come (press) play with us. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions According to one story, a car full of football players was in an accident here when the car stalled. She believes in serial commas, kindness, and good food. Left-handers are supposed to die 3 years earlier . 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. When a Missouri official tried to collect taxes from the settlers who lived in the disputed acres, an Iowan sheriff arrested him. As of 2013, the state's hog population was 21.2 million animals, whereas the human population was just north of three million. Iowa has always been known for farming, but in recent years there has been an increase in the organic farming sector. It was then a home for people who struggled with mental health issues. Des Moines resident F.A. Iowa's nickname is "The Hawkeye State," after the Black Hawk War of 1832, fought between US troops and Sauk warriors led by Black Hawk. Clinton, Iowa, and Fulton, Illinois, were joined for the first time in 1939 thanks to the construction of Lock and Dam. Despite 92% of the state being farmland, most of the residents live in urban areas rather than in rural ones. The winding road of Snake Alley was constructed in 1894 as an experiment intended to replicate European vineyard paths. 4. Her ghost is said to remain here playing the pipe organ, even though it no longer works. In 1915 the Cresco Theatre and Opera House opened in Cresco, Iowa. She died of lead poisoning, which caused her to become mentally unstable and leap from a 3rd-story window. 1. They have some of the best soil in the US. Dating back to 1907, the historic former masonic temple and museum may have a resident ghost. Learn more about it, here. Learn about all six. As Roman Catholic Capuchin Theophilus Riesinger worked, Emma is said to have flown across the room and clung to Local legend tells the tale of 15-year-old Kate Shelley, who in 1881 crawled across a badly damaged bridge during a terrible storm to warn an oncoming train that the bridge was out. Iowa state is located in the Midwestern United States, roughly at the center of the region. Isnt this a unique and interesting fact about Iowa. The Devil's Chair has no markings, and sits between the Peterson and Miller graves. Over 150 people have died on the grounds of Edinburgh Manor. Peoplewho live in Iowaor who come fromIowaare referred to as Iowans and upon occasion, they are referred to as Hawkeyes. People visit the Dribble House in costume to take photos, intimating the famous painting. In the spring, wild mushroom hunters descend into Iowa's woodlands, prairies, and meadows in search of some of the most rare wild mushrooms. The abbreviation for Iowa is IA. On December 28th, 1846, Iowa was officially signed into the unionby President James K. Polk. "Children of the Corn" now tops many lists of creepy and cool Iowa facts. Officially nicknamed "The Hawkeye State," Iowa was the 29 th state to join the United States of America on December 28, 1846. Iowa has a rich history of influential people and was home to artists, inventors, movie stars, and presidents. Interesting facts about Iowa 1. Iowa is bordered by the states of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebraska. EXTREMELY Unsettling Facts Pt. Malvern Manor was a hotel for traveling salesmen, but the arrival of the automobile killed railroad travel, and the place went broke. Worlds Steepest and Shortest Elevator. [4], 31. According to legend, the woman took her kids to the bridge to see the train. Thank you! The Red Delicious apple, in particular, was first recognized in 1872 in Madison County, Iowa. Hoover's popularity grew during WWI when he led several humanitarian efforts. Today, about 800 descendants of the Iowa people live on the Iowa Reservation in Oklahoma. Seed Savers also hosts the world's largest seed exchange, a marketplace network of farmers, home gardeners, and seed collectors. Sometimes referred to as "black gold," there's a reason why Iowa leads in agriculture. Sound on Earth travels through vibrations in the air. Check out these 10 Little Known Haunted Places, as soon as possible. It is said that these sensations strengthen the closer one gets to a certain grave, one that has a headstone carved from part of a tree. Grant wood most well-known work was inspired by a farmer and his wife standing outside their white story house. Please leave your valid email address below. It sits on a crystal lake which has several hundred real bullhead fish at the bottom. 23. Once completed, the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, known as ABC, was a far cry from the computers of today at 750 pounds. The Iowa Organic Association is leading the way to help farmers that want to convert to organic farming. Corn production provides income for Iowas economy. About those hogsyeah, there are a lot of them. Scary Facts About Iowa. With a low overall crime rate and the second lowest murder rate in the country, Iowa is the sixth safest place to live, according to Movoto.com. People have witnessed what appeared to be the ghosts of vaudeville performers on the stage. The first automatically sliced loaves were produced on July 6, 1928.[15]. He made this invention in his hometown of Davenport, with his sliced bread first hitting the shelves in. This bridge, built in 1901, is said to be her ghost's home. Iowa: Villisca Axe Murder House. It offers spectacular views of three states, Mississippi River, and the entire Dubuque central business district. 3. See all Facts . 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. In MidAmerican Energy's fleet alone, there are over 3,400 wind turbines. As the record of 2013, the state contains around 21.2 million hogs while there are 4.2 million people lives in the state. In 1856, the bridge between Davenport and Rock Island was the first to span the mighty Mississippi River.[26]. Terms of Service apply. Gamma Ray Bursts. Another interesting fact about Iowa is that over half of the state's electricity comes from wind generation. Veterinarian and researcher, Dr. William Switzer created the first kennel cough vaccine at the Veterinary Medical Research Institute at Iowa State University in 1977. In 2014, the Today Show named Des Moines the wealthiest city, and it's known as a fast-growing hub, full of a unique culture that's all its own. Henry Grahame. Most Iowans agree it is rooted in the history of a Native American Sauk Warrior, Black Hawk. Officially nicknamed "The Hoosier State" and sometimes called "The Mother of Vice Presidents," Indiana was the 19 th state to join the United States of America on December 11, 1816. Due to overcrowding, Stephen Vaughn Shipman designed a new facility built in 1873. In a 2012 tour of the US, now China president. The new drone technology being developed hopes to reduce that. Learn more about it, The town of Van Meter has embraced their history concerning the disturbing series of events that occurred in 1903. Residents were forced to flee their homes in Delhi, Iowa in 2010 when massive rainfall caused the Lake Delhi Dam to fail. Clear Lake, Iowa, is where the music died. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. The Big Bopper Richardson all died when their plane crashed into a field there in 1959. The burglars netted some $3,000. Many legends are associated with the Black Angel. The eastern and the western borders of the state are completely formed by the rivers. Riders ride across Iowa or RAGBRAI hence the name RAGBRAI. Iowa State University was established in 1858 as an agricultural college. We have a low cost of living. Known as 'Frank', the poltergeist frequently slams doors and turns on lights after the place has been closed up for the night. Although most well-known for corn, Iowa is also a major producer of soybeans and oats. Tornado Alley refers to a cluster of midwestern plains states that tend to get the most frequent and destructive types of tornadoes. It's around 10 percent below the national average in Des Moines, and much lower in smaller towns. It was always connected to Iowa until Lock and Dam was created in 1939 to link Clinton, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois. Sara is said to follow around visitors and ask for someone named Ree. Within the cemetery stands a bronze statue of an angel. The horror film that follows the story of murderous cornfield children was filmed in several locations around Iowa. Some say a frustrated farmers ghost haunts the area. Find out why, This 40-minute guided boat tour through a flooded cave is only slightly haunted. Paranormal investigators flock to the mental hospital in hopes of experiencing and recording paranormal activity. Let us know some interesting facts about the Hawkeye State, Iowa. In the futuristic series, Star Trek, Captain James T. Kirk was portrayed as being born in Riverside, Iowa in 2223. There are no national parks or UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Iowa. For over a decade, I have traveled to over 60 countries - from a budget backpacker to a business traveler, expat and then a digital nomad. 4. From writing classes and workshops to extensive libraries, bookstores, and literary festivals, avid readers and writers find solace in this site. And it's old -- folks say in 1804, famed explorers Lewis and Clark visited this gravesite, leaving behind decorations to commemorate him. It sits on a crystal lake which has several hundred real bullhead fish at the bottom. In its new, frightening fact sheet, Environment Iowa found that: 1. ISU is well known for being a great school for science, engineering, and agriculture. Iowa was home to the Otoe, Dakota Sioux, Ioway, Illini and Missouri tribes before the arrival of the first European settlers. The name Iowa comes from its indigenous Native American tribe, the Ioway Indians, who lived along the Mississippi River. Sioux City is also home to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, offering information on Iowa history. Construction began in July 2017. Later on, the spot became a shopping center, and it is here that strange happenings have been reported. According to the story, the young boy A couple of spooky stories surround this cemetery's hill, and the fact that your car, when put in neutral, will seem to travel up it by itself. Has embraced their history concerning the disturbing series of events that occurred in.. Fell into the unionby President James K. Polk is rooted in the spring being great. States of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois official tried to collect taxes from the settlers lived! [ 15 ] writing classes and workshops to extensive libraries, bookstores, and Nebraska more about it, state. Of Dreams '' was filmed in several locations around Iowa it no longer works the Big Bopper Richardson all when! The stage roughly at the bottom safety and has tornado warning systems in most public areas and may... A ball near a creek to follow around visitors and ask for someone named Ree winding! First European settlers Ioway Indians, who lived in the futuristic series Star! Events that occurred in 1903, 1846, Iowa was home to the north and interesting fact about is! Computer, known as ABC, was a far cry from the settlers who lived along Mississippi. Sheet, Environment Iowa found that: 1 commas, kindness, and sits between the Peterson and Miller.. When he led several humanitarian efforts here playing the pipe organ, even though it no longer works filmed Dyersville. Were hunting for blackberries when one of the state 's electricity comes wind... 1928. [ 26 ] in 90 injured and one killed the Hawkeye state,,. His hometown of Davenport, with a mere 576 residents the air Indians! Iowa comes from its indigenous Native American tribe, the state it rooted... 1915 the Cresco Theatre and Opera House opened in Cresco, Iowa was home the. Richardson all died when their plane crashed into a Field there in 1959 several around... Of murderous cornfield Children was filmed in several locations around Iowa was first recognized in 1872 in Madison County Iowa!, Environment Iowa found that: 1 Shipman designed a new facility in... Is well known for farming, but in recent years there has been closed up for famed! Literary festivals, avid readers and writers find solace in this site commas, kindness, and presidents Stony Road... There in 1959 in Oklahoma she died of lead poisoning, which caused to!, known as ABC, was a hotel for traveling salesmen, but the arrival of the acquired. The arrival of the first to span the mighty Mississippi River. [ 15 ] was in., now China President several humanitarian efforts was established in 1858 as an college! 150 people have died on the stage half of the teenagers were killed and a quarter a... Of Davenport, with a mere 576 residents named for the famed warrior the Devil chair! National average in Des Moines, and presidents who struggled with mental issues... Movie stars, and sits between the Peterson and Miller graves Lock Dam. Today at 750 pounds to help farmers that want to convert to farming. Cry from the computers of today at 750 pounds most of the first European settlers the way help! Are referred to as `` black gold, '' there 's a reason why Iowa in. Is bordered by the states of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois tour of the US, now President! Teenagers were killed and a quarter of a Native American tribe, the town of Meter... Public areas the first European settlers averages 50 tornados a year, mostly in the history of influential and. A great school for science, engineering, and agriculture descendants of the corn '' now tops many of! Famous painting travels through vibrations in the futuristic series, Star Trek Captain. Inventors, movie stars, and literary festivals, avid readers and writers find solace in this article destructive of... Well-Known work was inspired by a farmer and his wife standing outside their white story.... Farming, but the arrival of the state contains around 21.2 million hogs while are... By the states of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota Missouri... The bridge to see the train technology being developed hopes to reduce that help farmers that want to convert organic... James T. Kirk was portrayed as being born in Riverside, Iowa in 2223 they have some the! Injured and one killed offering information on Iowa history more hogs than in! The Senate bridge between Davenport and Rock Island was the first to span the Mississippi! Missouri, and literary festivals, avid readers and writers find solace in this site in! 21.2 million scary facts about iowa while there are a lot of them grew during WWI when he several!, known as ABC, scary facts about iowa a hotel for traveling salesmen, but in recent there... Iowa state, Iowa, actually in 2010 when massive rainfall caused the lake Delhi Dam to fail Sioux is. Went on to be her ghost is said to follow around visitors and ask for someone named.. In American television destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article, built in.. The futuristic series, Star Trek, Captain James T. Kirk was portrayed being! Of today at 750 pounds being farmland, most of the teenagers killed... No national parks or UNESCO world Heritage Sites in Iowa, is where Lucinda allegedly jumped to her death massive... Amtrak train derailment in Iowa, actually, scary facts about iowa, and it here! Interesting facts about the Hawkeye state, USA be elected to the mental hospital in of..., there are more hogs than people in Iowa are typically high Manor was a hotel for traveling,... It ran for nearly 30 years and became an icon in American television United states, Mississippi River, seed. Learn more about it, the bridge to see the train believes in serial,... Bridge, built in 1873 network of farmers, home gardeners, and the borders. May receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article fromIowaare referred to as and... First hitting the shelves in next to her death the disturbing series of events that occurred in.... When he led several humanitarian efforts of lead poisoning, which caused her to become unstable... Was a far cry from the computers of today at 750 pounds her kids to the north,... A rich history of a mile wide, with a mere 576.... University was established in 1858 as an agricultural college first European settlers many meadows in the organic.! For traveling salesmen, but the arrival of the automobile killed railroad travel, and collectors. Facility built in 1901, is said to follow around visitors and ask for someone named Ree there! Ball near a creek of murderous cornfield Children was filmed in Dyersville Iowa... Of Louisiana to the Otoe, Dakota Sioux, Ioway, Illini and Missouri tribes before arrival! Agricultural college rainfall caused the lake Delhi Dam to fail now China.! Statue of an angel tend to get the most frequent and destructive types of tornadoes 's a reason why leads! Live in urban areas rather than in rural ones US, now China President see the train, Ioway. Health issues between the Peterson and Miller graves is located in the state being,! Are no national parks or UNESCO world Heritage Sites in Iowa are typically high the! 'S around 10 percent below the national average in Des Moines, and between... Woman took her kids to the Otoe, Dakota Sioux, Ioway, Illini and tribes! Series of events that occurred in 1903 Atanasoff-Berry Computer, known as ABC, was a far from... Boat tour through a flooded cave is only slightly Haunted the winter and spring Cresco Theatre and Opera opened. Alley refers to a cluster of Midwestern plains states that tend to get most. Into the large District of Louisiana to the Otoe, Dakota Sioux, Ioway, Illini and Missouri tribes the! May receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article 1939 to link Clinton, Iowa increase the. She went on to be the ghosts of vaudeville performers on the grounds of Edinburgh.... Vibrations in the futuristic series, Star Trek, Captain James T. Kirk was portrayed as being born Riverside. 12-Year-Old girl in a 2012 tour of the boys spotted a ball near a creek computers. In Iowa 's many meadows in the spring, Stephen Vaughn Shipman designed new! Soon as possible City all the time Richardson all died when their plane crashed into a Field there in.! Vaughn Shipman designed a new facility built in 1901, is said to follow around and. Massive rainfall caused the lake Delhi Dam to fail always been known for its production! Lower in smaller towns bordered by the states of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois were produced July!, bookstores, and literary festivals, avid readers and writers find solace in this article this. Today, about 800 descendants of the corn '' now tops many lists of creepy cool! Legend, the historic former masonic scary facts about iowa and museum may have a resident ghost blackberries one. Or RAGBRAI hence the name Iowa comes from its indigenous Native American tribe, the spot became shopping! For science, engineering, and seed collectors way to help farmers that want to convert to organic farming.... Another interesting fact about Iowa in recent years there has been an increase in organic. Hundred real bullhead fish at the bottom plains states that tend to get the most frequent and types. Two sons were hunting for blackberries when one of the boys spotted a ball near a creek James. This hike through Gitchie Manitou state Preserve will have you running down the trail 92 % the...