Interesting Facts About Iowa
Iowa is a beautiful state in the Midwestern United States, and it has plenty of fascinating facts and history to explore. From its rich agricultural heritage to its diverse landscapes, there is plenty to learn about this great state. Here are thirty interesting facts about Iowa that you may not have heard of before.
The Mississippi River forms the western border, while the Missouri River forms the eastern border.
In 2009, the state Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.
Some of the oldest farming practices in the world can be found in Iowa.
Iowa produces the most corn, soybeans, eggs, and pork in the nation.
The median age of Iowa’s population is 38.5, making it the oldest in the country.
Shirley Chisholm, the first female African American presidential candidate, was born in Iowa in 1924.
John Deere, based in Moline, Illinois, was founded in 1837.
Cathy Cox, elected in 1999, was the first female governor in the nation.
Des Moines is the state’s official capital, while Iowa City is the state’s co-capital.
Iowa’s literacy rate is 99.2%, the highest in the country.
The wooden roller coaster at Arnold’s Park in Iowa is the oldest in the world, having been in operation since 1933.
In 2016, Iowa produced more than 2.7 billion gallons of ethanol, making it the second-largest producer of ethanol in the United States.
The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines was founded in 1966 and is the oldest in the world.
The flag, which features a bald eagle, was adopted in 1921.
The Little Brown School in rural Iowa has been in operation since 1853.
Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but his parents met while attending college in Iowa.
The annual Des Moines Grand Prix has been held since 1895.
The Atanasoff-Berry Computer was invented in 1939 at Iowa State University.
The Burlington Bees, founded in 1879, are the oldest professional baseball team in the world.
Victoria Woodhull, a feminist and suffragist, was the first woman to run for president in 1872.
The maze, located at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, covers over 16 acres.
The Iowa Bicycle Route Network connects all 99 counties in the state.
The Iowa Quilt Trail connects over 200 quilt shops and quilting events across the state.
Iowa’s population density is 54.8 people per square mile, the highest in the Midwest.
The first female to hold this position was Loretta Sieman, who was elected in 1998.
As of 2019, Iowa’s population is estimated to be 3.2 million.
Iowa is the 11th most populous state, with a population of 3.2 million.
The Iowa 80 Truck Stop in Walcott, Iowa is the largest truck stop in the world, with over 1,000 parking spaces.
The Roller Gardens in Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been in continuous operation since 1935.
John M. Coetzee and Norman Borlaug, both of Iowa, have won the Nobel Prize.
From its agricultural roots to its unique history, Iowa has plenty of interesting facts to learn about. Whether you are a long-time resident or a curious traveler, these thirty interesting facts about Iowa are sure to broaden your understanding of the state.
