47 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Iowa - Atlas Obscura

Unusual
Attractions
in Iowa

High Trestle Trail Bridge

Half a mile long and 13 stories high, the bridge over the Des Moines River Valley lights up the wide night vista.

Blindcolour

Added by Blindcolour

Villisca Axe Murder House

A number of gruesome unsolved murders have turned this simple home into a morbid tourist trap.

Elwood, the World's Tallest Concrete Gnome

Beating out all other concrete competitors, this massive garden feature's pointy hat has earned it a world record.

EricGrundhauser

Added by EricGrundhauser

Riverside, Iowa

Captain James T. Kirk Future Birthplace

A place of great reverence for Trekkies everywhere, a hero's future birthplace.

Luke Cata

Added by Luke Cata

Des Moines, Iowa

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

This zombie-themed restaurant stands out in the heart of corn country.

West Bend, Iowa

Father Paul Dobberstein's Grotto of the Redemption

A four story, football field-sized, nine-grotto creation made of shells, minerals, and rare stones.

Columbus Junction, Iowa

Lover's Leap Swinging Bridge

A warning to the weak-kneed: This narrow bridge does its swinging eight stories high.

Added by angiedavidson75

American Gothic House

Home with Gothic windows featured in a famous painting.

Added by Facebook_550112500

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Unique
Food & Drink
in Iowa

Blue Moon Ice Cream

Gastro Obscura

Blue Moon Ice Cream

This cosmic-colored flavor is a Midwestern mystery.

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

Snickers Salad

Gastro Obscura

Snickers Salad

Made of candy and Cool Whip, this “salad” is a mainstay at Midwestern potlucks.

Gastro Obscura

Ike Allen

Added by Ike Allen

Hot Beef Sundae

Gastro Obscura

Hot Beef Sundae

Pretty please with a cherry (tomato) on top?

Gastro Obscura

Added by claireleone2024

Klub

Gastro Obscura

Klub

This stick-to-your-ribs Scandinavian dumpling is a favorite at Midwestern fundraisers.

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

See all 5 things to eat in Iowa See all 5 things to eat in Iowa

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lendog666 wants to go to Albert The Bull

lendog666 wants to go to Pappajohn Sculpture Park

lendog666 has been to Iowa 80 Truck Stop

lendog666 wants to go to American Gothic House

lendog666 wants to go to Father Paul Dobberstein's Grotto of the Redemption