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

Butter Cows

Gastro Obscura

Butter Cows

These dairy-based sculptures have been state fair traditions for more than a century.

Gastro Obscura

Leigh ChavezBush

Added by Leigh ChavezBush

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wearyheartedchic wants to go to Villisca Axe Murder House

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wearyheartedchic wants to go to National Farm Toy Museum

ekrichens has been to World's Largest Popcorn Ball