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

Unusual
Attractions
in Iowa

The Villisca Axe Murder House

Villisca Axe Murder House

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

40.9276, -94.9787

The bridge project was completed in 2011.

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.

41.8669, -93.8686

Added by Blindcolour

Des Moines, Iowa

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

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

41.5904, -93.6133

Riverside, Iowa

Captain James T. Kirk Future Birthplace

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

41.4797, -91.5813

Added by Luke Cata

The World's Tallest Concrete Gnome

Elwood, The World's Tallest Concrete Gnome

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

42.0114, -93.6381

Added by EricGrundhauser

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.

42.9642, -94.4451

American Gothic House.

American Gothic House

Home with Gothic windows featured in a famous painting.

40.9211, -92.2140

Added by Facebook_550112500

The Swinging Bridge

Columbus Junction, Iowa

Lover's Leap Swinging Bridge

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

41.2778, -91.3629

Added by angiedavidson75

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Unique
Food & Drink
from Iowa

Snickers Salad

Gastro Obscura

Snickers Salad

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

Gastro Obscura

Added by Ike Allen

Blue Moon Ice Cream

Gastro Obscura

Blue Moon Ice Cream

This cosmic-colored flavor is a Midwestern mystery.

Gastro Obscura

Added by rachelrummel

Hot Beef Sundae

Gastro Obscura

Hot Beef Sundae

Pretty please with a cherry (tomato) on top?

Gastro Obscura

Added by claireleone2024

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