Developed by Engineering Professor Partha Sarkar, the simulator helps scientists study the effects of tornadoes for better planning on communities they threaten. The state attained statehood on December 28, 1846, becoming the 29th state to join the union. Today, about 800 descendants of the Iowa people live on the Iowa Reservation in Oklahoma. She is also known to touch people and tug at clothing if her Cemeteries near Spencer, IA 8. The basement is home to additional unknown entities. Iowa covers 55,857 mi (144,669 km), making it the 26. There have even been recordings of these voices on multiple occasions. Its a source of food to neighboring states. These matchsticks have been glued, warped, and shaped together. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links, but at no extra cost to you. When a galaxy explodes (great way to start this list), it releases a massive burst of gamma rays powerful enough to completely annihilate any planetary bodies in its path. 4. There are several about an evil doctor who appears as a ghost-devil, and some about Hell Road, a nearby path where animal sacrifices were allegedly performed. Scary Facts to Make Your Skin Crawl 1. They frequently hold clinical trials and have been credited with saving many lives. Check out these 10 Little Known Haunted Places. People driving on the road claim to see Lucindas ghost walking around. Bread is one of the earliest processed foods found in human history. Once statehood was achieved, Iowans began setting up the system of farmlands that continued to grow through the next century and into modern-day Iowa. Some people have claimed to have been pulled or pushed by hands that are not there. A council of Dakota leaders decided to follow their example, declaring war on their white neighbors in an attempt to drive them away and regain their ancestral homelands. Effigy Mounds, large scale Native American sculptures of animals, humans, and religious figures made out of piles of earth, date as far back as 350 CE. In 1869, native Iowan Arabella Mansfield became the first female lawyer in the US. Please note that some posts may contain affiliate links. His childhood home is now a historic landmark in Iowa. It was permanently scheduled to happen in Des Moines, Iowas capital. Iowa was home to the Otoe, Dakota Sioux, Ioway, Illini and Missouri tribes before the arrival of the first European settlers. There are more golf courses per capita in Iowa than in any other state. It is now a science and technology school. The bridge is half a mile long, and its a hundred and thirty feet high. In Iowa, Otto Frederick Rohwedder created the first bread-slicing machine. The Palace Theater was built by Herman Jochims in 1915, and his wife Maude played piano to accompany the silent films shown there. 2. He stands in a garden 15 feet tall from his boots to his telltales pointy hat and weighs at least 3500 pounds. So distraught over him not showing, some say because he ran off with another woman while others say his horse buggy got stuck in the mud, Lucinda killed herself. Iowa is home to the first gas-powered tracker, which was invented by John Froelich. Two sisters are believed to haunt the Farm House Museum. In Iowa City, Iowa the Oakland Cemetery was established back in 1843. The Only Museum for Sprint Car Racing: the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville opens every day. When the Civil War broke out, Iowa had only been a state for 15 years and had a population of just 600,000. Only 0.21% of Iowa states land is protected, one of the 10 lowest percentages of any state. Instead of moving forward, she jumped off the edge of a cliff only to meet her end on Stony Hollow Road. Farms produce enough food to feed over 300 people. Speaking of which, theres a Pikes Peak in Iowa, too. It wasnt actually an island until 1939, when the construction of a lock and dam system flooded the lowlands west of the town. 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. The plains have become ideal locations for wind farms, and 28 of them now cover the state. The truck stop is not just a place for truckers to park their bread and butter earning machines, but it also hasa barbershop, chiropractor, and a huge museum with antique trucks. The morning of October 31, 1991, a storm which would eventually become known as the "Halloween Blizzard" in most of Minnesota and the "Halloween Ice Storm" in Iowa began moving quickly northeastward through the Mississippi Valley.. It ran for nearly 30 years and became an icon in American television. These houses are all now historical sites, museums, and educational centers. Some say Lottie haunts the cemetery and that a curse will befall those who visit her gravesite. The Wild Rose was designated as the state flower in 1897. Lights are seen in the building at night and some people claim the ghost of a man who drowned in the nearby river has also been spotted roaming the grounds. In 1869, the Supreme Court ruled that women should be allowed to practice law. The name RAGBRAI comes from the fact that bikers travel across Iowa. In 1915 the Cresco Theatre and Opera House opened in Cresco, Iowa. 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. Over the years hundreds of people who have gone to the house have experienced an assortment of paranormal activity. Residents of this dorm have reported hearing a girl choking and gagging at night. Scary Facts About Iowa. The bodies were discovered the following morning when a concerned neighbor contacted Ross Moore, Josiahs brother. A type of prairie rose with bright pink petals, they can be spotted in the meadows and wildlands around Iowa. Scary Facts About Our World That You Probably Didn't Want To Know pt.10 #scary #creepy #scaryfacts #real #sincerelywill ig:@sincerelywill_ ebrahim_ka. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. In 1928 Hoover was elected as the 31st President of The United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. The Ioway were one of the indigenous groups who called the area home, and their name lives on in the states official moniker. The mounds are shaped like different animals, including deer, bears, bison, and panthers. It may be widely thought of as a fly-over state, but theres a lot more to Iowa than hogs and farmland (though there are plenty of those, too). The innovative creations are displayed at Matchstick Marvels Museum. The ghost of a 12-year-old boy . People have reported apparitions, photo anomalies and other strange phenomena here. Sac City, Iowa, is home to the worlds largest popcorn ball. 1 - Independence State Mental Hospital, Independence. Wittern is the reason we have vending machines today. Iowa (nicknamed: Hawkeye State) has 99 counties. The Iowa DNR does not issue permits for factory farms as required by the Clean Water Act, as shown in a July 2012 EPA study. Students at the University claim to have seen Shattucks wheelchair move on its own as well as hearing disembodied voices. This small gypsy cemetery is said to be haunted by a gypsy queen, who is guarded by a murder of crows. Many legends are associated with the Black Angel. Hoover's popularity grew during WWI when he led several humanitarian efforts. 38. He is 28 feet tall and has a 15-foot span between horns. The Native Americans, said a pioneer, must have thought the Land was so beautiful that they kept shouting, Iowa, Iowa, Iowa, which translates to beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.. National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, National Czech & Slovak Museum & library and African American Museum are some of the prehistoric sites in Iowa. You should try it right after you learn more. About those hogsyeah, there are a lot of them. Here are 60 interesting things about Iowa! The hall is a tribute to graduate soldiers who died at war. Iowa is an extremely safe place to live. Iowa has over 50 varieties of wild mushrooms that spawn from spring to fall. The red delicious red apple originated in Peru, Iowa, If you are an apple farmer, you might consider getting your propagation material from the orchard in Peru, Iowa where it all started. It is one of 27 US states that are landlocked. Grant wood most well-known work was inspired by a farmer and his wife standing outside their white story house. They are open for public viewing- about 20 large-scale models. In fact, even if you went through the effort of shaving, if the kiss lasts longer than five minutes, youd also be breaking the law. Coach Dave Armbruster invented the dolphin kick and used to refine the butterfly stroke. Some say the boy was once accidentally impaled by a stick when he fell while running nearby. Designated a Ripley's Believe it or Not Odd Spot, Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa is one of the most crooked streets in the world. The fair is held over 11 days every year in August and it attracts more than a million visitors. Todays variety bears little resemblance to the 1872 original. She died of lead poisoning, which caused her to become mentally unstable and leap from a 3rd-story window. In some stories, Lottie was murdered, was a witch, or was run over by a car. About 33.2 million pig babies were born between March and May 2018. With an area of 1.26 sq mi, approximately six hundred people call it home. DES MOINES, Iowa . While most people tend to think of corn as Iowa's most famous crop, a lesser-known interesting fact about Iowa is its history of apple agriculture. Iowa is no stranger to weird laws. Iowa is bordered by Minnesota to the north, Wisconsin and Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, and Nebraska and South Dakota to the west. The largest man-made Grotto in the world, the Grotto contains the largest collection of precious stones and gems found anywhere in one location! There are some people who say while in the house there is an overall feeling of an evil presence. On that night a horrible crime was committed at what is now infamously known as the Villisca Ax Murder House. Some of the paranormal reports at this mental hospital include the feeling of being watched by someone or something. The kennel cough vaccine is now given around the world to protect dogs from this highly contagious respiratory virus. Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article. She was a former Red Cross nurse during World War I who haunts Gold Star Hall. Its gently rolling landscape rises slowly as it extends westward from the Mississippi River, which forms its entire eastern border. Witnesses claim to have seen her sitting in the hall after hours, and have felt her brush past them in the corridors. Iowa is the only state name that starts with two vowels! The ghost of a child named Sara resides at this cemetery. The building has served as a location for live performances as well as modern motion pictures. Tornado Alley refers to a cluster of midwestern plains states that tend to get the most frequent and destructive types of tornadoes. Ashton Kutcherwas born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Over 20 modern-day tribal nations across the Midwest have cultural associations with the Effigy Mounds. Sabula did not start as an island. Iowa beats all the United States in corn production. Floyd now sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. The college also holds one of the largest concentrations of veterinary professionals, including the USDA's National Animal Disease Center, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, and the Center for Veterinary Biologics. One of the leading African American oriented newspapers in the Midwest, the Iowa Bystander, was founded in 1894. He was born in Winterset, Iowa. Below are some. Yet another nickname, although infrequent, is Land of the Rolling Prairie, as it lies mostly within the Great Plains. It is supposed that the woman is buried somewhere in the gorge below the bridge and that she occasionally appears there to scare travelers. Visitors claim to have heard ghostly laughter, running footsteps in At Calvary Cemetery, you can find the visuals for many stories told by school kids. Reports may differ as to spell the name of the locally famous haunted house, but its merit as a haunted site is hard to argue. Others claim any contact with the statue, even walking beneath it, will result in a horrible fate or loss. The combined depth of the West and East Okoboji Lakes makes them the deepest lake in the United States. Iowa is known for having some of the most productive and richest soil in the world, with 11,000 different soil types. They have some of the best soil in the US. The first inhabitants of Iowa arrived in the region as long as 12,000 years ago. The Iowa Organic Association is leading the way to help farmers that want to convert to organic farming. Iowas dominance in the production of pork and corn is well-known, but the state also leads the nation in the generation of eggs, ethanol, and wind power. Iowa has the most pigs of any state and is the nation's top pork producer. Its not edible but is a perfect strawberry marketing strategy.[17]. The Mississippi Rivers ecology and wildlife are featured at the, Iowa also has a whole museum devoted to Czech and Slovakian culture, the N. Iowa is home to one of the most crooked streets in the world. Housed in a building that was once the city hall, the museum is said to be haunted by the ghost of a little blonde girl who appears wearing a blue 19th-century dress and white apron. Its such a breath-taking view for you and your family.[18]. It is considered to be among the largest trail bridges in the world. The surveyors state boundary line slanted four miles further north on the east side than the west because he forgot to adjust his compass. amethyst, and Bethlehem Cave contains 65 tons of petrified wood. Michaela is a born and raised Iowan. Thank you! Wild roses are native to Iowa and can be found growing in the many meadows and prairies throughout the state. Since 1854, the annual Iowa State Fair has been a major attraction in the state. Weird Iowa Facts. Agriculture is king in Iowa. He rebuilt the machine, and it was first used commercially in 1928. According to the WHO (World Health Organization) and recent studies, the average person will shed roughly 112 pounds of skin in their lifetime. Iowan artist Grant Wood painted the iconic piece in 1930. The 16-foot wooden nickel, protesting a county road paving proposition, sits off Iowa Interstate 80 and has become a popular tourist stop. She was one of the ghostwriters that published as Carolyn Keene.. Isnt this a unique and interesting fact about Iowa. Bats in Iowa have an important job as the state's natural pest control. Learn more about it, The town of Van Meter has embraced their history concerning the disturbing series of events that occurred in 1903. Humans shed skin too. Best known for the Nancy Drew series, author Mildred Wirt Benson was an Iowa native. You can hardly pronounce it on your first trial. It sits on a crystal lake which has several hundred real bullhead fish at the bottom. Edinburgh Manor is known for being "one of the most haunted places" and one of the scary state of Iowa facts. The development of wind energy began in 1983 and has grown since. Electrical equipment, chemical products, publishing, and primary metal companies are a huge source of employment too. trip to this haunted restaurant in Cascade. 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. The lowlands on the west side of town were isolated from the rest of Sabula when a dam was built to flood them. In MidAmerican Energy's fleet alone, there are over 3,400 wind turbines. Up until June 9, 1912, Villisca, Iowa was an ordinary town. The famous investor, model, and actor featuring in several romantic movies and comedies was born and brought up in Iowa. Construction began in July 2017. The burglars netted some $3,000. Locals tell a story of harrowing events that happen at 8:47 p.m. on December 23. Benson wrote over 120 books during her lifetime and received several awards. This is the only town on the island. Founded in 1879, The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine was the very first public veterinary school in America. Published June 30, 2021. As a Midwestern state, Iowa forms a bridge between the forests of the east and the grasslands of the high . Its the Home of the Worlds Largest Bullhead Fish Statue, The statue is 12 feet long. Unfortunately, the man never showed up. It crosses from Woodward to Ankeny across Des Moines river valley. According to legend, the woman took her kids to the bridge to see the train. The eastern and the western borders of the state are completely formed by the rivers. It has nine caves that portray the life of Jesus. Industrial farming has started to take its toll on Iowa's soil, so many scientists are working towards regeneration techniques. Des Moines is the capital of Iowa state as well as the epicenter for US insurance companies and financial institutions. In the American Gothic painting, the American Gothic House is in Eldon, Iowa. Drivers along the road have reported sightings of Lucinda over the years. Iowa is a Midwestern U.S. state located in the heartland region of the United States. If Iowa were a country, it would be similar in size to Tajikistan or Nepal. The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa is known for groundbreaking cancer research and treatment. According to the owner, the spirits that reside there are previous owners of the house, civil war soldiers, and tuberculosis patients who all died on-site. 23. It features exhibits, shows, music, food, and carnival rides. His film career ended up spanning several decades, and he became both an icon and controversial figure in American pop culture. 5. She was supposedly going to meet the man of her dreams outside of town to elope. Here are just 10 scary facts about space that may change your thoughts about space travel. There is only one town island in Iowa, Sabula town in Jackson County, Iowa, is located on an island in Mississippi river. Originally erected as a form of political protest, artist Jim Glasgow's wooden nickel project has become a record-breaking roadside icon. It is believed that Mrs. In Ottumwa, its technically illegal for men to wink at women they dont know. A record number of Des Moines Public School students don't necessarily know where they'll go after class, which may be harder than going to class itself. The largest section is the Sioux City and is in Iowa. 42. Many overnight guests have recently interacted with ghosts of former residents. It is known as Iowa 80. Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye State, became the nation's 29th state in 1846. 35. 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 newspaper was based in Des Moines and was published for many decades. From writing classes and workshops to extensive libraries, bookstores, and literary festivals, avid readers and writers find solace in this site. He made this invention in his hometown of Davenport, with his sliced bread first hitting the shelves in. From their technological, medical, and environmental advancements, Iowa is leading the way in many fields and has a bright future. Come (press) play with us. 1. 15. Early on in the conflict, a copse of trees containing a large number of honeybees was destroyed. People often refer to it as the Island City. 1. In 1682, they claimed the region for France. Its located on the strawberry point building. You can find insights and perspectives from myself and other world travelers that will inspire your journey of discovery. It was then a home for people who struggled with mental health issues.