Iowa
"Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain"
Nickname
Hawkeye State
Capital
Des Moines
Statehood
December 28, 1846 (29th)
Motto
Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain
Explore Iowa
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About Iowa
Iowa's rolling farmland produces more corn than any other U.S. state, and that agricultural base shapes nearly every part of the state's economy and identity, from small county-seat towns to its outsized role in early presidential politics. The land itself is more varied than the flat-farmland image suggests, especially in the bluff country along the Mississippi River.
The guides below cover that range, from river towns and rolling hill country to the cities and farm economy that define daily life across Iowa.