Iowa is known for corn, pork, political caucuses, and the Iowa State Fair. Its official nickname is Hawkeye State, named after a Native American warrior or the character Hawkeye. Des Moines is the capital, and the state bird is the eastern goldfinch while the state tree is the oak. Sioux City is known for Stone State Park, local history exhibits, and the Sergeant Floyd Monument. Iowa has a rich history and unique attractions for visitors and locals.
Iowa is known for many things, including corn and pork production, political caucuses, and the Iowa State Fair. It became the 29th state of the United States in 1846 and is the only state to be bordered on two sides by navigable rivers: the Mississippi and the Missouri. Iowa is the birthplace of the Red Delicious apple and sliced bread, and is home to the American Gothic House depicted in the famous Grant Wood painting.
Why is Iowa the Hawkeye state?
Iowa is named after a local Native American tribe, the Ioways, and its official nickname is Hawkeye State. Most sources agree that the name was inspired by a well-known Native American warrior of the area, Black Hawk, and/or the character Hawkeye in the novel The Last of the Mohicans. Hawkeye’s nickname was officially approved in 1838. Unofficially, Iowa is also known as the Corn State and the land where tall corn grows.
What is the capital of Iowa? – WorldAtlas
The capital of Iowa is Des Moines. Named for the Des Moines River, this city is the most populous in the state and is also the seat of Polk County. There are many interesting attractions in Des Moines, including a museum, a zoo, and a botanical garden. The city has a performing arts center, an interactive science museum, and a vibrant arts district. Principal Park is the home of the Iowa Cubs, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs.
What is the Iowa State Song?
The official state song of Iowa is (appropriately) The Song of Iowa. Written in 1897 by SHM Byers, the song was officially adopted in 1911 by the Iowa government. It is set to the tune of O, Tannenbaum which is a traditional German folk song. The lyrics cover many beautiful aspects of the state, including prairies, cornfields, and sunsets. The song also honors patriotic Iowans who died in war. Iowa has an unofficial state song that some residents prefer, The Corn Song. A less serious and more upbeat number, The Corn Song includes the phrase “where the tall corn grows,” which is an unofficial state motto of Iowa.
What is the Iowa State Bird?
It might seem that the official state bird of Hawkeye should be a hawk, or at least a raptor, but it’s not. The official state bird of Iowa is the eastern goldfinch, which was adopted by the state legislature in 1933. Although it is a subspecies of the American goldfinch, most people use the names interchangeably. This little bird is about 5 inches long with an 8 inch wingspan. Goldfinches mainly eat seeds and are particularly fond of sunflower seeds and thistle. Male goldfinches are easy to spot, especially during the summer mating season, with their bright yellow plumage and jaunty black cap.
What is the Iowa State Tree?
The official state tree of Iowa is the oak. The 59th Iowa General Assembly designated the oak as an official state tree in 1961. Although some sources list the oak as a state tree, the official government document does not specify any particular species of oak. Oak trees are famous for their large leaves, which can grow up to 12 inches long. Acorns are another notable feature of oak. A single mature oak can produce up to 50,000 acorns in a single year. These nuts are food for a wide variety of wildlife, including squirrels, birds and deer.
What is the city of Sioux known for?
The fourth largest city in Iowa, Sioux City is the county seat of Woodbury County. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy many points of interest, including Stone State Park which features hiking trails and a nature center. There are local history exhibits at the Sioux City Public Museum, and the city also has an art museum. Trinity Heights Catholic Church displays religious artwork and sculptures. The Sergeant Floyd Monument in Sioux City is a memorial to the single person who died on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Charles Floyd.
Iowa is a fascinating place with many unique attractions for visitors and locals alike. It has a rich history that is worth knowing. If you’re planning a trip to the Midwest, be sure to spend some time in the Hawkeye state.
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