1. This Is The Day That Everyone Eats Turkey Legs
On your way into any University of Iowa Hawkeyes home football game, fans know you absolutely must buy a “big ass turkey leg” (though Chuck has sadly retired) and touch the statue of Nile Kinnick for good luck.
2. Where To Find A Double Ferris Wheel And A Cow Made Of Butter
The answer, as any Iowan will tell you, is the Iowa State Fair, one of the biggest in the country with one of the world's largest livestock shows—among these other attractions, of course.
3. This Is Always Knee-High By The Fourth Of July
If you hear any Iowan utter this rhyme, just know that it's all about their favorite and most famous crop: delicious corn.
4. Being Named Pork Princess Is Actually An Honor
Since the 1960s, The Iowa Pork Producers Association has been crowning an Iowa Pork Princess during Iowa Pork Congress held in Des Moines every January. Those honored then work as ambassadors at the Iowa State Fair, World Pork Expo, and other major events.
5. Cyclones Don't Inspire Fear In Iowans
When it comes to football and basketball, in particular, the Iowa State Cyclones fanbase is massive and spirited. It's not hard when your teams are this good.
6. Iowans Do Not Put Ketchup On This Sandwich
Maid-Rite is iconic in Iowa and its sandwiches go by the same name. They look a bit like hamburgers, but don't you dare add ketchup. These "loose-meat" sandwiches are much like a hamburger sloppy Joe, minus the tomato sauce.
7. Prairie Lights Isn’t Some Sort Of Natural Phenomenon
With as big of a literary scene as Iowa does, you need an iconic bookstore. Iowa has Prairie Lights, where there are several high-profile author readings—but is still pretty awesome even if you don't have a famous name.
8. When Iowans Say "Vacation" This Is What They Mean
Sure it's right home in Altoona, but what could be more of a vacation than a place called Adventureland? And with its water and amusement park, it's pretty much the best vacation you could have.
9. Iowans Know It's Fun To Sit On Ice All Day
No really! Iowans know the joy of carving a hole in the ice, then sitting there with your thoughts or a few beers and some friends and spending the day ice fishing. Some of the best spots are Big Spirit Lake and Clear Lake.
10. Never, Ever Step On The Zodiac
Iowa State University students will grab anyone who dares to step on the bronze zodiac relief on the floor of Memorial Union's Gold Star Hall—if you do, legend says you'll flunk your next exam.
11. You Can't Eat This Strawberry
Strawberry Point is home to the world's largest strawberry—but don't try to eat it. This strawberry is made of fiberglass.
12. Iowa Has Serious Literary Cred
Think Iowa is all cornfields? You're sorely mistaken. The Iowa Writer's Workshop is the greatest of its kind in the world, and its alumni have won 17 Pulitzer Prizes. Notable alums include Phillip Roth, Marilynne Robinson, and David Milch.
13. Iowans Could Ride Bikes For Weeks
The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, or RAGBRAI, is a massive, week long bike tour across the whole state. With 8,500 rides, it's the oldest and largest event of its kind.
14. Iowans' Love For This Music Goes Back To Childhood
As the birthplace of Glenn Miller and Bix Beiderbecke, jazz is in Iowan blood. Every year Iowa City hosts the free Iowa City Jazz Festival, and Iowa has a state-sanctioned high school jazz contest, featuring bands from all across the state.
15. Lancelot And Elaine Are The Best Pets An Iowan Could Ask For
Lake LaVerne on the Iowa State campus is the home of two beloved swans, named Lancelot and Elaine. Because swans mate for life, rumor has it, if you walk around the lake three times with your love, you're destined to end up together forever.
16. No, This Wine Isn't Made Of Grapes
Iowans will be able to tell you that at the local favorite, the Ackerman Winery in Amana, wine is made with rhubarb—and it's delicious.
17. No New Theatre Needed, Thank You
From its vaudeville days a century ago to nationally touring acts today, the Englert Theatre hasn't missed a step in being the theatre to be for the most famous acts.
18. The Wind Is For A Good Cause
Iowa City has the first Wind Energy Supply Chain Campus in the entire country, and it has been iconic and often copied as a place dedicated to renewable energy.
19. Only Daredevils Kiss Statues
The legendary Black Angel at Iowa City's Oakland Cemetery is a spooky haunt for college students and locals, particularly on Halloween. The story goes that if you kiss the angel, you'll drop dead.
20. This Tree Lasts All Five (Five?) Seasons
OK, so the tree is cheating because it's made out of metal, but Cedar Rapids' Tree of Five Seasons is still impressive and looks mighty nice on a postcard.
21. Iowa Is Truly Presidential
Every four years, all eyes are on Iowa for the first presidential caucus, long known as the starting point to choose the two candidates running for president. So basically, all of the most important people in politics are all in Iowa at once.
22. Iowans Celebrate Hobos, And Yes, You Read That Right
Every year, Britt is home to the National Hobo Convention, a celebration of the American traveler.
23. All The Best Sushi Is At The Bait Shop
Iowans don't need fancy sushi restaurants; they're much better at fishing for dinner themselves.
24. Iowans Know What It Feels Like To Be In The Final Four
The Iowa Hawkeyes from the University of Iowa not only have a great football team, but their basketball team is top notch, making it to the Final Four of March Madness three times.
25. The Eighth Wonder Of The World Is In Iowa
A religious monument in West Bend, called the Grotto of the Redemption, is known locally as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The grotto is made up of minerals, fossils, and shells, and it’s one of a kind in the world.
26. Iowans Know The Answer To "Is This Heaven?"
The legendary American movie "Field of Dreams" was filmed in Iowa near Dyersville. Sure locals might get tired of fielding this question, but they're still damn proud that the answer is, " It's Iowa."
27. Nothing Tastes Better Than A Local Brew
At more than 50 craft breweries, Iowa tops even places like California when it comes to local beers. And with tasty places like Backpocket Brewing, Peace Tree Brewing, and Kalona Brewing Company, it's not hard to see why they're so popular.
28. Sorry, But Saturdays Are Already Booked
With the Hawkeyes and Cyclones playing, there's only one place to be on a Saturday, and that's tailgating before the big game.
29. A Blizzard? Who Cares?
Iowans are so well versed in snow that they're not afraid to go driving with two feet of snow on the ground, while other states are hiding inside. Plus, more snow means more outdoor fun with sledding, snowshoeing, and other activities.
What do you have to explain to out-out-staters about Iowa? Tell us in the comments below!
