IOWA

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PLAN YOUR TRIP TO IOWA

Iowa vacations are fun to plan: here are some great trip ideas and travel destinations.Iowa has

majestic wildlife thriving in several National Wildlife refuges. Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, Driftless Area national Wildlife Refuge, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center, and DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge are home to many species, including migrating waterfowl, bald eagles, fish, buffalo, elk and native flowers and grasses.

History buffs will enjoy the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, following the path of Brigham Young and 70,000 Mormons through the southern third of Iowa in their journey to escape religious persecution. The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail runs along Iowa’s western border, the Missouri River.

Effigy Mounds National Monument near Marquette is a group of prehistoric ceremonial mounds built between 500 BC and 1300 AD by Native Americans. The mounds are shaped like birds and animals.

Des Moines, in the center of the state, is a city of art and culture, with an annual art festival that attracts over 1million art lovers for a three day event, a wine festival in June, galleries and museums.

  • Some famous natives of Iowa include: President Herbert Hoover, Vice President Henry Wallace, First Lady Mamie Doud Eisenhower, and actor John Wayne.
  • The first human habitation in what is now Iowa dates back to 10,000 BC.
  • Iowa became the 29th state in 1846.
  • The first gas powered tractor was invented by an Iowan in 1892.