Iowa is known as the “Hawkeye State” and is named after the Ioway Native American tribe that occupied the state in the early days. The capital as well as the largest city in Iowa is Des Moines.
Iowa has tall grass prairies and savanna, dense forest as well as river valleys and pothole wetlands. It experiences a humid continental climate throughout the state. Winters are cold and snowfall is common. Spring brings more severe weather with thunderstorms and tornado activity. Summers in Iowa are hot and humid.
Visitors arrive year round entering the state through the Des Moines International Airport. In summer, one can visit the Cedar Falls and in the fall, check out the endless miles of trees decked in gorgeous colors.
The whole family will enjoy the outdoors in Big Creek State park (12397 89th Ct – IA 50226). This 3000 acre park is centered on an eight hundred acre lake and has many water based activities including fishing, swimming, boating, etc. Hike through the 26 miles of trails while enjoying the beautiful scenery and nature trails.
Check out the Des Moines Botanical Center (909 E River Drive – IA 50316) and find the 150 foot geodesic dome with an herb garden and bonsai exhibits. View many varieties of exotic plant life including orchids, bromeliads, etc. There are also free-flying birds and flower and plant exhibits to entertain the tiny visitors. This center encompasses about fourteen acres on the banks of the Des Moines River.
Fort De Moines Museum is one of a kind centers which showcase the historic roles of Women who have worked in the Military as well as African Americans. In the year 1917, at Fort Des Moines, the Army trained its first African American officers. During World War II, the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps was stationed in this fort. To commemorate both of these one of a kind experiences, this museum feature historical documents, exhibits, photos, etc that pay homage to the people who exhibited courage even though they were in the minority.
Pheasant Ridge Golf (2205 W 12th Street – IA 50613) is a full service Golf facility that includes 159 acres of land with 45 sand bunkers. This facility also has a driving range and snack bar and also offers golf lessons to the visitors.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Iowa offers the Hartman Reserve Nature Center (657 Reserve Drive – IA 50613) a 287 acre nature reserve filled with forests, wetland as well as prairie eco systems. Six miles of trails enable the visitors to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature by hiking, jogging or picnicking activities. For those who are too tired to walk, there is a “trail tram” which is an open air trailer powered by a tractor that takes people through the trails. There is a visitor’s center which explains the local eco systems and educates the people on the importance of preserving our eco systems for future generations.
Cedar Rapids was built on the banks of the Cedar River and houses the Oatmeal mill that makes “Quaker Oats”. Cedar Rapids is named for the churning white frothy water visible from many other places in the city. Residents of Cedar Rapids have Czech and Slovak roots. Most of the restaurants serve traditional Eastern European treats. Czech Plus polka band plays at local venues in the city.
