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Iowa, nicknamed the Hawkeye State, is located in the Midwestern United States. It was admitted as the 29th U.S. state on December 28, 1846. Iowa spans 56,272 square miles and had an estimated population of 3.2 million people as of 2021, making it the 31st most populous U.S. state.

History of Iowa

Iowa was inhabited by various Native American tribes before European exploration began in the 17th century. The first known Europeans to explore Iowa were Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673. Iowa was part of French colonial Louisiana from 1682 to 1803, when it was acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Iowa was first organized as part of the Michigan Territory in 1834, then became part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, and finally became its own Iowa Territory in 1838. After years of settlement, Iowa was admitted as the 29th U.S. state on December 28, 1846. Iowa contributed greatly to the Union war efforts during the American Civil War in the 1860s, supplying foodstuffs and supplies to the Union Army. After the Civil War, Iowa's economy grew rapidly with railroad construction, industrialization, and agriculture playing major roles. Iowa has continued to urbanize and industrialize through the 20th and 21st centuries, though agriculture remains important to its economy.

Government and Law of Iowa

The capital and largest city of Iowa is Des Moines. The state government of Iowa consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The governor serves as the chief executive. The bicameral Iowa General Assembly constitutes the legislative branch, while the state Supreme Court heads the judicial branch. Iowa has four seats in the United States House of Representatives and two seats in the United States Senate. As of 2023, Iowa's U.S. Congressional delegation consists of:

Senators:
- Chuck Grassley (R)
- Joni Ernst (R)
Representatives:

Some of the important laws and legal institutions of Iowa include:

Iowa Constitution - the fundamental governing document of the state adopted in 1857.
Iowa Administrative Code - regulations created by state agencies.
Iowa Code - body of state statutory law organized by subject into Chapters and Sections.
Iowa Court Rules - rules governing practice and procedure in Iowa courts.

Geography and Climate of Iowa

Iowa is bordered by Minnesota to the north; Wisconsin and Illinois to the east; Missouri to the south; and Nebraska and South Dakota to the west. Most of Iowa consists of gently rolling plains across its interior. There are some hills and bluffs along the Mississippi River which forms Iowa's entire eastern border. Iowa has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, harsh winters. The average high temperature in July is 84°F (29°C) while the average low temperature in January is 12°F (-11°C). Rainfall averages about 34 inches per year statewide. Some of Iowa's most important rivers include the Mississippi, Missouri, and Des Moines Rivers. The state contains over 15,000 miles of rivers and streams as well as about 142 lakes. Iowa's highest point is Hawkeye Point at 1,670 feet (509 m) above sea level.

Demographics and Population of Iowa

The population of Iowa according to the 2020 U.S. census was 3,190,369 people. This makes Iowa the 31st most populous U.S. state. The largest ancestry groups in Iowa include German (35.7%), Irish (13.5%), English (9.5%), American (6.7%), and Norwegian (5.0%). Around 91.5% of Iowa's population lives in urban areas while 8.5% lives in rural areas. The largest metropolitan areas in Iowa are:

Des Moines-West Des Moines Metro - 680,439
Cedar Rapids Metro - 273,101
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island Metro - 386,391
Sioux City Metro - 168,618
Iowa City Metro - 175,448
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metro - 171,144

The racial makeup of Iowa is:

White: 85.1%
Black or African American: 4.1%
Asian: 2.7%
Two or more races: 2.4%
Native American: 0.5%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.1%

Around 5.7% of Iowa's population is foreign-born with over half originally from Latin America and Asia.

Economy and Industry in Iowa

Iowa has a diversified economy based around agriculture, manufacturing, finance and insurance services, and green energy. As of Q1 2022, Iowa's real GDP was $185.5 billion and it had a GDP per capita of $58,781. Some key facts about Iowa's economy include:

Around 88% of Iowa's land area is used for agriculture.
Iowa leads the nation in production of corn, soybeans, eggs, ethanol, and pork.
Major manufacturing industries include machinery, vehicle parts, electrical equipment, and processed foods.
Finance, insurance, healthcare, education, and wholesale & retail trade employ over 50% of Iowa's workforce.
Over 36% of Iowa's electricity comes from wind power, more than any other state.
Major companies headquartered in Iowa include Principal Financial, Rockwell Collins, Hy-Vee, Casey's, and Winnebago.

In 2021, Iowa's GDP grew by 2.7% while unemployment stood at 3.9%. Iowa's strong agriculture, education, financial services, advanced manufacturing, data centers, and renewable energy give it a diverse and resilient state economy. For more details on Iowa's economy and major industries, check out the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Attractions and Tourism

Iowa offers a variety of attractions and destinations for tourists and visitors. Some of the top places to see include:

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium - Located in Dubuque, this museum showcases the culture, ecology, and history of the Mississippi River. It features extensive exhibits and over 1 million gallons of freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Address: 350 E 3rd St, Dubuque, IA 52001. Phone: (563) 557-9545. Website: rivermuseum.com.
Iowa State Capitol - This beautiful gold-domed capitol in Des Moines is where Iowa's legislature meets. Visitors can tour the building and grounds. Address: 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319. Phone: (515) 281-5591. Website: capitol.iowa.gov.
Effigy Mounds National Monument - This site preserves over 200 prehistoric Native American mounds along the Mississippi River. Hiking trails wind through the area's ancient burial sites. Address: 151 Hwy 76, Marquette, IA 52158. Phone: (563) 873-3491. Website: nps.gov/efmo.
Clear Lake - Iowa's top summer destination, Clear Lake offers swimming, boating, fishing, and other watersports. The Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper played their last show is located here. Website: visithampton.com.
Iowa State Fair - This annual 11-day summer fair in Des Moines features rides, concerts, food, racing pigs, butter cow sculptures and more. 2022 fair dates are August 11-21. Website: iowastatefair.org.
Field of Dreams Movie Site - This famous baseball diamond built for the 1989 "Field of Dreams" film is located in Dyersville. Visitors can play catch, walk the field, and see the ghost players emerge. Address: 28995 Lansing Rd, Dyersville, IA 52040. Website: fodmoviesite.com.

The Iowa Tourism Office provides listings for all of the state's top attractions. Visitors can discover more destinations at TravelIowa.com.

Sports Teams and Recreation

Iowa is home to a variety of professional, college, and recreational sports teams and activities. Some highlights include:

Iowa Hawkeyes - The University of Iowa's athletic teams compete in the NCAA Big Ten Conference. Iowa Football and Basketball games are popular events.
Iowa State Cyclones - Iowa State University's athletic programs are also in the Big 12 Conference. Football and Basketball draw big crowds.
Iowa Cubs - This minor league baseball team located in Des Moines is the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Home games are played at Principal Park. Website: milb.com/iowa.
Iowa Wild - Des Moines' minor league hockey team plays in the American Hockey League as the top affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. Home games are at Wells Fargo Arena. Website: iowawild.com.
Principal Charity Classic - This PGA Tour Champions golf event is held annually at Wakonda Club in Des Moines. 2023 event dates are May 30 to June 4.
RAGBRAI - Annual 7-day bicycle ride across Iowa that attracts thousands of cyclists. 2023 route will be July 23-29. Website: ragbrai.com.
Hunting & Fishing - Outdoor sports like deer hunting and fishing for walleye, trout, and bass are popular in Iowa's natural areas.

Iowa has an extensive park system and public recreational trails for hiking, biking, boating and more. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides listings of all parks and recreation opportunities at iowadnr.gov.

Transportation in Iowa

Iowa has an extensive transportation network to support its commerce and population mobility. Key elements include:

Airports - The largest public airport is Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) in Cedar Rapids and The Eastern Iowa Airport (SUX) in Sioux City also provide regional commercial air service.
Interstate Highways - I-35, I-80, I-74, I-29, I-380 and other interstates connect Iowa's major cities.
Rail - Freight rail service is provided by companies like Union Pacific and Progressive Rail. Amtrak passenger rail connects Iowa to Chicago along the California Zephyr route.
Public Transit - Local bus systems operate in metro areas like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque. Special transit serves rural counties. DART provides Des Moines area bus service.
Roads and Highways - Interstates, U.S. Routes and State Routes, along with county and city roads provide vehicle transportation. The Iowa DOT manages road infrastructure.

Iowa's central location makes it a major freight transportation hub for trucking and rail. The state strives to provide a variety of transportation options for commerce and personal mobility through public and private operators.

Education in Iowa

Iowa has over 330 public school districts along with numerous private schools. Some facts about education in Iowa:

There are 49 area education agencies that provide support services to local districts.
The Iowa Department of Education oversees K-12 education policies and standards.
Around 478,000 students are enrolled in K-12 education in Iowa
The four-year public high school graduation rate is 91%.
There are three Board of Regents Universities, a specialized schools system, and 15 community colleges.
The top universities are University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa.

Iowa is focused on high-quality education standards, preparing students for college and careers, and lifelong learning opportunities for all citizens. The Iowa education system provides a strong foundation that contributes to the state's prosperity. Some notable school districts in Iowa include:

Des Moines Public Schools - Enrolls over 32,000 students, Iowa's largest district. Website: dmschools.org
Cedar Rapids Community School District - Over 16,000 students. Website: crschools.us
Davenport Community School District - Enrollment of nearly 16,000 pupils. Website: davenportschools.org
Sioux City Community School District - Over 14,000 students attend. Website: siouxcityschools.org
Iowa City Community School District - Enrolls over 14,000 students. Website: iowacityschools.org
West Des Moines Community Schools - Nearly 11,000 pupils. Website: wdmcs.org

More information on Iowa's education system can be found through the Iowa Department of Education.

Major Employers and Businesses in Iowa

Some of the largest and most notable employers in Iowa include:

Hy-Vee - Retail grocery chain headquartered in West Des Moines with over 280 stores in the Midwest. Website: hy-vee.com. Headquarters: 5820 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Phone: (515) 957-1121.
Wells Fargo - Major financial services company with its largest employment hub in Des Moines of over 13,000 workers. Website: wellsfargo.com. Des Moines Address: 666 Walnut St. Des Moines, IA 50309. Phone: (515) 245-2265.
UnityPoint Health - Operates hospitals and clinics throughout Iowa employing over 16,000 staff. Headquarters: 1776 West Lakes Pkwy Suite 400, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Phone: (515) 241-6302. Website: unitypoint.org.
Casey's General Stores - Chain of over 2,400 convenience stores located primarily in the Midwest. Headquarters: 1 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021. Phone: (515) 965-6100. Website: caseys.com.
MercyOne - Healthcare network of hospitals, clinics and providers across Iowa. Employing over 9,000 staff. Headquarters: 1755 59th Pl, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Phone: (515) 358-8000. Website: mercyone.org.
Deere & Company - Fortune 500 heavy machinery manufacturer employing thousands at its factories in Iowa. Headquarters: One John Deere Place, Moline, IL 61265. Phone: (309) 765-8000. Website: deere.com.

Major business sectors that contribute significantly to Iowa's economy and workforce include advanced manufacturing, finance and insurance, biotechnology, green energy, agriculture and information technology.

Population Centers and Major Cities

Iowa's largest cities and metropolitan areas by population are:

Des Moines - The capital and largest city in Iowa with 215,000 residents in the city proper and nearly 700,000 in the metro area. Website: dsm.city
Cedar Rapids - Iowa's second largest city with 133,000 residents and over 270,000 in its metro. Website: cedar-rapids.org
Davenport - Part of the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River with 103,000 residents and 380,000 in the metro. Website: cityofdavenportiowa.com
Sioux City - Located in northwest Iowa with 83,000 residents and metro population of 168,000. Website: sioux-city.org
Iowa City - Home of the University of Iowa and 76,000 residents, part of a metro with 175,000. Website: icgov.org
Council Bluffs - Borders Omaha, NE with 62,000 residents and 107,000 in metro. Website: councilbluffs-ia.gov
Ames - Location of Iowa State University with 66,000 residents and 126,000 in metro. Website: cityofames.org
West Des Moines - Major suburb of Des Moines with 67,000 people. Website: wdm.iowa.gov
Ankeny - Suburb north of Des Moines boasting 61,000 residents. Website: ankenyiowa.gov
Dubuque - Historic city along the Mississippi River with 58,000 residents. Website: cityofdubuque.org

Home to urban centers, small towns, and rural farmland, Iowa offers diversity in community environments and lifestyles.

Famous People and Celebrities from Iowa

Iowa is the birthplace and hometown for many famous celebrities, leaders, and pioneers, including:

Ashton Kutcher - Actor known for roles in "That 70's Show" and "The Ranch." Born in Cedar Rapids.
Elijah Wood - Played Frodo Baggins in "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. From Cedar Rapids.
John Wayne - Iconic actor in Westerns, born as Marion Morrison in Winterset.
Johnny Carson - Legendary TV host of the "Tonight Show." Grew up in Norfolk.
Donna Reed - Oscar-winning actress of "It's a Wonderful Life" from Denison.
Herbert Hoover - 31st U.S. President from West Branch.
Mamie Eisenhower - Former First Lady, born Mamie Doud in Boone.
Glenn Miller - Famous jazz musician and bandleader born in Clarinda.
Andy Williams - Television entertainer and singer of "Moon River" from Wall Lake.
Gene Wilder - Comedic actor known for "Willy Wonka" and "Blazing Saddles." Born in Milwaukee, WI but raised in Des Moines.

Many pioneers of music, stage, screen, leadership, journalism, athletics and innovation over the years have hailed from the Hawkeye State.

Cultures and Immigration

Iowa's population includes a blend of many ethnicities and cultures who have immigrated and contributed to the state over its history. Early immigrants included Germans, Dutch, Irish, Swedes and Norwegians, attracted to cheap fertile farmland in Iowa during the 19th century. Later waves of immigrants came from southern and eastern Europe. Today, Iowa continues to welcome Hispanic/Latino, Asian, African, and Middle Eastern immigrants from many countries around the world. Iowa celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals, organizations, and community centers representing Czech, Danish, Finnish, Greek, German, Irish, Italian, Latino, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish, Scottish, Mexican and other heritages across the state.

Iowa Counties and County Seats

Iowa contains 99 counties. Some of the most populous include:

Polk County - Home to Des Moines and over 500,000 residents. County seat: Des Moines. Website: polkcountyiowa.gov.
Linn County - Contains Cedar Rapids, 220,000 residents. County seat: Cedar Rapids. Website: linncounty.org.
Scott County - Part of the Quad Cities region with 175,000 people. County seat: Davenport. Website: scottcountyiowa.gov.
Johnson County - Home to Iowa City and the University of Iowa, 150,000 residents. County seat: Iowa City. Website: johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
Black Hawk County - Contains Waterloo and Cedar Falls, 135,000 residents. County seat: Waterloo. Website: blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov.
Dubuque County - Along the Mississippi River with 97,000 people. County seat: Dubuque. Website: dubuquecounty.org.
Story County - Boone is county seat, home of Ames and ISU, 96,000 residents. Website: storycountyiowa.gov.
Woodbury County - Sioux City is located here, population 103,000. County seat: Sioux City. Website: woodburycountyiowa.gov.

You can find information on all 99 Iowa counties through the Iowa State Association of Counties.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources to learn more about different regions in Iowa:

Catch Des Moines - Visitor info for Greater Des Moines area
Cedar Rapids Tourism Office - Cedar Rapids attractions
Travel Dubuque - Visitor resources for Dubuque region
Visit Sioux City - Visitor information for Sioux City metro
Iowa City/Coralville Tourism - Visitor info for Iowa City area
Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau - Ames area visitor information
Visit Quad Cities - Davenport and Quad Cities visitor info
Experience Waterloo - Waterloo region visitor information

Along with local chambers of commerce, city and county government websites also provide good community details.

Iowa - The Hawkeye State

With its rolling plains, lively cities, small towns, natural beauty and rich history, Iowa offers visitors and residents much to appreciate. This heartland state continues to nurture its agricultural roots while also evolving into a forward-looking place to live, work, and explore. Copy

Top 10 Most Populous Cities in Iowa

1. Des Moines

Des Moines is the capital and the most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is located in central Iowa, on the Des Moines River. With a population of 214,133 as of the 2020 census, it is the largest city in Iowa. The Des Moines metropolitan area had a population of 699,292 in the 2020 census. Des Moines traces its origins to May 1843, when Captain James Allen supervised the construction of a fort on the site where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers merge. It was named Fort Des Moines. It was incorporated as a city on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines. The city takes its name from the Des Moines River, which may have been adapted from the early French name, Rivière des Moines, meaning "River of the Monks." The economy of Des Moines is based in insurance, financial services, publishing, and food processing. Other major industries include agriculture, printing and publishing, and light manufacturing. The city is the headquarters for Principal Financial Group, Meredith Corporation, Ruan Transportation, EMC Insurance Companies, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. Other major corporations such as Wells Fargo, Voya Financial, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, ACE Limited, Marsh, Monsanto and Pioneer Hi-Bred have large operations in the Des Moines metro. Des Moines has a diverse economy with high concentration in finance, insurance, publishing, and political activity. The city was credited as the "number one spot for U.S. insurance companies" in a Business Wire article and named the third best "Business Casual" city in America by Nerdwallet in 2018. The news article also noted the importance of the insurance industry to Des Moines' economy: "Des Moines serves as the headquarters for two large insurance companies, Principal Financial Group and Allied Insurance. The Des Moines metropolitan area is also home to more than 20 insurance company headquarters – the third most in any U.S. metropolitan area." Some key attractions and things to do in Des Moines include:

Iowa State Capitol - The Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines is a magnificent building that is open for touring.
Des Moines Art Center - This world-class art center features artwork from around the world.
Blank Park Zoo - Blank Park Zoo features animals from around the world in natural habitats.
Adventureland - Adventureland is an amusement park with over 100 rides, shows, and attractions.
Des Moines Performing Arts - This organization operates several historic performing arts venues in downtown Des Moines.
Running trails - Greater Des Moines has over 50 miles of paved running and biking trails.
Shopping - The Des Moines area offers shopping at boutiques, malls, and outdoor shopping districts.
Restaurants - Des Moines has a thriving dining scene with cuisine options from around the world.

Government website: https://www.dsm.city/ Tourism website: https://www.catchdesmoines.com/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/desmoines

2. Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa and is located on the Cedar River in eastern Iowa. With a population of 133,562 as of the 2020 census, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest. The Cedar Rapids metropolitan area has a population of 270,000. Historically, Cedar Rapids was named for the rapids on the Cedar River which runs through the city. Cedar Rapids was one of the few cities to be passed over by the Interstate system instead of being bisected by it. The city is situated in the Interstate 380 corridor and is roughly 30 miles north of Iowa City and Coralville. The first permanent settler, Osgood Shepherd, arrived here in 1838. Cedar Rapids economy has a large mix of manufacturing, agriculture, insurance, education, and technology companies. Some of the largest corporations are Rockwell Collins, Quaker Oats, General Mills, ADM, Cargill, DuPont Pioneer, CRST International Inc., and Ruffalo Noel Levitz. Other major corporations including Amazon, Tyson Foods, Renewable Energy Group, and Nordstrom have large facilities in Cedar Rapids area. Some top attractions in Cedar Rapids include:

Newbo and Czech Village - These historic districts feature art galleries, shopping, festivals, and restaurants.
McGrath Amphitheatre - This outdoor venue hosts concerts with major touring acts.
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art - Excellent regional art museum with nationally renowned collections.
Iowa Hall of Pride - Sports museum for the Iowa Hall of Fame.
Brucemore - Historic estate and museum in Cedar Rapids.
Parks and recreation - Cedar Rapids has many great parks, trails, swimming pools, and recreation facilities.

Government website: https://www.cedar-rapids.org/ Tourism website: https://www.gorapids.com/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cityofcedarrapids/

3. Davenport

Davenport is a city located along the Mississippi River in Scott County in eastern Iowa. With a population of 102,320 as of the 2020 census, it is the third-largest city in the state. The Quad Cities metropolitan area, which includes the nearby cities of Bettendorf and Rock Island, Illinois, has a population of over 380,000. Davenport was founded on May 14, 1836 by Antoine LeClaire, and named after his good friend George Davenport. Davenport sits approximately halfway between Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa. The city features a diversified economy with strong finance, healthcare, education, and tourism. Major employers in Davenport and the Quad Cities include Genesis Health System, Deere & Company, Trinity Regional Health System, Davenport Community School District, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Citigroup, and the Quad City International Airport. Top attractions and things to do in Davenport include:

Figge Art Museum - Excellent art museum with works from around the world.
River Music Experience - Performing arts center and music museum located on the riverfront.
Downtown Davenport - Features shopping, dining, entertainment, and festivals.
Putnam Museum - Museum with exhibits on science, history and culture.
Quad Cities River Bandits - Class A professional minor league baseball team.
Parks - The Quad Cities area features many great parks and recreation spots.

Government website: https://www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/ Tourism website: https://www.visitquadcities.com/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofDavenportIowa/

4. Sioux City

Sioux City is a city located along the Missouri River in Woodbury and Plymouth counties in western Iowa. With a population of 82,684 as of the 2020 census, it is the fourth-largest city in Iowa. The Sioux City metropolitan area, which encompasses areas in nearby Nebraska and South Dakota, has a population of 168,825. Sioux City was founded in 1854, and it has a long history as a major hub for meatpacking and agricultural processing. Today, Sioux City is a diversified regional trade center with a strong economy based in finance, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and transportation. Top employers include Tyson Fresh Meats, UnityPoint Health, Sioux City Community School District, and MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center. Some key attractions and things to do in Sioux City include:

Sioux City Public Museum - Features exhibits on Sioux City history, culture, and paleontology.
Parks - Large parks system with recreational trails, sports fields, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and more.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - Casino, restaurants, and live entertainment venue in downtown Sioux City.
Sioux Empire Fair - Popular regional fair held every summer.
Orpheum Theatre - Historic live performance theater downtown.
Entertainment and nightlife - Features bars, breweries, escape rooms, bowling, and more.

Government website: https://www.sioux-city.org/ Tourism website: https://www.siouxcitycvb.org/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofSiouxCity/

5. Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs is a city in and the county seat of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, located on the east bank of the Missouri River across from what is now the much larger city of Omaha, Nebraska. With a population of 62,230 as of the 2020 census, Council Bluffs is the fifth-largest city in Iowa. The Omaha metropolitan area, of which Council Bluffs is a part, has a population of 924,129 people. Renamed Kanesville in 1848 after an early Mormon community leader and then renamed Council Bluffs in 1852, the city was founded on the east bank of the Missouri River at what became known as Kanesville Landing, site of the historic Winter Quarters and Mormon Trailhead about 17 miles north and west of Omaha, Nebraska. Along with neighboring Omaha, Council Bluffs was an important location for westward immigrants traveling along the Oregon, Mormon, or California Trails. Today, Council Bluffs economic engines include casino gambling, agriculture processing, telecommunications, rail transportation, data centers and businesses associated with Offutt Air Force Base outside the city. Major employers include Ameristar Casino, Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino, West Corporation, Werner Enterprises and Conagra Brands. Top attractions and things to do in Council Bluffs include:

Casinos - Council Bluffs is home to several large casino resorts.
Lake Manawa - Large lake for boating, fishing, and camping.
The Historic 100 Block - Restored historic downtown area with unique shopping and dining.
General Dodge House - Historic estate that was home to Civil War General Grenville M. Dodge.
Mid America Center - Large arena and convention center hosting concerts, sports, and events.
Parks - Council Bluffs has an excellent parks system and many outdoor recreation opportunities.

Government website: https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/ Tourism website: https://www.visitccbia.com/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cityofcouncilbluffs/

6. Ames

Ames is a city in central Iowa located approximately 30 miles north of Des Moines in Story County. It had a population of 66,496 in the 2020 census, making it the sixth-largest city in Iowa. While Ames is known as the home of Iowa State University, Ames also has a strong industrial and technology business base. Ames was founded in 1864 as a station stop on the Cedar Rapids and Missouri Railroad. It was named after 19th century U.S. congressman Oakes Ames and officially became a town in 1869. The Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm was established in Ames in 1858, which became Iowa State University. In addition to Iowa State University, major employers in the Ames area include the Iowa Department of Transportation, Danfoss Power Solutions, Barilla, Ball Corporation, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Sukup Manufacturing and 3M. Ames has been recognized as one of the best small metropolitan areas in the nation in which to live.
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