Iowa is full of natural wonders. We have the most amazing scenery and some incredible terrain. Iowa also has man made wonders that are a sight to behold. You’ll want to put these 10 on your list of things to do in our great state.
- The only functional Danish windmill in the United States
Ali Eminov/Flickr You can see this Danish-built windmill in Elk Horn. Its pieces were built in Denmark and shipped to the U.S. Shortly after assembling it, the townspeople learned that Denmark issued a ban on exporting windmills from Denmark.
- Galleria De Paco
Megan/Flickr This amazing restaurant’s artwork is by the graffiti artist Paco Rosic. It’s a recreation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Enjoy it; no passport required!
- The largest Dutch windmill in the United States
Dave/Flickr In the beautiful town of Pella, you can see the country’s largest Dutch windmill up-close. You can even have a tour during the town’s charming Tulip Time celebration in the spring.
- World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Carl Wycoff/Flickr This is the former Des Moines Public Library Building. It was fully restored and is now available for rent. You can also take a guided tour to learn about the building’s history.
- Rathbun Lake
Eva Vincent/Flickr One of the largest lakes in Iowa, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is located seven miles north of the town of Centerville. It has over 150 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by thousands of acres of restored native grasslands.
- Grotto of the Redemption
Carl Wycoff/Flickr It’s the largest collection of precious gems and stones in any one location and the largest man-made grotto in the world. The Grotto of the Redemption is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and you can see it in West Bend.
- The American Gothic themed barn
Michael Leland/Flickr This amazing painted barn is the work of Mark Benesh. You can drive by and see it for yourself on US-30 outside of the small town of Mt Vernon.
- Effigy Mounds National Monument
Timothy Brown/Flickr There are 191 prehistoric burial mounds at this amazing location in Allamakee and Clayton counties. It’s also the largest known area of mounds in the United States.
- Snake Alley
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr There are seven sharp curves in Snake Alley, built by the town of Burlington’s German founders in 1894.
- The Iowa State Capital Building
Tony Fischer/Flickr With a 23-karat-gold domed top the home of the Iowa governor’s office and the state legislature is a sight to behold. Guided tours are available; call (515) 281-5591 to make arrangements.
What is your favorite man made wonder here in Iowa? Tell us about it in the comments.
Ali Eminov/Flickr
You can see this Danish-built windmill in Elk Horn. Its pieces were built in Denmark and shipped to the U.S. Shortly after assembling it, the townspeople learned that Denmark issued a ban on exporting windmills from Denmark.
Megan/Flickr
This amazing restaurant’s artwork is by the graffiti artist Paco Rosic. It’s a recreation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Enjoy it; no passport required!
Dave/Flickr
In the beautiful town of Pella, you can see the country’s largest Dutch windmill up-close. You can even have a tour during the town’s charming Tulip Time celebration in the spring.
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
This is the former Des Moines Public Library Building. It was fully restored and is now available for rent. You can also take a guided tour to learn about the building’s history.
Eva Vincent/Flickr
One of the largest lakes in Iowa, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is located seven miles north of the town of Centerville. It has over 150 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by thousands of acres of restored native grasslands.
It’s the largest collection of precious gems and stones in any one location and the largest man-made grotto in the world. The Grotto of the Redemption is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and you can see it in West Bend.
Michael Leland/Flickr
This amazing painted barn is the work of Mark Benesh. You can drive by and see it for yourself on US-30 outside of the small town of Mt Vernon.
Timothy Brown/Flickr
There are 191 prehistoric burial mounds at this amazing location in Allamakee and Clayton counties. It’s also the largest known area of mounds in the United States.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
There are seven sharp curves in Snake Alley, built by the town of Burlington’s German founders in 1894.
Tony Fischer/Flickr
With a 23-karat-gold domed top the home of the Iowa governor’s office and the state legislature is a sight to behold. Guided tours are available; call (515) 281-5591 to make arrangements.
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