Including Council Bluffs & Effigy Mounds NM
Iowa, often referred to as the “Hawkeye State,” is a picturesque Midwestern state known for its rolling plains, fertile farmland, and friendly communities. Iowa’s landscape is predominantly rural, characterized by vast expanses of farmland, rolling hills, and meandering rivers. The state’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an agricultural powerhouse, producing crops such as corn, soybeans, oats, and livestock.
Iowa is dotted with charming small towns and rural communities, each with its own unique character and charm. Visitors can explore historic main streets lined with locally-owned shops, cafes, and boutiques, or attend community events such as farmers’ markets, festivals, and county fairs.
Regions
Here are the major regions of Iowa:
- Des Moines Lobe: Located in central Iowa, characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Includes cities like Des Moines, Ames, and Fort Dodge.
- Loess Hills: Located in western Iowa along the Missouri River, known for its unique wind-deposited loess soil formations and scenic bluffs. Includes towns such as Council Bluffs and Sioux City.
- Southern Iowa Drift Plain: Located in south-central Iowa, characterized by rolling hills and fertile farmland. Includes cities like Indianola, Ottumwa, and Pella.
- Iowan Surface: Located in northeastern Iowa, characterized by rolling hills and valleys. Includes cities like Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Dubuque.
- Northwest Iowa Plains: Located in northwestern Iowa, characterized by flat to gently rolling plains with fertile soil. Includes cities like Sioux City, Storm Lake, and Spencer.
- Paleozoic Plateau: Located in eastern Iowa, characterized by rugged hills and bluffs, formed by ancient geological processes. Includes cities like Davenport, Clinton, and Maquoketa.
- Alluvial Plains: Located along major rivers such as the Mississippi and Missouri, characterized by fertile floodplains. Includes cities like Burlington and Keokuk.
The Same
While neither the Family nor the Dinks claim expertise in Iowa, they both took advantage of its proximity during their stay in Omaha, NE. Unsurprisingly, both groups couldn’t resist trying Casey’s pizza, even if it does come from a gas station. Additionally, they both explored the Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook.
Local Cuisine
Iowa is known for its hearty and delicious cuisine, with specialties such as pork tenderloin sandwiches, Iowa corn, and Maid-Rite loose meat sandwiches. Visitors can sample local delicacies at family-owned diners, supper clubs, and farm-to-table restaurants throughout the state.
- Corn on the Cob: Iowa is one of the leading corn-producing states in the U.S., and fresh, sweet corn on the cob is a summer staple. Often enjoyed boiled or grilled, and slathered with butter and a sprinkle of salt, it’s a must-try during the corn harvest season.
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: A beloved Iowa specialty, the pork tenderloin sandwich features a large, breaded and deep-fried pork tenderloin cutlet, typically served on a bun with pickles, onions, and sometimes mayonnaise or mustard. It’s huge; usually much larger than the bun it sits on.
- Maid-Rite Sandwich: This Iowa original consists of seasoned ground beef served on a bun, similar to a sloppy joe but without the sauce. It’s often topped with pickles, onions, and mustard.
- Dutch Letters: Reflecting Iowa’s strong Dutch heritage, particularly in the town of Pella, Dutch letters are S-shaped pastries filled with almond paste and dusted with sugar.
- Sweet Corn Ice Cream: Capitalizing on Iowa’s abundant corn, sweet corn ice cream is a unique and delicious dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of corn. It’s a popular treat at local fairs and festivals.
- Casey’s General Store: A beloved Midwest convenience store chain, Casey’s offers a unique and popular Taco Pizza. This iconic creation combines seasoned taco meat, melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips on a traditional pizza crust. The savory meat, gooey cheese, and crisp vegetables create a mouthwatering flavor explosion, making it a favorite in Iowa, where Casey’s is headquartered. While it’s located in a gas station, we still recommend giving it a try.
Council Bluffs – Loess Hills Region
Council Bluffs, Iowa, located on the western border of the state along the Missouri River, is a historic city with a rich heritage and a vibrant community. We both were staying in near by Omaha, NE and just walked across the pedestrian bridge.
Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook: Council Bluffs is known as the “Gateway to the West” and holds historical significance as the starting point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Visitors can explore the Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley and commemorates the famous expedition.
If you are planning a visit, be sure to check out our blog on Things To Do: Omaha, NE.
The Family
Effigy Mounds National Monument – Iowan Surface Region
Effigy Mounds National Monument, located in northeastern Iowa along the Mississippi River, is a captivating archaeological site that preserves a unique collection of Native American mounds. The monument is home to more than 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American cultures over 1,000 years ago. These mounds, constructed in the shapes of animals, birds, and geometric designs, are considered sacred sites and are believed to have been used for burial, ceremonial, and religious purposes.
- Effigy Mounds: The most distinctive feature of the monument is its effigy mounds, which are shaped like animals such as bears, birds, and panthers. These earthworks are some of the largest and best-preserved examples of effigy mounds in the United States, providing valuable insights into the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of the ancient people who built them.
- Visitor’s Center: As always, we like to start our visit at the visitor’s center to explore the exhibits, displays, and information about the history & archaeology.
The Dinks
Since we were staying over the bridge in Omaha, NE, we had limited time in Iowa. The only additional thing we did was find a short hike near Council Bluffs.
Hitchcock Nature Center – Loess Hills Region
Hitchcock Nature Center, located in Honey Creek, Iowa, offers visitors a serene natural environment with the opportunity to explore The Chute and Heritage Trail Loop. Admission is $3 per vehicle, payable with exact change at the park gate. It was a nice stop to stretch our legs but not something worth going out of your way for.
- The Chute trail provides a picturesque hiking experience, winding through scenic woodlands and offering views of the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
- The Heritage Trail Loop invites hikers to delve deeper into the park’s natural history, featuring interpretive signage that educates visitors about the area’s ecological significance.
Summary
In comparing two distinct visits to Iowa, both centered around Council Bluffs and indulging in local cuisine, each offered a glimpse into the state’s unique charm. The Family’s exploration extended to Effigy Mounds National Monument, delving into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Meanwhile, the DINKs ventured to Hitchcock Nature Center, immersing themselves in Iowa’s natural beauty. While both experiences were enriching, the Family’s deeper dive into Iowa’s cultural tapestry and natural wonders suggests they may have discovered a bit more of what the state has to offer. Each visit, however, underscored Iowa’s diverse attractions and left lasting impressions of its hospitality and allure.
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