Interesting Facts about Iowa

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These interesting facts about Iowa for kids include the largest cave in the U.S., the Iowa State Fair, bicycling events, and the production of corn. Find some fun crafts, activities, and books for each state that will engage kids of all ages.

This is part of the 50 states unit study as we travel around America, learning about the history of each state. Check out these Iowa facts for kids below!

5 Interesting Facts about Iowa

Nestled in the heart of the United States, Iowa features vast plains and sprawling farmland. Its capital, Des Moines, proudly represents the state known as The Hawkeye State.

Since achieving statehood in 1846, Iowa has grown to become the 31st most populated state in the U.S. Additionally, its rich agricultural landscape plays a crucial role in its identity and economy.

Fact One: The Coldwater Cave is the largest in Iowa  

This cave system is over 17 miles long and has one underwater entrance at the base of a 100-foot cliff. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1987 and is located in the Cold Water Creek Conservation area.  

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make these Paper Bag Bear Craft for Kids. 
• Your kids will love this cave from a cardboard box.
• Read this book about caves with your kids: Exploring Caves: Journeys Into the Earth
• Try this Portable bear cave craft for kids. 
• Make a clay dinosaur cave with your kids. 

Fact Two: The Iowa State Fair attracts more than one million visitors every year 

This fair is held every August and was started in October 1854. It’s located in Des Moines, Iowa on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. It spans 11 days and sees over one million visitors per year. It’s one of the largest fairs in the United States.  

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make a Thumbprint Ferris Wheel. 
• Try not to eat this Cotton Candy Kid Craft Using Puffy Paint! 
• Let your kids color this fun Amusement Park Coloring Book.
• Make Ice Cream in a Bag this summer. 
• These Candy Apple Craft for Kids are easy and fun. 

Fact Three: The longest and oldest bicycle racing event in the world is held annually in Iowa, called RAGBRAI 

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa started in 1973. This huge recreational bicycle race that people come to race from all over the world every year.   

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make your own bicycle using just 4 items 
• Make a bicycle with cupcake liners with this video. 
• Ride bikes with Franklin in this fun book. 
• Make this fun bicycle with popsicle sticks! 
• Create a Tour de France bicycle using yarn and beads. 

Fact Four: Iowa is the largest corn producer in the United States 

Iowa is one of the largest corn producers in the US with over 86,000 farms owned almost entirely by local landowners. It ranks first in producing corn at around 2.58 billion bushels every year. Most of this grain goes to feed livestock and the rest goes to food and product production.  

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Help your kids make this beautiful corn wreath craft. 
• Make stalks of corn with pipe cleaners and beads in this craft. 
• Read all about corn in this fun kids book. 
• Dye corn kernels in this fun STEM project. 
• Make a corn sensory bin for little kids. 

      

 

Fact Five: Iowa is the highest producer of pigs in the United States  

Iowa is the largest pig producer in the US with over one-third of them raised there. The pork industry contributed over $40 billion in sales in 2019 and creates over 147,000 jobs for local Iowans.  

Here are some fun crafts and activities that you can do with your kids:

• Make these fun rocking pigs with your kids. 
• Your kids will love these clothespin paper pigs. 
• Read If You Give a Pig a Pancake with your kids. 
• This easy paper pig will keep your kids entertained. 
• Make these cute pom pom pigs.

More Iowa Resources:

• Iowa Fact Files
• Famous Iowa Recipes 
• Iowa Books for Kids 
• Iowa Crafts for Kids 

Interesting Facts about Other States:

• Learn about Mississippi
• Interesting facts about New Hampshire
• Tennessee Interesting Information
• 5 Fun Facts about Connecticut

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