Iowa is the only state with two parallel rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi, forming its borders.

Iowa has more golf courses per capita than any other state in the country.

Iowa was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Sioux, Fox, and Sauk.

The state’s name comes from the Native American word “Ayuhwa,” which means “sleepy ones.”

The world’s largest popcorn ball was made in Sac City, Iowa in 2009. It weighed 5,000 pounds (2,267 kg).

The Iowa State Patrol is the oldest state law enforcement agency in the country, founded in 1935.

The town of Sabula, Iowa is the only town in the state located on an island, situated on the Mississippi River.

The town of Grinnell, Iowa is home to the largest functional musical instrument in the world, a 16-ton carillon that contains 171 bells.

The first electronic digital computer was invented at Iowa State University in 1937.

The world’s largest truck stop, Iowa 80, is located in Walcott, Iowa.

The first American female lawyer, Arabella Mansfield, was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1869.

Iowa has the highest literacy rate in the country.

The largest Danish settlement in the United States is in Elk Horn, Iowa.

Iowa is the largest producer of ethanol in the country.

The Amana Colonies, located in east-central Iowa, are a group of seven historic German villages known for their communal lifestyle and craftsmanship.

The National Balloon Classic, held in Indianola, Iowa, is the oldest and largest hot air balloon event in the Midwest.

Iowa is the birthplace of John Wayne, the famous actor known for his roles in Western films.

The Field of Dreams movie site, where the iconic baseball film was shot, is located in Dyersville, Iowa.

Iowa is the only state in the country to have an entire city designated as a National Historic Landmark. That city is Dubuque.