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"CORNY" you say?

That's all a part of Iowa's charm.

Once a wilderness of grassy plains, the state of Iowa emerged from a separte U.S. territory with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and became rightly famous as the Corn State when it was admitted to the Union a half-century later.

As a tourist destination, Iowa is perhaps more famous as the location for the Hollywood film Field of Dreams set in (where else?) an Iowa corn field. Today, agriculture still plays an important big part in the economy with the annual summer Iowa State Fair -- one of the country's biggest and most popular -- located in the state capitol, Des Moines (population: 206,000).

In May, bacon makes everything better at the annual Baconfest in Des Moines featuring a bacon eating contest, the Bacon Queen Pageant, and lots of weird and wonderul bacon creations.

2023 Iowa events and festivals

Just up ahead, check out our 2023 Iowa travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information. Happy travels!

May 12- May 13, 2023 -- 15th Annual Baconfest Des Moines

June 23 - June 25, 2023 --  Des Moines Arts Festival, Des Moines

August 10 - August 20, 2023 -- Iowa State Fair Des Moines

August -- Taste of Iowa City Iowa City

October 14 - October 15, 2023 -- Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, Winterset, IA

Iowa's biggest city, Des Moines also boasts kid-friendly attractions like the Blank Park Zoo and the hands-on Science Center of Iowa for interactive fun for kids of all ages.

Elsewhere around the state, Iowa's "Second City", Cedar Rapids, is most famous for its collection of home-grown Americana at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art housing important works by artist and native son, Grant Wood.

In the state's northeast corner, Dubuque attracts visitors near and far during the winter months to a top Iowa ski resort, Sundown Mountain, located right within the city limits.

More year-round tourist attractions within the state include the Amana Colonies, Bonaparte Riverfront District, and the historic village at Kalona.

More about Iowa travel around the Web:

Travel Iowa - Top directory to cities and regions, plus a searchable directory of hotels and restaurants, major attractions throughout Iowa, with maps & directions.

Central Iowa Tourism Region - America's heartland laid out by region and searchable by location or keyword, including guides to camping, fishing, hunting, hotels, dining and more..

Catch Des Moines - News & events, major attractions, restaurant guide, online hotel booking, maps, photos.

Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce - On the banks of the Mississippi with information on river festivals & boating tours, major & nearby attractions, sports & recreation, restaurant & shopping guides.

Sioux City Tourism - Major attractions with special focus on the Convention Center, Orpheum Theater and Tyson Events Center, hotels and dining, shopping, maps & directions.

Cedar Falls Visitors and Convention Bureau - Top travel destinations, festivals and events, comprehensive guide to nearby leisure trails, photos, maps, directions, hotel and restaurant info.