Iowa is a state of rolling hills, rich agriculture, beautiful hardwoods, winding rivers and big whitetails. Often referred to as the “Land of the Giants,” many hunters are drawn to the pursuit of trophy bucks synonymous with the state. With a comfortable breeze seemingly always blowing in Iowa, the state has a peaceful yet hardworking feel about it. It's the kind of place where you put in a solid day's work and enjoy a satisfying evening with family and friends over Iowa homegrown pork chops, ribeyes and haystack salad.
One of Iowa's strongest geographical features is its rivers. Pikes Peak near McGregor and Effigy Mounds National Monument give jaw-dropping, far-reaching views of the Mississippi River Valley. The Missouri, Iowa, Des Moines and Big Sioux Rivers cut from northwest to southeast Iowa providing fertile soil for the world's largest producer of corn. When it comes to filling fields and farmers’ markets with corn, Iowa has led the way for over 150 years. There's just no place better suited to grow corn, creating income and livelihoods for families and landowners across the state.
Iowa’s great reputation for abundant deer populations, habitat and age structure is widely regarded. Still, opportunities also abound on Iowa's waters. The state is laced with an expansive system of canoe trails and diverse fishing habitat abounds. Further south in Geodes State Park is the best place to find the state rock, the Geode. Grey and pink limestone — when cracked open — reveal crystals of all colors. Geode Lake, within the park, is an excellent spot to drop a line for bluegill, crappie and bass.
Northwest Iowa prairies, along the South Dakota border, is prime habitat for pheasants and popular as a pheasant-hunting destination. Populations of the beautiful game bird are abundant, well and thriving. Working your bird dog as it runs through golden fields flushing pheasants with family and friends is a cherished way to make lifelong memories found in few other places in the country.
Urban areas such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo and Council Bluffs support an active economy and professional job market for Iowans, which contributes to the state's appeal. Other than agriculture, industries such as manufacturing, processing, financial services, information technology, biotechnology and green energy production account for Iowa's economic success.
The thrill of Iowa's western regions also includes places like Stone State Park. Bluffs overlooking prairies and ravines leading to the Big Sioux River offer some of Iowa's most scenic camping opportunities. Preparation Canyon State Park at Loess Hills State Forest offers some of the best backpacking in Iowa. Trails run along the ridge lines of hills and offers big skies and 360 views.
Iowa is the kind of place where the original American dream of owning land comes true. Ranked among the top midwestern states to find a job and pursue that American dream, Iowa is a land of opportunity waiting for people to take advantage of all it offers.
