There are plenty of Iowa stereotypes out there that can really get under your skin. Those who go around saying Iowa is flat have clearly never driven the Loess Hills or climbed at Pikes Peak State Park. Out-of-staters who think we’re all hicks haven’t seen the magic of the best Des Moines neighborhoods. And don’t even get me started on the people that think we all drive tractors to work…
That being said, there are a few stereotypes out there that exist for a reason. Here are a few things those outsiders say about us that just might be true.
- We LOVE corn.
Flickr / Michael Durausch Ok, so the majority of corn grown here isn’t for humans, but we do eat a ton of corn in the summer and fall. Iowa Sweet Corn is a treat - why not enjoy it?
- The Iowa-Iowa Game is our biggest holiday.
Flickr / Phil Roeder Hawkeyes or Cyclones? We are diehard fans of our favorite college team, and the rivalry runs deep throughout the state.
- We worship our country music idols.
Facebook / Burlington Steamboat Days While not everyone in the state listens to country, a huge percentage of us gather in various cities and towns for the music festivals in Iowa that manage to snag the big-name acts.
- Beef counts as a food group.
Flickr / Jeffrey W. Whether you’re enjoying a ribeye or a sirloin, Iowans eat a ton of beef. We love our steaks, and we know how to cook them better than anywhere else.
- We’ll deep fry anything.
Flickr / Trenttsd Oreos, candy bars, pineapple on a stick, butter… if you want to try it fried, head to an Iowa fair.
- Iowa Nice is totally a thing.
Flickr / UI International Program Admit it - you feel terrible when you accidentally cut someone off on the highway, and guilty when you pretend to not see the mailman on your daily walk. We are all a little too nice.
- Yes, we’re a small town state.
Flickr / David Wilson Sure, it’s true that most Iowans now live in the bigger, urban cities of the Hawkeye State, but think about it. Where do we go when we want to escape? Where do we go to enjoy festivals, shop for quirky gifts, and enjoy tasty, home-cooked meals? While John Mellencamp may have been talking about Indiana in “Small Town”, his words really resonate with Iowans.
- We LIVE for our summer fairs.
Facebook / Iowa State Fair Whether you make the trek to the Iowa State Fair or celebrate with your own county, there’s nothing in the world quite like an Iowa Fair, and we really know it.
What do you think? Are you a deep-frying, corn-loving, blue-blooded Iowan? Let’s chat about these stereotypes and more in the comments below!
Flickr / Michael Durausch
Ok, so the majority of corn grown here isn’t for humans, but we do eat a ton of corn in the summer and fall. Iowa Sweet Corn is a treat - why not enjoy it?
Flickr / Phil Roeder
Hawkeyes or Cyclones? We are diehard fans of our favorite college team, and the rivalry runs deep throughout the state.
Facebook / Burlington Steamboat Days
While not everyone in the state listens to country, a huge percentage of us gather in various cities and towns for the music festivals in Iowa that manage to snag the big-name acts.
Flickr / Jeffrey W.
Whether you’re enjoying a ribeye or a sirloin, Iowans eat a ton of beef. We love our steaks, and we know how to cook them better than anywhere else.
Flickr / Trenttsd
Oreos, candy bars, pineapple on a stick, butter… if you want to try it fried, head to an Iowa fair.
Flickr / UI International Program
Admit it - you feel terrible when you accidentally cut someone off on the highway, and guilty when you pretend to not see the mailman on your daily walk. We are all a little too nice.
Flickr / David Wilson
Sure, it’s true that most Iowans now live in the bigger, urban cities of the Hawkeye State, but think about it. Where do we go when we want to escape? Where do we go to enjoy festivals, shop for quirky gifts, and enjoy tasty, home-cooked meals? While John Mellencamp may have been talking about Indiana in “Small Town”, his words really resonate with Iowans.
Facebook / Iowa State Fair
Whether you make the trek to the Iowa State Fair or celebrate with your own county, there’s nothing in the world quite like an Iowa Fair, and we really know it.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
