5 Iowa Facts That Most Locals Don't Even Know

I'm proud to be an Iowan, and always thought I knew a good amount about the great state of Iowa. These fun facts were things I never knew about. Let us know how many you knew. Today we will be looking at 5 Iowa facts that may not be super mainstream.

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1. The Apple "Red Delicious" Was First Farmed In Iowa

The famous apple first originated in Peru - not in the Andes, but in the tiny town of Peru, Iowa. Located in Madison County, this cultivation is now one of the most common apple varieties.

2. The Largest Ethnic Heritage Museum In The US Is In Iowa

Vesterheim, a three-floor museum in Decorah, pays tribute to the region's Norwegian immigrant population and includes a collection of historic buildings.

3. The World's Steepest And Shortest Railway Is In Iowa

Random... I know. The Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque is a few-minute ride up an incline that provides some of the best river views in Dubuque.

4. Iowa Is Home To A Clockwork Jail

I had no idea what this was. The Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs is the only rotary jail that can still be visited - it used a unique mechanism that left only one door accessible at a time, to prevent escapes.

5. Let's end with an easy one! Iowa's Largest Truck Stop Is Also The World's Largest

I drive past this spot a lot! The Iowa 80 Truck Stop is a massive facility, featuring a full-service restaurant, a dentist's office, an all-purpose store, and even a museum dedicated to the history of trucking!

Here are some other fun facts that I love, but am sure many of you know.

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