If you’ve ever driven through Iowa, you’ll know that it’s not always the most exciting car ride of your life. That being said, with all that expanse of space, towns across Iowa have decided to create some neat attractions to draw people in. Here are 5 of my personal favorites.
#5: Albert the Bull
Albert the Bull stands to be the Worlds Largest Bull. Residing in Audubon, Iowa, this 45 ton bovine is a wonder to be seen. Just pull off I-80 and take a look for yourself! Created after the image of the perfect Hereford bull, Albert certainly is worth a photo op.
#4:The Future Birthplace of Captain Kirk
Calling all Star Trek fans! The birthstone of the famous James T. Kirk resides in the small town of Riverside, Iowa, along with a Star Trek museum. Each year people from all around the world come to Riverside to celebrate “Trek Fest”, an annual celebration of all things Star Trek.
#3: Surf Ballroom
The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa is quite the interesting location. Upon arriving, you’ll notice that the building and the area around it still emulates everything pre-1960. Not only that, but it is also more famously known for being the last place Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper performed before they died in a tragic plane crash in 1959. It’s in a beautiful location, with just a few houses blocking it from an open view of Clear Lake.
#2: World’s Largest Truck Stop
HONK HONK HONK!! The World’s Largest Truck Stop feels like something only Iowa would be able to pull off. It’s so silly and far fetched, it just works. You’d think that this place is no better a normal gas station, but you’d be dead wrong. It feels more like a mall than a gas station. It has over 900 parking spaces, and gets more than 5000 visitors daily. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should!
#1: The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption
This is personally one of my favorite things about Iowa. I like to call the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption a hidden gem, but I’m sure people in the area and across the state are well aware of it.
For those who aren’t though, this spectacular shrine is located in West Bend, Iowa. It’s a handmade conglomeration of 9 different shrines, all connected depicting the life of Jesus. Even if you don’t find yourself religious, the sheer craftsmanship that would even go into something like this is amazing. It looks like Atlantis, but in Iowa.
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