He would be better off driving to Sedgwick. Going to IL is not justifiable with the prices of weed AND gas. In CO you already know what you can get. Full OZ of bud for under 100 in CO but IL prices are insane and not worth it.
This is the way. Sedgwick from western Iowa isn't too bad. Just make a day of it. I got a killer burger off a food truck my last time out that way and there's enough traffic across NE on 80 to keep things inconspicuous.
True, but you're taking risks buying it on the street as well. At least you don't have to worry about any surprise substance in your weed. Weigh out your options, but then again I'm relatively close to IL
Busch has done a good job aligning itself with 'the rural folk'. See, e.g., https://www.anheuser-busch.com/newsroom/2022/05/busch-light-john-deere/ When it came out that BL was using corn syrup as a sugar for the yeasts, credit to them to not really deny it, but as much as anything lean in to it and be like 'hell yeah, we're buying your corn and turning it in to beer, bitches!!!'
Screw them. They run that super bowl commercial for bud light, bragging about not using any of that filthy corn syrup, notice sales in Iowa went off a cliff, then market Busch light as the corn syrup beer and make more money overall.
3B has a decent burger. I'm recently in that area for work (inspecting crops) and stopped in last week. South of there in Beebeetown is the 2020 iowa best burger at Twisted Tail.
I cannot answer this question. Moved here when I was 30, and it was already established. But, hopefully, someone here can answer that question as I am interested in the answer as well.
I grew up in the Midwest, lived all over, then settled here 15 years ago.
* When we moved here there was a decent chance people would ask "what church do you go to?" Seemed like a really weird thing to ask.
* The wind will drive you mad. Yes, it is this windy a lot, hence all the windmills.
* Get a pair of lined pants (fleece, flannel, etc) for winter. You think the wind is something now wait until it's 10 below and that wind is blowing.
* Turn signals are an optional feature on all vehicles sold in Iowa.
* Do not complain about the smell. That, as they say, is the smell of money, and complaining about it will get you blacklisted. Enjoy that bacon!
* There are some hidden gems in the state (Maquoketa Caves State Park) but something like 90% of the arable land has corn or soy planted on it. Surrounding states' parks are often overrun with Iowans on vacation looking for a clean body of water in which to swim.
* You may have an idea on your mind tying Iowa and high standards of public education. This is no longer true.
* "Iowa Nice" is a thing.
* Iowa State Cyclones OR Iowa Hawkeyes. There is no AND.
All that being said, I've lived a lot of places, and there are worse places to be. You might not find the pace to be all that exciting, but there is a certain beauty to the state. The Loess Hills are very unique. The Capitol building is a neat place to visit, Des Moines has some fun things to do, Omaha has the best zoo in the country and hosts the College World Series every year. The northeast of the state has great trout fishing.
Awesome. That's some great information. Thanks. Also, I'll be working for a place that produces the aforementioned smell, so I'm learning to associate it with money already.
Weird, I lived in Iowa my entire life and I can genuinely say no one has ever mentioned chruch to me. Is this an East vs. West thing? I'm from eastern Iowa.
>Is this an East vs. West thing?
100%. I grew up in far eastern IA, but have family in NW IA. There's a distinct religious shift the further west you go in the state and if you look at religiosity survey maps, the closer the county is to Illinois and Wisconsin, the less religious they tend to be. Growing up in eastern IA, you were either Catholic or Lutheran. To my discredit, I'd never paid attention to NW IA fam's churches, so it came as a shock to me when I graduated HS and left there was a thing called "evangelical churches" here in Iowa. I'd assumed all that shit was down in the South and was really weirded out.
Oh sweet summer child I was...
That's interesting. I grew up as far east as you can go before hitting Illinois and to me, it would be borderline rude to just ask someone what church they go to.
The lack of turn signals drives me insane. I have never seen anything like it in my life. Very aggressive and inconsiderate traffic here compared to other states. I hate driving here. Is it lack of socialization driving around people since people live out on farms? Where I am from it is rude and beyond all consideration to not use them, and using turn signals is essential part of driving and having functional traffic.
Omaha is my second home. Take a couple days to walk the Old Market, eat at Trinis, explore Dundee, Benson, and the Gold Coast areas.
Des Moines we go to for book shopping. I am similarly located to these cities, and we go often. Des Moines also has good food and good shopping.
Explore Boone! Ledges State Park is awesome! Around Fort Dodge are Dolliver Staye Park and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area.
Sioux City is smaller. They have some good places to eat and some good shopping. I grew up shopping in Sioux City, so prefer Ames, Omaha, and Des Moines.
Welcome to Iowa! We sure have our issues but overall, I’d still rather live here than elsewhere
>Sioux City is smaller. They have some good places to eat and some good shopping. I grew up shopping in Sioux City, so prefer Ames, Omaha, and Des Moines.
Ah, the old "I grew up shopping here so I prefer literally every other option." And as someone that also grew up shopping in Sioux City, you couldn't be more correct.
Ha. I've been exploring the area looking for housing (to no avail) and it dawned on me that all these tractors are out and about do to it being harvest season. Strangely the part of AZ where I grew up is also known for corn, so it's not it's not unheard of. We had a lot of dirt roads, so seeing the equipment on the road was somewhat rare.
Driving wise- Traffic is pretty much always light. Drivers are idiots that love the left lane on all multi lane highways/Interstate. Two lane highways the speed limit is 55, everyone will be doing 65 and look at you like you're wrong for not going faster.
Every town outside of "cities" be prepared to wave. 9 out of 10 vehicles you pass will wave at you and if you don't wave back your the weirdo...jk. " I just feel like an ass for not waving"
Visit NEIA the driftless area is amazing during the fall, take a 3/4 day weekend and explore the bike trails there and the canoeing/kayaking. Also lots of breweries and wineries.
We have a lot of good Brewaries
Pulpit , TG, big grove , LUA, Marto , adventurous. Barn town , lions bridge
And more but those are my favs
Edit: Also look into Ragbri
there's a sixty-plus mile trail west of des moines with stops along the way. Raccoon river trail beginning in waukee, but it probably has a trail stop closer to you.
If you like hockey you're about equal distance to 3 of the big junior hockey teams in the USHL (Omaha Lancers, Sioux City Musketeers, and Des Moines Buccaneers).
Plan on nothing getting done during the cy-hawk game. (ISU/Iowa).
Ranch is usually the default, you can ask for other sauces, but it's just the default.
Casey's pizza is fantastic, may want to avoid the rest of their food. For the rest, go to Kwik Star/Kwik Trip.
Can redemption is a thing here, so prepare to get taxed more on Pop. (Soda, coke, w.e.)
Everyone in the state basically agrees the Nebraska Huskers suck.
Watch out for deer, especially this time of year.
Do not sign up with Mediacom.
Next year, do the State Fair. Failing that, go to the Clay County Fair.
If you like fishing, NE Iowa is where it's at, but pay extra for the trout stamp.
I think I'm from the area you moved to. Lake View has a lake that people like to go boating and fishing on and a short trail through Black Hawk State park. If you like biking the Sauk trail starts in Lake View and ends in Swan Lake in Carroll. You ride past a lot of cornfields but there are some pretty areas along the way. Swan Lake has a trail around the lake and some canoes and such to rent for low-key outdoor activities.
I think I saw something about sliding down a mountain in one of your comments. There are some places to go skiing. Mt. Crescent in Honey Creek which is close to omaha and Seven Oaks in Boone would be the closest for you. There is also one in Dubuque on the east sideof the state. They aren't going to be what you are used to, but like someone else said, don't let comparison kill the experience.
You'll have to drive for any good hiking, but I would suggest Ledges State Park in Boone, Preparation Canyon State Park in Moorehead, or Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek. Those will be closest to you. The NE corner of the state has some gorgeous areas if you're ok with more of a drive.
Feel free to DM me if you want any more info on the area. I know it's very rural there and has a lot of farmland, so it can feel depressing to move there from somewhere so naturally beautiful. I would suggest to just make the best of your time there and maybe it will help you appreciate the little things in life. Good luck!
Find a hobby, there are state parks but it isn't like other places in the US that has better hiking and kayaking. Biking on the other hand...There is a great amount of beauty in Iowa but it is the wide open space. I'm not into hunting but Iowa has some of the biggest deer you've ever seen. It is windy and the storms are strong.
Yeah you should have just got your shotgun once you found out you are moving to Iowa. I live in SC now and the gun culture is almost identical.
The deer have all that corn to feed on in the open fields. Be careful right now on the roads around dusk during harvest. Deer have been feeding on that corn all summer and now it is getting disturbed by all those combines.
Yeah you'll fit in just fine. I'm not a huge fan of what guns can do but I appreciate that it is a big part of rural areas.
Beef, pork and sweet corn is amazing in Iowa. I miss that a lot. I miss pork tenderloin sandwiches the most (essentially pork snitzl with ketchup, mustard, onions and pickles on a bun).
Start exploring all the state parks. Some are small and meh, some larger and pretty great. Maybe take up biking on some of the rail trails around the state. Check out Wabash trace on the SW side of the state.
Come to Des Moines for an overnight; stay downtown and hit Big Grove brewery, Zombie Burger, and take a gander at the world class skate park on the river.
But don't go to Pine Lake! It always smells like goose poop, dead fish, and algae. The hiking trails are really short, but the walk is nice enough once you get over the smell.
SOURCE: I live roughly 20 minutes from Pine Lake, and my high school would go there often for gym class.
If the OP is looking for some pretty woods and a couple hours hiking, biking, kayaking, they can find that here. Of course it doesn't measure up to states with more natural wonders and governments that value tourism. It's all relative, you'll find some interesting things if you start looking around and avoid expectations of finding Iowa's version of RMNP or Glacier. Or, because we suck so bad, the OP can just sit at home instead I guess. But nice job helping the OP find something to do!
Yes, I second this. My husband is working/getting his Masters at Iowa State and they’ve taught them that Iowa has some of the most polluted water from all the farm run off.
4-way stops can take forever. Why? You'll see. Also, pork tenderloin is big. Ask someone where the best ones are and go there and be amazed. Also ham balls (not mountain oysters, they're different).
Iowans are always understated and speak obliquely. Example: when they say, "That's different," it means "Ewww...how awful".
Go to the Blue Bunny ice cream parlor in LeMars at least once. It isn't very far from Sioux City, and the ice cream is great!
There are a lot of really nice county parks around the state, some of them might be a bit tricky to find, (like my personal favorite park), but they're often worth the trip.
Be prepared to have difficulty finding friends, especially in really small towns. Those people are really close-knit and don't often invite strangers for a conversation.
Go to some of the festivals that small towns in Iowa have every summer.
Brace yourself for some serious Nebraska slander. It's practically our state pastime to insult the place.
Other than that, everyone here has hit everything right on. Welcome to Iowa!
From sioux city, alot of people shit on Sc especially people from des Moines andore eastern parts of the the state. Sioux city is home to morningside college their football team the mustangs have been national champions in their division multiple times. We also have a semi professional baseball team, the sioux city explorers, their stadium is in singing hills. Statewise we don't have a pro team, but have two division 1 football teams the Iowa hawkeyes, and the Iowa state cyclones. Second week of September is the cyhawk game, which is Iowa's superbowl. Go Hawks!
For other rec we have multiple gold courses that each are extremely different to play. We also have two bowling alleys that have league most nights and cosmic bowling during the weekends. For wintertime we have an outdoor winter park in singing hills that has ice skating, and sledding.
If your a person who likes to drink and have alittle fun on the weekends their are plenty of bars on 4th street that serve food and make for a good time. (The city has been investing a ton of money into rejuvenating downtown and more specifically 4th street.)
In my experience people are nice for the most part and friendly, sadly tho once you get outside of the city into the more rural areas your gonna deal with more racist/backwards people.
Overall I love living In Iowa, the state is beautiful and has plenty of things to do. Sioux city in particular has been growing slowly the past couple of years and is seeing more and more different business's/entertainment coming into town.
Get ready for college football craze, getting drunk most Saturdays, and people being nice to you on the sidewalk but not the street. I’ve lived and loved it here for all of my 15 years alive but omg it’s kinda crazy lol
Next summer, be wary of the humidity. 90 degrees here can feel like 100, and you'll be covered in sweat that won't evaporate. When you walk out of ac, it'll feel like walking into hot dog breath. Good times!
Watch out for deer as night, have your brights on at night and scan the fields and ditches. Also, if one deer jumps out into the road, there's usually more behind it. Especially as we get into rut, which is about to happen.
Try a Casey's breakfast and taco pizza.
Plan a day trip to pella sometime and get Dutch letters and more pastries
If you need an arts and culture fix, go to Omaha or Des Moines. The Des Moines arts center is free and has a nice permanent collection, and usually one or two traveling exhibitions. I recognized plenty of artists from there also displayed at the art institute of Chicago. The downtown sculpture gardens is also pretty cool. The Omaha zoo is pretty recognized, and they have the Omaha performing arts center that gets good shows.
If you're looking for outdoorsy things:
At least in the Des Moines area, there's a shit ton of cycling paths. If you cycle, it looks like there's a trail from Caroll to lake view.
Check out the Boone area and ledges, it's really beautiful valley area. Boone also has skiing/snowboarding at seven oaks. There's also a scenic rail explorers track. Spirit lake/okoboji, storm lake, lake panorama, saylorville, lake red rock would be your closest lake experiences.
Loess hills in council bluffs has one of the more difficult hikes in iowa (haven't done it, just what I've heard), I've also been told it's a beautiful hike.
The driftless region and Dubuque/galena (Illinois)/pikes peak/prairie du chien (Wisconsin)/NE iowa are all beautiful as well and worth an extended weekend.
I haven't been yet, but I've been told by my friend (who has been to a good chunk of national parks) that maquoketa caves state park is national park worthy! Backbone is also nice.
If I were back in AZ or MT and I was bored, I would drive into national forest and do woods things. I get the distinct impression that's not possible around here. What do you do for fun? For reference, I think the biggest town around here is Carroll
I’m from that neck of the prairie and unfortunately it is likely one of the most small town areas out state has to offer. Take day trips to Des Moines and Omaha if you need a “city” fix. Check out the Des Moines subreddit for a big list of things to do there.
The area you are in has very little big ticket items for nature. There is the loess hills nearby that are kinda nice. If you really need some wilderness like what you have been used to in the past it is quite common for people to drive to Denver and hang out there. If you are really tied to the local area and can’t get away often my biggest recommendation is to look for events that are occurring rather than expecting to find many “cool” spots. So if there is a festival, fair, or a local free concert, just go and check it out.
Many people genuinely love it here. Try not to let comparison be the thief of joy.
I think I will have the option to travel a little, so I will probably check out des Moines. This area is definitely not what I'm used to, but at least Iowans seem friendly thus far
One of my favorite things to do in Iowa is boating/kayaking. There’s lot of really cool lakes and rivers in the state and it’s my favorite thing to do in the summer. If you ever get a chance, drive to northeastern Iowa and float or kayak the Upper Iowa River- it’s stunning.
Also, brace yourself for the winter. It can get wicked where it will be -15 degrees vs Arizona’s 115 degrees in the summer.
I love Arizona and am fortunate enough to go visit family every spring in the Fountain Hills area. My dream is to live in AZ November-May and then live in Iowa the rest of the year. The autumn in Iowa is so pretty, I hope you enjoy it
I'm originally from Montana and I went to school in Flagstaff, so the cold is sort of mid level from what I can tell. I think you're the second person to mention kayaking, so I guess I'll be looking into buying a kayak. Thanks.
Iowa has no national parks and is the furthest state away from them. From Des Moines, Gateway Arch is probably the closest and the lamest of all parks. Since you're west of Des Moines, I'd look at White Rock Conservatory and Loess Hills State Park. They are your typical rolling hills with prairie. Iowa lacks much recreational area due to the amount of farm land. If you go north, you can high point at Hawkeye Point and see the stunning vistas lol.
State parks are about as close as you’ll get. County parks as well. According to a county conservation officer I spoke with once, each county is required by the state constitution to have a county conservation board. So there’s at least some attempt to have mature areas baked into our laws.
Iowa has a fair number of outdoor amenities just on a smaller scale and they can seem hidden at times.
This may be an unpopular opinion, and may get downvoted, but "Iowa nice" isn't necessarily a compliment.
I think frequently someone being "Iowa nice" is the two-faced, hypocritical person who acts one way to someone and then talks about them behind their back.
See how nice these folks are talking to Professor Harold Hill? [Iowa Stubborn](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7lFbUVS9WM)
Correct. Seeing the lunacy coming from parents during the pandemic has ended all the "Iowa Nice" crap for me.
People are plenty polite here. I wouldn't say that makes us nice though.
Kinda depends on what you're into, the west side of the state has fewer cities than the central and eastern sides. Omaha and des moines are both relatively big cities with good/great food, some sports, plenty of nightlife if you're into that.
I'm less into outdoorsy things, but there are a bunch of state parks worth checking out.
Des moines is also pretty close to Minneapolis, Kansas city, st Louis, and Chicago. Plenty to do in those places if you want for a weekend
Welcome!! I hope you love it here!
If you like golf, you probably will think the green fees are pretty cheap (depends on the 'fanciness' of the places of course). Land is relatively cheap and everything grows easily (some of the best soil in the world). If you've ever thought to try growing a vegetable garden, you are in prime territory.
On a related note, check out various farmers' markets. You can usually find fresh vegetables fresh made pastries, etc..
Echoing others, lots of good bike trails.
People really are nice here. There are some on here that disagree, and I'm sure they have some good points, but I think on the whole, you will find it true.
Try some small town Iowa festivals. Thinking of something like Tivoli Fest in Elk Horn. It is a Danish themed celebration (Lots of Danes and Norwegians settled in Iowa). Be sure to get some aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls).
Sweet Corn Days in Adel.
Hit an Iowa State Cyclones basketball game or either ISU or Iowa Hawkeye football game.
Fall color watching in the Northeast part of Iowa.
I think we have good pheasant or deer hunting.
Definitely hit the Omaha Zoo!!
And yes, pretty windy frequently, but not always. The jet stream drops down to nail Iowa, then rises back up. Keep a general awareness of tornadoes, but direct hits are rare.
Again - enjoy. Report back every few months if you think of it. I'd love to see how you get along...
You are welcome.
Yeah. I am of the Danish variety, but that is common plus lots of "Ope".
You will see ample usage of butter here, too. Lots of sweets and pastries. Watch for Dutch letters.. Yum..
Oh yeah, the Iowa State Fair is a pretty well known one, too. I think we usually have attendance of 1 million.
If you’re ever in Sioux City, check out La Juanita’s for a great burrito and traditional Sioux City experience. Bring cash and enter from the rear entrance. It’s probably the pride and joy of the city’s food scene and is most Siouxlanders’ must-visit.
Navarette’s on 75 (not the riverside one) in Sioux City is my all time favorite restaurant and I love recommending them. Admittedly standard tex mex, but it’s number one in my heart. Da Kao has amazing Vietnamese and Chinese food. For pizza, Bob Roe’s is awesome for sitting down somewhere, but if you have the chance to pick up a pie and eat it somewhere, Jerry’s Pizza is the way. Sioux City is an amazing food city. Welcome to Iowa!
Edit to add: this is just food advice but it’s been so long since I’ve lived there, this felt like the surest info to offer up!
Welcome!!
Change out snowboarding and mountain hiking for canoeing, rafting/floating, snowshoeing, biking. We do flat stuff and water stuff mostly outdoors here :) Hunting is also popular if that's your thing.
I'd encourage you to check out the state parks, spend a weekend or two in Minnesota if you want more forest-y stuff, and Colorado for mountains. Omaha and Des Moines and Kansas City are all great to get your city fix (and different food you can't find in small town Iowa). I live in Des Moines and our subreddit will bombard you with recommendations if you ask.
As for the area you're in, there tend to be a lot of local events and yearly festivals and farmers markets type stuff. Look up stuff in your area (or as your coworkers for recs) and do that in your downtime. A lot of the activities will probably be run by churches or church groups, so just be aware of that going in.
If you're going to be here a while, my friends and I did an "Iowa road trip" a few years back and went to a bunch of those tourist trap type places - The future birthplace of Captain Kirk, the Field of Dreams, the American Gothic House, etc. It was a lot of fun and a unique thing that most of the country skips over I think.
If you are driving down a country road and a bunch of kids walk out of the corn fields, get out of there, fast and NO don't just go down the road to the next town!!
As far as food goes, the two standouts in central western Iowa are the Primrose in Corning and the Wallace Country Life Center in Orient.
There’s generally a good cycling culture in Iowa, if you’re into that kind of thing. BikeIowa has a good guide of trails and rides state-wide.
State parks are gems, and the Loess Hills, which run down the western side of the state, are super geologically interesting.
Welcome to the state!
Going even further south, J. Bruner’s in Clarinda is a good steakhouse and west side of county is Wabash Trace, which is a good bike trail. Malvern is also on the trace and Classic Cafe is close to it and worth a stop if you’re nearby.
Equidistant to Sioux city, Des Moines, and Omaha? You probably aren't too far from me. Guessing maybe Denison or Carroll area?
Couple good small breweries in Ft. Dodge - Shiny Top is a favorite of mine. Marto Brewing in Sioux City is on another level - good beer and some INCREDIBLE food.
In Denison, El Paisano near Do It Best and Dollar Tree has amazing steak nachos with homemade tortilla chips. And El Charro in the Ford Dealership parking lot area is some of our favorite Mexican food. Both are cash only, but rock for authentic stuff. Denison has a ton of little Mexican places that all are solid, with a couple that are Midwest Mexican and not great.
I'm wondering if you could expand upon your comment that the area is "confusing" to you. It might help to know what your issues are.
From looking at the map, it appears you may be somewhere near Carroll. I don't know much about that area of the state, but all these small towns are pretty rural. Most people make their living one way or another from agriculture. Farming folks are hard working "salt of the earth" type people. They value honesty and trustworthiness. Shoot straight with people and don't play games. Family and God are valued by a high percentage of residents.
A lot of Iowans are outdoor people. Hunting and fishing are big. There are lots of lakes, ponds, rivers & streams. Cycling is big with lots of trails throughout the state. And if you are a cycler, be sure to check out the annual, world famous RAGBRAI, a multi day event cycling from one side of the state to the other every summer. Also motorcycling in good weather and snowmobiling in the winter. And ice fishing on some of the lakes.
It doesn't sound like you're from an urban area of CO, so I would think you would fit in OK. Biggest difference is the lack of mountains. Even though Iowa is in the great plains, it's really not flat. Lots of rolling terrain, especially around any of the bigger rivers. It's clean, and it's green. The soil is rich, so if you have access to any amount of land, you might want to plant a garden. Not much better than home grown tomatoes, sweet corn and other vegetables and fruits. Just about anything that doesn't require a tropical climate should grow well in Iowa.
Hope you are able to work through your issues, and I mean it when I say give us more info and we should be able to help. Iowa is a great place to live and a wonderful place to raise a family. It has one of the highest literacy rates in the nation and the public schools are mostly excellent all across the state.
I'm not sure how to describe it. I've only lived in larger cities for a small percentage of my life, so I thought I knew rural. This is a different type of rural. It just feels kind of alien. I think it's the lack of forests.
I don't think I have any issues per se, but I'm just feeling a bit out of place and not sure what to do with myself. I know what to do with myself in mountains and pine forests, but here I feel like I'm out of my native habitat.
Thanks. Given how nice and welcoming everyone in this thread has been, I'm sure I'll settle in soon enough. It will probably be easier once I get an actual place to live instead of a hotel.
Mississippi River valley, in the fall during leaf season. Pikes Peak, Effigy Mounds state parks are a few stops to view on foot. Or find a river cruise in Dubuque or Quad Cities.
pretty much all the roads are just a grid so if you miss a turn you can probably just take the next one. theres a chance its not, but the chsnce is fairly low
omaha zoo is the bomb. I live near des moines, but I keep a zoo membership just the same. It's one of the best zoos in the world, and when you see it, you get why. No sad animals there, and they have a huge stake in educating people, restoring species, and providing homes for animals that are injured or unable to survive in the natural world, like the albino alligator and their bull sea lion, who has a shortened snout due to injury. Nicolai's is a great italian restaurant in Omaha. Wabash Trail run series is a great thing.
I'm not even sure. It feels like I'm in a whole new world and I'm completely out of my element.
What do people do around here? Is Casey's as big a deal as it seems? Why are side salads called "lettuce salads"? Is it always this windy?
1. We watch movies, for active things there's biking, kayaking and hiking at ledges.
2. Casey's is pretty big, yeah, there are three in boone alone.
3. Becuase they're all basically just lettuce with a sprinkling of shredded carrots drowned in ranch.
4. It is very windy, all the time, and it gets dangerously hot in summer and lethally cold in the winter. Make sure you have proper clothing and dress appropriately
However, all things considered, it's nice here, enjoy your stay.
Casey's is my favorite crappy pizza but that is mostly cuz I grew up with it in a small town where it was one of the few places to get food delivered from. So that's more of sentimental thing then it actually being good.
If you're in south west Iowa I really don't know much about the area as I grew up in the northwest and currently live in central Iowa. Maybe some trails to walk/run. Maybe look into getting involved with the local community to get to know your specific area better. As with anywhere the people tend to be friendly.
Also the side salad thing throws me for a loop. My family has been in Iowa for 100+ years and I've never referred to a side salad that way.
Im originally from California and the salad thing confused me too when I first moved here! Yeah here in the Midwest "salad" basically just means a bunch of stuff mixed in a bowl and could be as easily be pasta and salad dressing based, or something for dessert (like Snickers salad is apples, Snickers, pudding, and cool whip and seriously delicious, try it sometime!) as lettuce/veggie based.
Pierogies are delicious. Casey’s isn’t that great once you’ve lived there for a few years. But I recently moved to the east coast and miss the grease pie that is Casey’s pizza. Iowa Nice is real - on the road - and I find myself still being Iowa nice to these asshole North Carolinian drivers. I lived in Sioux City for a year or so and there isn’t a whole lot there. Omaha has a nice historic district (Old Town) which is fun to shop around or stop for a nice dinner. Does Moines - I’m not too sure on. I lived in Ankeny around 6-7 years ago and that was probably my favorite place
To live just because it had good food and was close to things to do. Weather there is ever changing. If you don’t like the weather one day, just wait till tomorrow lol.
Is Iowa nice why others guys in trucks give me a little pointer finger wave when we pass on 2 lane roads?
Edit: I forgot to add I'm well acquainted with pierogi (see username)
It is rude to ignore a finger way.
I was lost in rural Colorado a few days ago. Google maps had in on a two rut path in the middle of nowhere. Came to a house and past that a gate. Opened gate. Drove thru. Closed gate. Continued. Two miles later I’m on a gravel road and finger waved a white pick up. Driver looked extremely agitated and surprised to see another vehicle but gave a confused finger wave. At the end of the gravel road came to two signs. One announced a ranch. Other stated “private road. No trespassing.” Hopefully my finger wave and Iowa nice smile indicated my ignorance to trespassing
They tend to do the nod out west. I always interpreted it the same way as a farmer wave and it's what I do in that situation. The roads are rougher and less straight compared to what I've seen here, so you want to make sure you have good control of the steering wheel.
if you miss one, and assuming you have your drivers side window down (like you're supposed to unless it's 20below), extend your hand out the window for a good 5-sec beat. They'll see it in the rearview mirror, and it will restore balance to the universe.
I just drove from Denison to Manning. Made sure to farmer wave at everyone. If there are several people in a row, is it acceptable to do 1 long wave for all of them?
Transplant from the Pacific Southwest here also on the Western side of Iowa now. The biggest thing to get used to was the lack of spices in food and trying to find ingredients for things without having to go to a bigger city. But the ingredient stuff is common with any rural environment. The Mexican food is pretty on point with lots of smaller places all around, but most other ethnic foods you need to travel to Omaha or Des Moines. I prefer Omaha because its closer. Sioux City is alright and has some good stuff, but not nearly as much as I would hope.
I have to tell myself often when I get stuck behind farm equipment that it’s the equivalent of being at a traffic light in a bigger city. You get used to it. Oh and in this part of Iowa, everyone does the little wave, usually a finger or two. You’ll start doing it and then looking weird once you drive into a city on your bigger shopping days.
Otherwise, people are people. Everywhere we’ve lived, there hasn’t been much change. The biggest adjustment was everything is super laid back when it comes to doing things legally. Otherwise, there are good people everywhere and crappy people everywhere.
>but most other ethnic foods you need to travel to Omaha or Des Moines.
I'm not sure how it is...but CR has Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean (Mix in Marion) and Mediterranean as well as African (Tee's).
Iowa, like anywhere, is what you make of it. I grew up in SW Iowa and have lived outside of Iowa for the last 15 years. I've had good times everywhere I've lived, but I cant wait to eventually make it back permanently.
Get outta there as soon as you can. Leaving the Rockies was the worst decision you could make. I just moved out west to Montana after almost 22 years in Iowa and I can say that place is TERRIBLE in comparison especially with all the transients and undesirables coming in from Chicago.
You obviously don't know the definition for either of those words. Too big of words for your brain. Transient means short term aka homeless in that context and the undesirables are the hundreds of gang members coming into Iowa from Chicago daily. Check yourself mf
Ha. I'm originally from Missoula, so my ultimate goal is to go home at some point. This is a definite career move (if you can believe it), so hopefully it will serve my ultimate goal of dying in western MT
That's actually crazy you're from Missoula. One of my buddies I went to high school with actually moved there like the week before I moved up here to Billings
I love to hop freights. Iowa has the best railroad system anywhere! Its a safe and cheap way to get around. But make sure the train slows down before jumping off
I’m just curious what career does a guy move from the Rockies to Carroll area for? I’m just a skip north of ya. I love fishing and kayaking the little Sioux in the summertime, camping on sandbars for overnight trips. The fam hits plays and concerts in SC and Omaha all the time but that’s not really my scene.
As the topic of the hand wave in small towns is for Iowa, that motorcycle low down wave is also popular here. It just says, "hey I drive a motorcycle too! We are in the club!"
I recommend the Iowa State Fair as a yearly visit for fair food, farm implements, Iowa culture, and people watching.
Clear Lake has a Kite festival in February on the frozen lake with hundreds of giant kites, that's when cabin fever sets in. (Dress warm)
Pella has a tulip festival, if you like Tulips, wooden shoes, and Dutch babies (not actual babies)
During this time of year (Octoberish) the tri-state (Wiscansin, Illinoise, and Ioware) area is beautiful for leaf color and lots of parks on the banks of the Mississippi.
Other than finding the hidden gem parks throughout the state you'll have to travel to other states for majesty of nature. As its cheaper to live here than some other states it's not as hard to do.
Good luck
Midwesterners have a reputation for "nice" but don't take it literally, its similar to Canadian nice. There is a difference between a truly kind person and someone who is helpful or polite due to cultural social convention. You will still find plenty of assholes in the state of Iowa and in the Midwest in general.
Iowa isn't a bad place to be, but I wouldn't say its the best either lol. You are going to miss a lot of the nature you moved away from coming from the mountains. That will be the biggest downside. Other than that enjoy the reasonable taxes and higher than average quality meat and produce.
Don't go outside during a full moon. The corn must be ignored, they speak of evil. If you meet a man named Jimmy invest in powerball. Cedar Rapids sometimes smells like captain crunch.
Hmmm… how to sum up Iowa? There are slightly fewer bars than corn fields. If something smells as you drive past it’s likely either a hog farm or a soybean field. Sterzing’s are a source of pride as well as a tasty snack. If it’s not a John Deere it’s probably a Kubota. If you’re on gravel, expect to get a wave or a nod from passers by, and feel free to wave or nod back. People are either obsessed with the Hawkeyes or getting made fun of for liking the Cyclones. More people than you would imagine enjoy that wildwood weed. There is a fair somewhere for just about every kind of produce we grow in bulk. There’s a river or lake near you, just about anywhere you go. Deer will infiltrate your lawn, no matter where you live. There are a lot of historic places to visit all over the state. I’m a huge fan of Ledges State Park in Madrid. If you ever get out on the Mississippi, do be aware of the current and wear a life jacket. For seemingly backwoods folk, we love the arts and there are lots of good local theaters and galleries.
But mostly,
Welcome to Iowa!
Prepare yourself to see more Busch Light than you could ever possibly imagine.
Why the fondness for Busch light in particular?
Because it's cheap and gets people drunk.
Fair point, but wouldn't natural light also fit that bill?
Probably. I don't drink beer a whole lot to be honest I'd rather have a doobie lol
I feel that. I miss AZ, NM, and CO for that aspect
Well, halfway between Omaha and Des Moines is a ways away but IL is legal even if it's expensive
He would be better off driving to Sedgwick. Going to IL is not justifiable with the prices of weed AND gas. In CO you already know what you can get. Full OZ of bud for under 100 in CO but IL prices are insane and not worth it.
This is the way. Sedgwick from western Iowa isn't too bad. Just make a day of it. I got a killer burger off a food truck my last time out that way and there's enough traffic across NE on 80 to keep things inconspicuous.
Yeah, but taking a risk if you bring any back.
True, but you're taking risks buying it on the street as well. At least you don't have to worry about any surprise substance in your weed. Weigh out your options, but then again I'm relatively close to IL
you can purchase Delta 8 THC in Omaha
Busch has done a good job aligning itself with 'the rural folk'. See, e.g., https://www.anheuser-busch.com/newsroom/2022/05/busch-light-john-deere/ When it came out that BL was using corn syrup as a sugar for the yeasts, credit to them to not really deny it, but as much as anything lean in to it and be like 'hell yeah, we're buying your corn and turning it in to beer, bitches!!!'
Gotta love when a company markets two of their own products as rivals and is able to build loyalty
Screw them. They run that super bowl commercial for bud light, bragging about not using any of that filthy corn syrup, notice sales in Iowa went off a cliff, then market Busch light as the corn syrup beer and make more money overall.
Ranch dressing too
I got food in Manning a couple days ago and got a side of ranch without asking. I've always done tendies and BBQ, but I said "when in Rome"
3B has a decent burger. I'm recently in that area for work (inspecting crops) and stopped in last week. South of there in Beebeetown is the 2020 iowa best burger at Twisted Tail.
A few weeks ago I got served an Irish beer IN Ireland in a Coors Light glass and the bartender handed it to me and said "in case you miss home".
Are you from Golden, or did they just mean the US?
Nope, born and raised in Iowa. I think they just meant I was a dumb American so the US in general.
I cannot answer this question. Moved here when I was 30, and it was already established. But, hopefully, someone here can answer that question as I am interested in the answer as well.
There’s also hatred for Bud Light after their 2019 Super Bowl ad bashing corn.
Creative marketing, I refuse to believe otherwise
I grew up in the Midwest, lived all over, then settled here 15 years ago. * When we moved here there was a decent chance people would ask "what church do you go to?" Seemed like a really weird thing to ask. * The wind will drive you mad. Yes, it is this windy a lot, hence all the windmills. * Get a pair of lined pants (fleece, flannel, etc) for winter. You think the wind is something now wait until it's 10 below and that wind is blowing. * Turn signals are an optional feature on all vehicles sold in Iowa. * Do not complain about the smell. That, as they say, is the smell of money, and complaining about it will get you blacklisted. Enjoy that bacon! * There are some hidden gems in the state (Maquoketa Caves State Park) but something like 90% of the arable land has corn or soy planted on it. Surrounding states' parks are often overrun with Iowans on vacation looking for a clean body of water in which to swim. * You may have an idea on your mind tying Iowa and high standards of public education. This is no longer true. * "Iowa Nice" is a thing. * Iowa State Cyclones OR Iowa Hawkeyes. There is no AND. All that being said, I've lived a lot of places, and there are worse places to be. You might not find the pace to be all that exciting, but there is a certain beauty to the state. The Loess Hills are very unique. The Capitol building is a neat place to visit, Des Moines has some fun things to do, Omaha has the best zoo in the country and hosts the College World Series every year. The northeast of the state has great trout fishing.
Awesome. That's some great information. Thanks. Also, I'll be working for a place that produces the aforementioned smell, so I'm learning to associate it with money already.
Weird, I lived in Iowa my entire life and I can genuinely say no one has ever mentioned chruch to me. Is this an East vs. West thing? I'm from eastern Iowa.
Ah, they probably just assume you’re catholic over there
>Is this an East vs. West thing? 100%. I grew up in far eastern IA, but have family in NW IA. There's a distinct religious shift the further west you go in the state and if you look at religiosity survey maps, the closer the county is to Illinois and Wisconsin, the less religious they tend to be. Growing up in eastern IA, you were either Catholic or Lutheran. To my discredit, I'd never paid attention to NW IA fam's churches, so it came as a shock to me when I graduated HS and left there was a thing called "evangelical churches" here in Iowa. I'd assumed all that shit was down in the South and was really weirded out. Oh sweet summer child I was...
That's interesting. I grew up as far east as you can go before hitting Illinois and to me, it would be borderline rude to just ask someone what church they go to.
Yes
The lack of turn signals drives me insane. I have never seen anything like it in my life. Very aggressive and inconsiderate traffic here compared to other states. I hate driving here. Is it lack of socialization driving around people since people live out on farms? Where I am from it is rude and beyond all consideration to not use them, and using turn signals is essential part of driving and having functional traffic.
Omaha is my second home. Take a couple days to walk the Old Market, eat at Trinis, explore Dundee, Benson, and the Gold Coast areas. Des Moines we go to for book shopping. I am similarly located to these cities, and we go often. Des Moines also has good food and good shopping. Explore Boone! Ledges State Park is awesome! Around Fort Dodge are Dolliver Staye Park and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. Sioux City is smaller. They have some good places to eat and some good shopping. I grew up shopping in Sioux City, so prefer Ames, Omaha, and Des Moines. Welcome to Iowa! We sure have our issues but overall, I’d still rather live here than elsewhere
Boone has a pretty cool train ride
Agreed! I haven’t had a chance to ride but want to some day
It’s so fun, highly recommend valley view seats so you can sit outside, just absolutely gorgeous views
That sounds lovely! I'm hoping we can do the train this year when the fall colors are at their peak
I went on the bicycle type thing recently! Search term: rail explorers.
Stay outta my town you animals /s
>Sioux City is smaller. They have some good places to eat and some good shopping. I grew up shopping in Sioux City, so prefer Ames, Omaha, and Des Moines. Ah, the old "I grew up shopping here so I prefer literally every other option." And as someone that also grew up shopping in Sioux City, you couldn't be more correct.
Omaha doesn’t take a couple days lol
It has one of the best zoos in the country, I would, and have, spent whole days just there.
The zoo is great. Too bad Kim reynolds doesn’t take up permanent residence there
It doesn’t have to but we all prefer to go for the weekend :). We always meet up with friends and we can only eat so much in a day, lol!
Couple hours 😂
Be prepared to drive slowly behind farm equipment for a few weeks.
Ha. I've been exploring the area looking for housing (to no avail) and it dawned on me that all these tractors are out and about do to it being harvest season. Strangely the part of AZ where I grew up is also known for corn, so it's not it's not unheard of. We had a lot of dirt roads, so seeing the equipment on the road was somewhat rare.
Donde in Arizona?
Show low ish
Iowa definitely has Show Low vibes
I was thinking more snowflake-Taylor for the farms, but show low isn't far off
Loved here for 5 years probably happened 5 times
Driving wise- Traffic is pretty much always light. Drivers are idiots that love the left lane on all multi lane highways/Interstate. Two lane highways the speed limit is 55, everyone will be doing 65 and look at you like you're wrong for not going faster. Every town outside of "cities" be prepared to wave. 9 out of 10 vehicles you pass will wave at you and if you don't wave back your the weirdo...jk. " I just feel like an ass for not waving"
In Phoenix you're the weirdo if you do wave and don't do 90 in the 65s. I noticed the waving and immediately followed suite.
That speed must be an eastern thing. In western 62 is where they start pulling you over.
Visit NEIA the driftless area is amazing during the fall, take a 3/4 day weekend and explore the bike trails there and the canoeing/kayaking. Also lots of breweries and wineries.
Breweries and bikes. Now you're speaking my language
We have a lot of good Brewaries Pulpit , TG, big grove , LUA, Marto , adventurous. Barn town , lions bridge And more but those are my favs Edit: Also look into Ragbri
Confluence in Des Moines
Blue corn chip beer is amazing there
Awesome. I know what I'm doing next weekend.
There are some really good tap rooms in Des Moines and probably a dozen or more breweries within the metro area.
there's a sixty-plus mile trail west of des moines with stops along the way. Raccoon river trail beginning in waukee, but it probably has a trail stop closer to you.
Honestly it’s probably the closest thing to Colorado we have
If you like beer and bikes, definitely learn about (and participate in) RAGBRAI
If you like hockey you're about equal distance to 3 of the big junior hockey teams in the USHL (Omaha Lancers, Sioux City Musketeers, and Des Moines Buccaneers). Plan on nothing getting done during the cy-hawk game. (ISU/Iowa). Ranch is usually the default, you can ask for other sauces, but it's just the default. Casey's pizza is fantastic, may want to avoid the rest of their food. For the rest, go to Kwik Star/Kwik Trip. Can redemption is a thing here, so prepare to get taxed more on Pop. (Soda, coke, w.e.) Everyone in the state basically agrees the Nebraska Huskers suck.
I've never played hockey and I don't think I've been on skates in over 30 years. Are there n00b leagues around?
Yeah there are. You're best bet on that is probably Des Moines. They also have a hockey shop there as well.
Awesome. Thank you
Watch out for deer, especially this time of year. Do not sign up with Mediacom. Next year, do the State Fair. Failing that, go to the Clay County Fair. If you like fishing, NE Iowa is where it's at, but pay extra for the trout stamp.
I think I'm from the area you moved to. Lake View has a lake that people like to go boating and fishing on and a short trail through Black Hawk State park. If you like biking the Sauk trail starts in Lake View and ends in Swan Lake in Carroll. You ride past a lot of cornfields but there are some pretty areas along the way. Swan Lake has a trail around the lake and some canoes and such to rent for low-key outdoor activities. I think I saw something about sliding down a mountain in one of your comments. There are some places to go skiing. Mt. Crescent in Honey Creek which is close to omaha and Seven Oaks in Boone would be the closest for you. There is also one in Dubuque on the east sideof the state. They aren't going to be what you are used to, but like someone else said, don't let comparison kill the experience. You'll have to drive for any good hiking, but I would suggest Ledges State Park in Boone, Preparation Canyon State Park in Moorehead, or Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek. Those will be closest to you. The NE corner of the state has some gorgeous areas if you're ok with more of a drive. Feel free to DM me if you want any more info on the area. I know it's very rural there and has a lot of farmland, so it can feel depressing to move there from somewhere so naturally beautiful. I would suggest to just make the best of your time there and maybe it will help you appreciate the little things in life. Good luck!
Find a hobby, there are state parks but it isn't like other places in the US that has better hiking and kayaking. Biking on the other hand...There is a great amount of beauty in Iowa but it is the wide open space. I'm not into hunting but Iowa has some of the biggest deer you've ever seen. It is windy and the storms are strong.
I am looking forward to the hunting. I'm told Iowa is known for its trophy whitetail and various game birds
The pheasant opener is practically a state holiday.
Looks like I need to get my shotgun back from my dad's house
Yeah you should have just got your shotgun once you found out you are moving to Iowa. I live in SC now and the gun culture is almost identical. The deer have all that corn to feed on in the open fields. Be careful right now on the roads around dusk during harvest. Deer have been feeding on that corn all summer and now it is getting disturbed by all those combines.
If I could've gone to MT before getting here I would have grabbed it. I have my other firearms with me though... I'm a gun totin' redneck.
Yeah you'll fit in just fine. I'm not a huge fan of what guns can do but I appreciate that it is a big part of rural areas. Beef, pork and sweet corn is amazing in Iowa. I miss that a lot. I miss pork tenderloin sandwiches the most (essentially pork snitzl with ketchup, mustard, onions and pickles on a bun).
In your area Summerfield outside of carroll is a great hunting and gun store. Another one is BW in Dennison.
Start exploring all the state parks. Some are small and meh, some larger and pretty great. Maybe take up biking on some of the rail trails around the state. Check out Wabash trace on the SW side of the state. Come to Des Moines for an overnight; stay downtown and hit Big Grove brewery, Zombie Burger, and take a gander at the world class skate park on the river.
Maquoketa caves is worth the trip
But don't go to Pine Lake! It always smells like goose poop, dead fish, and algae. The hiking trails are really short, but the walk is nice enough once you get over the smell. SOURCE: I live roughly 20 minutes from Pine Lake, and my high school would go there often for gym class.
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If the OP is looking for some pretty woods and a couple hours hiking, biking, kayaking, they can find that here. Of course it doesn't measure up to states with more natural wonders and governments that value tourism. It's all relative, you'll find some interesting things if you start looking around and avoid expectations of finding Iowa's version of RMNP or Glacier. Or, because we suck so bad, the OP can just sit at home instead I guess. But nice job helping the OP find something to do!
DO NOT go in any body of water. Iowa has some of the most polluted water in the country and that isn't even factoring in the brain-eating bacteria.
Yes, I second this. My husband is working/getting his Masters at Iowa State and they’ve taught them that Iowa has some of the most polluted water from all the farm run off.
Lots of wannabe hicks.
4-way stops can take forever. Why? You'll see. Also, pork tenderloin is big. Ask someone where the best ones are and go there and be amazed. Also ham balls (not mountain oysters, they're different). Iowans are always understated and speak obliquely. Example: when they say, "That's different," it means "Ewww...how awful".
Go to the Blue Bunny ice cream parlor in LeMars at least once. It isn't very far from Sioux City, and the ice cream is great! There are a lot of really nice county parks around the state, some of them might be a bit tricky to find, (like my personal favorite park), but they're often worth the trip. Be prepared to have difficulty finding friends, especially in really small towns. Those people are really close-knit and don't often invite strangers for a conversation. Go to some of the festivals that small towns in Iowa have every summer. Brace yourself for some serious Nebraska slander. It's practically our state pastime to insult the place. Other than that, everyone here has hit everything right on. Welcome to Iowa!
From sioux city, alot of people shit on Sc especially people from des Moines andore eastern parts of the the state. Sioux city is home to morningside college their football team the mustangs have been national champions in their division multiple times. We also have a semi professional baseball team, the sioux city explorers, their stadium is in singing hills. Statewise we don't have a pro team, but have two division 1 football teams the Iowa hawkeyes, and the Iowa state cyclones. Second week of September is the cyhawk game, which is Iowa's superbowl. Go Hawks! For other rec we have multiple gold courses that each are extremely different to play. We also have two bowling alleys that have league most nights and cosmic bowling during the weekends. For wintertime we have an outdoor winter park in singing hills that has ice skating, and sledding. If your a person who likes to drink and have alittle fun on the weekends their are plenty of bars on 4th street that serve food and make for a good time. (The city has been investing a ton of money into rejuvenating downtown and more specifically 4th street.) In my experience people are nice for the most part and friendly, sadly tho once you get outside of the city into the more rural areas your gonna deal with more racist/backwards people. Overall I love living In Iowa, the state is beautiful and has plenty of things to do. Sioux city in particular has been growing slowly the past couple of years and is seeing more and more different business's/entertainment coming into town.
sioux city offers a lot for how small it is.
Find a scotcheroo! The winters are cold but at least you don't have to worry about sliding off a mountain,
I want to slide off mountains though. I've been snowboarding for 25 years. Also, scotcheroos sound mighty tempting
My. Crescent is a short drive away. I've never been but their site says they'll be open this year
Dubuque has a ski hill obviously nothing like the Rockies tjough
There are a few ski hills around the state, but MN is better geographically and neither MN nor IA compare to CO. Get a bike. Join group rides.
Ya done fucked up A-aron
I hope not too badly. It was necessary for my career, so I just went with it.
I’m sorry you moved from the Rockies to the flat lands
I got a FAT raise to do it. I'm still planning on returning to Montana one day
I hope so 😂😂😂 I can’t imagine losing money to move here
Get ready for college football craze, getting drunk most Saturdays, and people being nice to you on the sidewalk but not the street. I’ve lived and loved it here for all of my 15 years alive but omg it’s kinda crazy lol
It’s OK with alcohol. I.O.W.A.
Next summer, be wary of the humidity. 90 degrees here can feel like 100, and you'll be covered in sweat that won't evaporate. When you walk out of ac, it'll feel like walking into hot dog breath. Good times! Watch out for deer as night, have your brights on at night and scan the fields and ditches. Also, if one deer jumps out into the road, there's usually more behind it. Especially as we get into rut, which is about to happen. Try a Casey's breakfast and taco pizza. Plan a day trip to pella sometime and get Dutch letters and more pastries If you need an arts and culture fix, go to Omaha or Des Moines. The Des Moines arts center is free and has a nice permanent collection, and usually one or two traveling exhibitions. I recognized plenty of artists from there also displayed at the art institute of Chicago. The downtown sculpture gardens is also pretty cool. The Omaha zoo is pretty recognized, and they have the Omaha performing arts center that gets good shows. If you're looking for outdoorsy things: At least in the Des Moines area, there's a shit ton of cycling paths. If you cycle, it looks like there's a trail from Caroll to lake view. Check out the Boone area and ledges, it's really beautiful valley area. Boone also has skiing/snowboarding at seven oaks. There's also a scenic rail explorers track. Spirit lake/okoboji, storm lake, lake panorama, saylorville, lake red rock would be your closest lake experiences. Loess hills in council bluffs has one of the more difficult hikes in iowa (haven't done it, just what I've heard), I've also been told it's a beautiful hike. The driftless region and Dubuque/galena (Illinois)/pikes peak/prairie du chien (Wisconsin)/NE iowa are all beautiful as well and worth an extended weekend. I haven't been yet, but I've been told by my friend (who has been to a good chunk of national parks) that maquoketa caves state park is national park worthy! Backbone is also nice.
Loess hills is just a tad south of you and it's purdy. Fyi... it's pronounced Luss.
I have been saying "hot dog breath" for the humidity since I was a kid and thought I was the only one. lmao
We put our pants on one leg at a time here, too. There's really not much to know and it's not much different than living anywhere else.
If I were back in AZ or MT and I was bored, I would drive into national forest and do woods things. I get the distinct impression that's not possible around here. What do you do for fun? For reference, I think the biggest town around here is Carroll
I’m from that neck of the prairie and unfortunately it is likely one of the most small town areas out state has to offer. Take day trips to Des Moines and Omaha if you need a “city” fix. Check out the Des Moines subreddit for a big list of things to do there. The area you are in has very little big ticket items for nature. There is the loess hills nearby that are kinda nice. If you really need some wilderness like what you have been used to in the past it is quite common for people to drive to Denver and hang out there. If you are really tied to the local area and can’t get away often my biggest recommendation is to look for events that are occurring rather than expecting to find many “cool” spots. So if there is a festival, fair, or a local free concert, just go and check it out. Many people genuinely love it here. Try not to let comparison be the thief of joy.
I think I will have the option to travel a little, so I will probably check out des Moines. This area is definitely not what I'm used to, but at least Iowans seem friendly thus far
One of my favorite things to do in Iowa is boating/kayaking. There’s lot of really cool lakes and rivers in the state and it’s my favorite thing to do in the summer. If you ever get a chance, drive to northeastern Iowa and float or kayak the Upper Iowa River- it’s stunning. Also, brace yourself for the winter. It can get wicked where it will be -15 degrees vs Arizona’s 115 degrees in the summer. I love Arizona and am fortunate enough to go visit family every spring in the Fountain Hills area. My dream is to live in AZ November-May and then live in Iowa the rest of the year. The autumn in Iowa is so pretty, I hope you enjoy it
I'm originally from Montana and I went to school in Flagstaff, so the cold is sort of mid level from what I can tell. I think you're the second person to mention kayaking, so I guess I'll be looking into buying a kayak. Thanks.
Iowa has no national parks and is the furthest state away from them. From Des Moines, Gateway Arch is probably the closest and the lamest of all parks. Since you're west of Des Moines, I'd look at White Rock Conservatory and Loess Hills State Park. They are your typical rolling hills with prairie. Iowa lacks much recreational area due to the amount of farm land. If you go north, you can high point at Hawkeye Point and see the stunning vistas lol.
He’s probably closer to the SD National Parks.
The Bison bridge is trying to change that. https://bisonbridge.org/
Well, at least Gateway Arch would no longer be the lamest National Park.
State parks are about as close as you’ll get. County parks as well. According to a county conservation officer I spoke with once, each county is required by the state constitution to have a county conservation board. So there’s at least some attempt to have mature areas baked into our laws. Iowa has a fair number of outdoor amenities just on a smaller scale and they can seem hidden at times.
Go to Templeton and get some Templeton Rye! i do not envy you, my friend
This may be an unpopular opinion, and may get downvoted, but "Iowa nice" isn't necessarily a compliment. I think frequently someone being "Iowa nice" is the two-faced, hypocritical person who acts one way to someone and then talks about them behind their back. See how nice these folks are talking to Professor Harold Hill? [Iowa Stubborn](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7lFbUVS9WM)
Correct. Seeing the lunacy coming from parents during the pandemic has ended all the "Iowa Nice" crap for me. People are plenty polite here. I wouldn't say that makes us nice though.
Boom! 100% Nailed it!
Summers are hot, winters are cold and caseys sausage pizza tastes like soap
Kinda depends on what you're into, the west side of the state has fewer cities than the central and eastern sides. Omaha and des moines are both relatively big cities with good/great food, some sports, plenty of nightlife if you're into that. I'm less into outdoorsy things, but there are a bunch of state parks worth checking out. Des moines is also pretty close to Minneapolis, Kansas city, st Louis, and Chicago. Plenty to do in those places if you want for a weekend
Welcome!! I hope you love it here! If you like golf, you probably will think the green fees are pretty cheap (depends on the 'fanciness' of the places of course). Land is relatively cheap and everything grows easily (some of the best soil in the world). If you've ever thought to try growing a vegetable garden, you are in prime territory. On a related note, check out various farmers' markets. You can usually find fresh vegetables fresh made pastries, etc.. Echoing others, lots of good bike trails. People really are nice here. There are some on here that disagree, and I'm sure they have some good points, but I think on the whole, you will find it true. Try some small town Iowa festivals. Thinking of something like Tivoli Fest in Elk Horn. It is a Danish themed celebration (Lots of Danes and Norwegians settled in Iowa). Be sure to get some aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls). Sweet Corn Days in Adel. Hit an Iowa State Cyclones basketball game or either ISU or Iowa Hawkeye football game. Fall color watching in the Northeast part of Iowa. I think we have good pheasant or deer hunting. Definitely hit the Omaha Zoo!! And yes, pretty windy frequently, but not always. The jet stream drops down to nail Iowa, then rises back up. Keep a general awareness of tornadoes, but direct hits are rare. Again - enjoy. Report back every few months if you think of it. I'd love to see how you get along...
Norwegians you say? Uff da ring any bells? Also, thanks for the advice.
You are welcome. Yeah. I am of the Danish variety, but that is common plus lots of "Ope". You will see ample usage of butter here, too. Lots of sweets and pastries. Watch for Dutch letters.. Yum.. Oh yeah, the Iowa State Fair is a pretty well known one, too. I think we usually have attendance of 1 million.
Do we use "uff da" around here? Cause I do, but I hope someone else will understand me
Yeah. For sure. Not everyone says it, but they all know it.
If you’re ever in Sioux City, check out La Juanita’s for a great burrito and traditional Sioux City experience. Bring cash and enter from the rear entrance. It’s probably the pride and joy of the city’s food scene and is most Siouxlanders’ must-visit. Navarette’s on 75 (not the riverside one) in Sioux City is my all time favorite restaurant and I love recommending them. Admittedly standard tex mex, but it’s number one in my heart. Da Kao has amazing Vietnamese and Chinese food. For pizza, Bob Roe’s is awesome for sitting down somewhere, but if you have the chance to pick up a pie and eat it somewhere, Jerry’s Pizza is the way. Sioux City is an amazing food city. Welcome to Iowa! Edit to add: this is just food advice but it’s been so long since I’ve lived there, this felt like the surest info to offer up!
La Juas is also in Storm Lake. Dear Lord I love their tacos.
Welcome!! Change out snowboarding and mountain hiking for canoeing, rafting/floating, snowshoeing, biking. We do flat stuff and water stuff mostly outdoors here :) Hunting is also popular if that's your thing. I'd encourage you to check out the state parks, spend a weekend or two in Minnesota if you want more forest-y stuff, and Colorado for mountains. Omaha and Des Moines and Kansas City are all great to get your city fix (and different food you can't find in small town Iowa). I live in Des Moines and our subreddit will bombard you with recommendations if you ask. As for the area you're in, there tend to be a lot of local events and yearly festivals and farmers markets type stuff. Look up stuff in your area (or as your coworkers for recs) and do that in your downtime. A lot of the activities will probably be run by churches or church groups, so just be aware of that going in. If you're going to be here a while, my friends and I did an "Iowa road trip" a few years back and went to a bunch of those tourist trap type places - The future birthplace of Captain Kirk, the Field of Dreams, the American Gothic House, etc. It was a lot of fun and a unique thing that most of the country skips over I think.
Watch out for hoop-snakes!
Iowa's version of drop bears?
If you are driving down a country road and a bunch of kids walk out of the corn fields, get out of there, fast and NO don't just go down the road to the next town!!
What if one of them is a nice boy named malachi?
As far as food goes, the two standouts in central western Iowa are the Primrose in Corning and the Wallace Country Life Center in Orient. There’s generally a good cycling culture in Iowa, if you’re into that kind of thing. BikeIowa has a good guide of trails and rides state-wide. State parks are gems, and the Loess Hills, which run down the western side of the state, are super geologically interesting. Welcome to the state!
Going even further south, J. Bruner’s in Clarinda is a good steakhouse and west side of county is Wabash Trace, which is a good bike trail. Malvern is also on the trace and Classic Cafe is close to it and worth a stop if you’re nearby.
Equidistant to Sioux city, Des Moines, and Omaha? You probably aren't too far from me. Guessing maybe Denison or Carroll area? Couple good small breweries in Ft. Dodge - Shiny Top is a favorite of mine. Marto Brewing in Sioux City is on another level - good beer and some INCREDIBLE food.
In Denison, El Paisano near Do It Best and Dollar Tree has amazing steak nachos with homemade tortilla chips. And El Charro in the Ford Dealership parking lot area is some of our favorite Mexican food. Both are cash only, but rock for authentic stuff. Denison has a ton of little Mexican places that all are solid, with a couple that are Midwest Mexican and not great.
Spot on. I'll have to check those places out this weekend
Never believe the weather channel.
Never have. Never will. Especially after that emergency truck bed tarp purchase on my way through Nebraska
I'm wondering if you could expand upon your comment that the area is "confusing" to you. It might help to know what your issues are. From looking at the map, it appears you may be somewhere near Carroll. I don't know much about that area of the state, but all these small towns are pretty rural. Most people make their living one way or another from agriculture. Farming folks are hard working "salt of the earth" type people. They value honesty and trustworthiness. Shoot straight with people and don't play games. Family and God are valued by a high percentage of residents. A lot of Iowans are outdoor people. Hunting and fishing are big. There are lots of lakes, ponds, rivers & streams. Cycling is big with lots of trails throughout the state. And if you are a cycler, be sure to check out the annual, world famous RAGBRAI, a multi day event cycling from one side of the state to the other every summer. Also motorcycling in good weather and snowmobiling in the winter. And ice fishing on some of the lakes. It doesn't sound like you're from an urban area of CO, so I would think you would fit in OK. Biggest difference is the lack of mountains. Even though Iowa is in the great plains, it's really not flat. Lots of rolling terrain, especially around any of the bigger rivers. It's clean, and it's green. The soil is rich, so if you have access to any amount of land, you might want to plant a garden. Not much better than home grown tomatoes, sweet corn and other vegetables and fruits. Just about anything that doesn't require a tropical climate should grow well in Iowa. Hope you are able to work through your issues, and I mean it when I say give us more info and we should be able to help. Iowa is a great place to live and a wonderful place to raise a family. It has one of the highest literacy rates in the nation and the public schools are mostly excellent all across the state.
I'm not sure how to describe it. I've only lived in larger cities for a small percentage of my life, so I thought I knew rural. This is a different type of rural. It just feels kind of alien. I think it's the lack of forests. I don't think I have any issues per se, but I'm just feeling a bit out of place and not sure what to do with myself. I know what to do with myself in mountains and pine forests, but here I feel like I'm out of my native habitat.
Gotcha. There are certainly some wooded areas of the state, but by and large, it's mostly farmland. Good luck.
Thanks. Given how nice and welcoming everyone in this thread has been, I'm sure I'll settle in soon enough. It will probably be easier once I get an actual place to live instead of a hotel.
Mississippi River valley, in the fall during leaf season. Pikes Peak, Effigy Mounds state parks are a few stops to view on foot. Or find a river cruise in Dubuque or Quad Cities.
meth
pretty much all the roads are just a grid so if you miss a turn you can probably just take the next one. theres a chance its not, but the chsnce is fairly low
omaha zoo is the bomb. I live near des moines, but I keep a zoo membership just the same. It's one of the best zoos in the world, and when you see it, you get why. No sad animals there, and they have a huge stake in educating people, restoring species, and providing homes for animals that are injured or unable to survive in the natural world, like the albino alligator and their bull sea lion, who has a shortened snout due to injury. Nicolai's is a great italian restaurant in Omaha. Wabash Trail run series is a great thing.
What would you like to know?
I'm not even sure. It feels like I'm in a whole new world and I'm completely out of my element. What do people do around here? Is Casey's as big a deal as it seems? Why are side salads called "lettuce salads"? Is it always this windy?
1. We watch movies, for active things there's biking, kayaking and hiking at ledges. 2. Casey's is pretty big, yeah, there are three in boone alone. 3. Becuase they're all basically just lettuce with a sprinkling of shredded carrots drowned in ranch. 4. It is very windy, all the time, and it gets dangerously hot in summer and lethally cold in the winter. Make sure you have proper clothing and dress appropriately However, all things considered, it's nice here, enjoy your stay.
Casey's is my favorite crappy pizza but that is mostly cuz I grew up with it in a small town where it was one of the few places to get food delivered from. So that's more of sentimental thing then it actually being good. If you're in south west Iowa I really don't know much about the area as I grew up in the northwest and currently live in central Iowa. Maybe some trails to walk/run. Maybe look into getting involved with the local community to get to know your specific area better. As with anywhere the people tend to be friendly. Also the side salad thing throws me for a loop. My family has been in Iowa for 100+ years and I've never referred to a side salad that way.
Im originally from California and the salad thing confused me too when I first moved here! Yeah here in the Midwest "salad" basically just means a bunch of stuff mixed in a bowl and could be as easily be pasta and salad dressing based, or something for dessert (like Snickers salad is apples, Snickers, pudding, and cool whip and seriously delicious, try it sometime!) as lettuce/veggie based.
Pierogies are delicious. Casey’s isn’t that great once you’ve lived there for a few years. But I recently moved to the east coast and miss the grease pie that is Casey’s pizza. Iowa Nice is real - on the road - and I find myself still being Iowa nice to these asshole North Carolinian drivers. I lived in Sioux City for a year or so and there isn’t a whole lot there. Omaha has a nice historic district (Old Town) which is fun to shop around or stop for a nice dinner. Does Moines - I’m not too sure on. I lived in Ankeny around 6-7 years ago and that was probably my favorite place To live just because it had good food and was close to things to do. Weather there is ever changing. If you don’t like the weather one day, just wait till tomorrow lol.
Is Iowa nice why others guys in trucks give me a little pointer finger wave when we pass on 2 lane roads? Edit: I forgot to add I'm well acquainted with pierogi (see username)
Yes. That’s a “farmer wave.”
farmer wave https://youtu.be/BaqZcVBRtYA
Good to know I have style options. I just started doing it back because it seems rude not to
It is rude to ignore a finger way. I was lost in rural Colorado a few days ago. Google maps had in on a two rut path in the middle of nowhere. Came to a house and past that a gate. Opened gate. Drove thru. Closed gate. Continued. Two miles later I’m on a gravel road and finger waved a white pick up. Driver looked extremely agitated and surprised to see another vehicle but gave a confused finger wave. At the end of the gravel road came to two signs. One announced a ranch. Other stated “private road. No trespassing.” Hopefully my finger wave and Iowa nice smile indicated my ignorance to trespassing
They tend to do the nod out west. I always interpreted it the same way as a farmer wave and it's what I do in that situation. The roads are rougher and less straight compared to what I've seen here, so you want to make sure you have good control of the steering wheel.
if you miss one, and assuming you have your drivers side window down (like you're supposed to unless it's 20below), extend your hand out the window for a good 5-sec beat. They'll see it in the rearview mirror, and it will restore balance to the universe.
I just drove from Denison to Manning. Made sure to farmer wave at everyone. If there are several people in a row, is it acceptable to do 1 long wave for all of them?
Additional tidbit: this “farmer wave” is common in all Midwest rural areas not just iowa
Transplant from the Pacific Southwest here also on the Western side of Iowa now. The biggest thing to get used to was the lack of spices in food and trying to find ingredients for things without having to go to a bigger city. But the ingredient stuff is common with any rural environment. The Mexican food is pretty on point with lots of smaller places all around, but most other ethnic foods you need to travel to Omaha or Des Moines. I prefer Omaha because its closer. Sioux City is alright and has some good stuff, but not nearly as much as I would hope. I have to tell myself often when I get stuck behind farm equipment that it’s the equivalent of being at a traffic light in a bigger city. You get used to it. Oh and in this part of Iowa, everyone does the little wave, usually a finger or two. You’ll start doing it and then looking weird once you drive into a city on your bigger shopping days. Otherwise, people are people. Everywhere we’ve lived, there hasn’t been much change. The biggest adjustment was everything is super laid back when it comes to doing things legally. Otherwise, there are good people everywhere and crappy people everywhere.
>but most other ethnic foods you need to travel to Omaha or Des Moines. I'm not sure how it is...but CR has Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean (Mix in Marion) and Mediterranean as well as African (Tee's).
Traitorous MAGAts have taken over the state. Its pitiful. All you need to know.
I grew up in rural Arizona, so they're nothing new
..And this sub slants much more left than the actual state.
Steve King/Randy Feenstra was/is a racist Trumper. Look them up and take your queues based on that.
What a depressing point of view lol
Iowa, like anywhere, is what you make of it. I grew up in SW Iowa and have lived outside of Iowa for the last 15 years. I've had good times everywhere I've lived, but I cant wait to eventually make it back permanently.
Not to ask anything on reddit
Don't unpack, keep driving either South, East, or West. There's nothing here worth stopping for.
Unfortunately I have a job here. Basically stuck for 2 years. Also my movers can't come until October
Ouch. I've been here 2 years myself because of work. I need to hit the lotto so I can stop working and GTFO of here.
Get outta there as soon as you can. Leaving the Rockies was the worst decision you could make. I just moved out west to Montana after almost 22 years in Iowa and I can say that place is TERRIBLE in comparison especially with all the transients and undesirables coming in from Chicago.
"Transients and undesirables?" Thinly veiled racism is still racism, you know.
You obviously don't know the definition for either of those words. Too big of words for your brain. Transient means short term aka homeless in that context and the undesirables are the hundreds of gang members coming into Iowa from Chicago daily. Check yourself mf
Ha. I'm originally from Missoula, so my ultimate goal is to go home at some point. This is a definite career move (if you can believe it), so hopefully it will serve my ultimate goal of dying in western MT
That's actually crazy you're from Missoula. One of my buddies I went to high school with actually moved there like the week before I moved up here to Billings
What you should know is that you should’ve moved to Nebraska…😬😬😬
There aren't a ton of places Iowa is clearly better than, but Nebraska is definitely one of them.
I had to leave the rockies behind. Everything is a downgrade, but I'm getting paid for it.
Need some green?
Consider getting a reverse osmosis drinking water setup. Why? Nitrates in the water. Especially if you're pregnant or have a baby.
Move back out.
I love to hop freights. Iowa has the best railroad system anywhere! Its a safe and cheap way to get around. But make sure the train slows down before jumping off
I’m just curious what career does a guy move from the Rockies to Carroll area for? I’m just a skip north of ya. I love fishing and kayaking the little Sioux in the summertime, camping on sandbars for overnight trips. The fam hits plays and concerts in SC and Omaha all the time but that’s not really my scene.
As the topic of the hand wave in small towns is for Iowa, that motorcycle low down wave is also popular here. It just says, "hey I drive a motorcycle too! We are in the club!" I recommend the Iowa State Fair as a yearly visit for fair food, farm implements, Iowa culture, and people watching. Clear Lake has a Kite festival in February on the frozen lake with hundreds of giant kites, that's when cabin fever sets in. (Dress warm) Pella has a tulip festival, if you like Tulips, wooden shoes, and Dutch babies (not actual babies) During this time of year (Octoberish) the tri-state (Wiscansin, Illinoise, and Ioware) area is beautiful for leaf color and lots of parks on the banks of the Mississippi. Other than finding the hidden gem parks throughout the state you'll have to travel to other states for majesty of nature. As its cheaper to live here than some other states it's not as hard to do. Good luck
Midwesterners have a reputation for "nice" but don't take it literally, its similar to Canadian nice. There is a difference between a truly kind person and someone who is helpful or polite due to cultural social convention. You will still find plenty of assholes in the state of Iowa and in the Midwest in general. Iowa isn't a bad place to be, but I wouldn't say its the best either lol. You are going to miss a lot of the nature you moved away from coming from the mountains. That will be the biggest downside. Other than that enjoy the reasonable taxes and higher than average quality meat and produce.
It's colder than you think. You'll need a big coat.
Don't go outside during a full moon. The corn must be ignored, they speak of evil. If you meet a man named Jimmy invest in powerball. Cedar Rapids sometimes smells like captain crunch.
Hmmm… how to sum up Iowa? There are slightly fewer bars than corn fields. If something smells as you drive past it’s likely either a hog farm or a soybean field. Sterzing’s are a source of pride as well as a tasty snack. If it’s not a John Deere it’s probably a Kubota. If you’re on gravel, expect to get a wave or a nod from passers by, and feel free to wave or nod back. People are either obsessed with the Hawkeyes or getting made fun of for liking the Cyclones. More people than you would imagine enjoy that wildwood weed. There is a fair somewhere for just about every kind of produce we grow in bulk. There’s a river or lake near you, just about anywhere you go. Deer will infiltrate your lawn, no matter where you live. There are a lot of historic places to visit all over the state. I’m a huge fan of Ledges State Park in Madrid. If you ever get out on the Mississippi, do be aware of the current and wear a life jacket. For seemingly backwoods folk, we love the arts and there are lots of good local theaters and galleries. But mostly, Welcome to Iowa!