What You’ll Find In These 15 Small Towns In Iowa May Surprise You

The Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake is one of Iowa's coolest and most unique venues. It's absolutely filled with history, but so many people haven't been there or don't know it exists! The Surf Ballroom has seen countless famous musicians put on shows in the venue, most famously hosting Buddy Holly's last performance before his tragic death. In 2009, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame dedicated the ballroom as a rock and roll landmark, and it's truly something worth seeing at least once in your life.

Le Mars, the Ice Cream Capital of the World, is home to Wells Dairy, which is most famous for its line of Blue Bunny ice cream. The Blue Bunny ice cream barn is a big attraction that brings many people to the small town of Le Mars.

Located in the small town of Dyersville, the famous movie "Field of Dreams" was filmed here. Nowadays, the film site is a popular spot for visitors from in-state and out-of-state alike.

The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend is considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Grotto is a religious shrine that was painstakingly created by a priest back in 1912, in a construction that lasted 42 years. It's the largest grotto in the world, and it's also the largest collection of gemstones in one place.

Grant Wood, one of the most well-known artists of our time, was from none other than Anamosa, Iowa. His most famous work,"American Gothic" featured the house shown above, forever making it an iconic image for people across the world.

On May 26, 1907, a legend was born in the tiny town of Winterset, Iowa. John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison, got his beginnings here before moving on to become one of the most iconic Western film stars of all time.

The 31st president of the United States got his humble beginnings in the tiny town of West Branch, Iowa, where he was born in August of 1874.

The famous musician, Glenn Miller, was born in this house on March 1, 1904. Since then, the house has been turned into a museum, where visitors can check out what the house looked like when Glenn was born in 1904.

In March of 2228, our favorite Star Trek character, Captain Kirk, will be born in Riverside, Iowa. Iowa isn't just making history, we're making the future, too.

Arnold's Park, built in 1889, is one of the country's oldest amusement parks, and a longtime favorite of all who visit it. The park is known especially for its old wooden rollercoaster, The Legend.

What road trip would ever be complete without making an honorary stop at the worlds largest truck stop: Iowa 80 in Walcott. You could practically live here. There’s a dentist!

Sac City, Iowa is home to the world's largest popcorn ball, which weighs 3,100 pounds. This record-breaking ball of popcorn is worth the visit if you're ever in the area.

The worlds largest strawberry, in Strawberry Point, weighs 1,430 pounds and stands 15 feet high, 12 feet across.