Iowa has such a wide variety of authentic dining options. From Italian to Danish to German to Dutch to Asian to Middle Eastern food and more, there’s something for every palate in the Hawkeye State. But the one place all these flavors come together for perhaps the most diverse culinary experience in the state is at the Iowa State Fair each summer in Des Moines.

The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in the Corn State each year, attracting more than a million people to Des Moines each summer. It features the best of the state: best agriculture, best industry, best entertainment... and best food.
Iowa State Fair / Facebook
In fact, the Iowa State Fair is such a unique and amazing food destination that it was even featured on the Cooking Channel!
Iowa State Fair / Facebook
You can watch it for yourself if you time it right. It's Season 9, Episode 12 of the show "Bizarre Foods, Delicious Destinations."
The show specifically notes the fresh, locally grown sweet corn, baked sausage cavatelli, Dutch letter pastries, and the dizzying array of sandwiches including fried pork tenderloin, loose ground beef, and the iconic Italian Gizmo.
Iowa State Fair / Facebook
We'll add to all that flavors from every corner of the world...
Iowa State Fair / Facebook

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... as well as the traditional Iowa fair food: corn dogs, cheese curds, eggs on a stick.
Iowa State Fair / Facebook
Plus, there are the brand new yearly features, which always include all sorts of unusual combinations that you can only find right here on good old Iowa soil.
Iowa State Fair / Facebook
It's not just lunch and dinner food for sale at the fair, either, although that abounds.
Iowa State Fair / Facebook
Thirsty? Try a local craft beer.
Iowa State Fair / Facebook
Looking to indulge your sweet tooth? The Iowa State Fair has you covered.
Iowa State Fair / Facebook

To learn more about that Cooking Channel feature, visit their website here. To keep track of the Iowa State Fair, and all that fair food, follow their Facebook page here. Have you ever sampled the dishes at the Iowa State Fair, a diverse and unique culinary experience in the U.S.? What kind of Iowa Fair food is your favorite?

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Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA