7 Hills Every Iowan Is Willing To Die On

Iowa is a unique place, with the four corners of the state each having its own distinct culture. But if there’s one thing that brings all Hawkeye State residents together, it’s when someone from the other 49 is wrong about Iowa! Ranging from food, to travel, to history, to annual events, these seven hills to die on are guaranteed to rouse some pride about life in Iowa and lead to some active debates. But one thing is for sure – no matter where you land on these discussions, they’re sure to get people more interested in exploring Iowa’s unique culture – and finding out for themselves!

Glane23/Wikipedia

The pork tenderloin sandwich is probably Iowa's most iconic food - but if you ask most people, if it's not spilling off the bun it's not a proper pork tenderloin sandwich! That's just one of the simple facts about Iowa. The inspiration here was likely the pounded-flat German schnitzel.

Bill Whittaker/Wikipedia

Yes, everyone knows about John Deere, which was founded in Illinois - but Deere was the successor to John Froelich, who invented the first model in 1892. A museum can still be found in Froelich, Iowa.

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Amana Colonies

Amana is the hub of German heritage in Iowa, and that's never true more than in October. This massive festival of music, food, and games turns the town into a giant party, and it's the most authentic Oktoberfest outside of Germany.

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Iowa State Fair/Wikipedia

The state fair every summer is a massive event, filling Des Moines with excited tourists looking to ride the rides, see the music - and try whatever bizarre fried foods have been invented this year! It's a uniquely Iowa event, and one of the nation's biggest.

Junk Food Living/Wikipedia

The taco pizza, which replaces the standard Italian seasonings with ground beef and Mexican spices, was reportedly invented right here in Iowa by Happy Joe's Pizza in Bettendorf. It's now served all around the country!

TravelIowa

Sure, outsiders think of farmland when they talk about living in Iowa - but they've never been to West Okoboji Lake! From this massive lakeside resort to the many peaceful towns along the Mississippi river, Iowa residents have no shortage of places to enjoy the water.

Jonathunder/Wikipedia

Whether you call it a tavern sandwich or a loose-meat Sandwich, it's very much its own thing - and you definitely had one growing up in Iowa. Forget the messy tomato sauce that a sloppy joe comes with - this is as simple as it comes. Griddled ground beef, a smear of mustard on the bun, and any other toppings you want. It's a little messy - but incredibly delicious.

Where do you fall on these truths about life in Iowa? Let us know your opinion in the comments section! If you want to find out for yourself, make sure to visit the Amana Oktoberfest and Iowa State Fair websites to plan your trip to next year’s events. And if you want to try one of Iowa’s most iconic foods, why not try it in this unique restaurant in an alley? And be sure to show your pride in your Iowa roots whenever you leave the house!