Iowa’s industrial sector is thriving, with countless major companies having manufacturing plants in the Hawkeye State. But not many of those are Iowa-born-and-made products – with one major exception. If there’s a first name in RVs and camper vans, it’s probably Winnebago – synonymous with massive home-away-from-home vehicles that make going on the road a dream. The company was founded in Forest City in 1958, and while its corporate headquarters is currently in Minnesota, its largest city is still right where it all began with a second location in Lake Mills. And both of these factories are open for tours for those who want to explore Iowa’s unique role in motorhome history.

Ah, Winnebago. The ultimate luxury motorhome - and it's an Iowa original, first built here in Forest City.
Winnebago/Facebook
And if you want to learn more about this unique Hawkeye State vehicle, you can head to the original Forest City factory location for a tour of the facilities.
Winnebago/Facebook
This isn't just any manufacturing facility - it's the largest RV factory in the world, far outstripping any of its competitors in the sector.
Winnebago/Facebook
You can get up close and personal with these massive vehicles as they're constructed and tested, with on-site experts ready to answer any questions.
Winnebago/Facebook

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You can even get an inside look at both small and large Winnebagos before they go out to the public.
Winnebago/Facebook
There are many Winnebago models, designed for different budgets and family sizes, and they're all on display here.
Winnebago/Facebook
When you're done with the factory tour, head to the visitors' center, which doubles as a small museum about the company's history.
Tom P/TripAdvisor
You can even get a look into the past - in the form of some unique shag carpeting that used to be found in 1970s models!
ELS20/TripAdvisor

Have you been to the Winnebago factory and museum? Let us know what you thought of this unique factory tour in Iowa in the comments section. If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling your own tour, you can find everything you need on the Winnebago website. For more Iowa transportation history, check out the birthplace of the gas tractor.

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Winnebago Industries Inc, 605 W Crystal Lake Rd, Forest City, IA 50436, USA