Whether Iowa is your hometown, a place you love to visit, or you’re just looking to increase your knowledge of the American states. It’s time to see how much you know with this Iowa trivia challenge!
Iowa is a Midwestern state that’s as charming as it is diverse. With a population of over three million, it’s home to fertile farmland, picturesque small towns, and exciting attractions.
The state is famous for its influential role in American politics. This, along with its rich history, has helped to provide many modern-day opportunities for the people who live there.
If you are ready to delve into the 29th state, we shall begin!
It’s time to make a start on this first section of our Iowa trivia.
Iowa is a unique and wonderful state, known for its agricultural production, prestigious universities, and stunning natural landscapes.
From rolling hills to towering bluffs along Cedar Creek, and famous figures to delicious cuisine, Iowa is a fascinating place to discover.
Are you ready to learn more?
Let’s go!
1: What is the state bird of Iowa?
American Goldfinch.
2: Which 1993 movie starring Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio was set in Iowa?
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?
3: What city is the capital of Iowa, and the state's largest city?
Des Moines.
4: What is Iowa's nickname?
The Hawkeye State.
5: In which city will you find the National Czech and Slovak Museum?
Cedar Rapids.
6: What is the state food of Iowa?
Sweet Potato.
7: Which of Iowa's state parks is the largest?
Gitchie Manitou State Preserve.
8: Who was the first female governor of Iowa?
Kim Reynolds.
9: Iowa is the leading producer of which meat in America?
Pork.
10: Which Iowa restaurant made the dish Steak de Burgo famous?
Johnny and Kay’s.
History of Iowa Trivia Questions
Are you ready to be tested on Iowa’s complex history that stretches back thousands of years?
Before European settlement, the region was home to several indigenous tribes, including the Meskwaki and the Sauk.
Throughout its history, Iowa has been shaped by a variety of factors, and today, it is a vibrant state brimming with cultural heritage that continues to evolve and grow.
So, let’s find out how much you can remember about the history of Iowa.
Here we go!
1: Which European country claimed Iowa as part of its territory in the 17th century?
France.
2: What year was the first European settlement founded in Iowa?
1788.
3: How many soldiers did Iowa contribute to the Civil War?
Seventy-five-thousand.
4: What year did Iowa become a state?
1846.
5: Arabella Mansfield was the first female what in Iowa?
First female lawyer.
6: How many people from Iowa were awarded the Medal of Honor for their contributions to the Civil War?
Twenty-seven.
7: What year was the first-ever Iowa State Fair held?
1854.
8: How many people were killed by tornadoes in Iowa in 2008?
Twelve.
9: How many presidentially declared disasters did Iowa experience between 1990 and 2022?
Forty-seven.
10: What is the name of the oldest building in Iowa? Bonus point if you know the year it was built.
Louis Arriandeaux Log House - built in 1827.
Places of Interest in Iowa Trivia Questions
There truly are some incredibly majestic places you can visit in Iowa.
This is one of America’s more inexpensive places to live and visit, perfect for those traveling on a budget.
Many of the attractions have free entry, such as the State Historical Museum of Iowa, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, and Des Moines Art Centre.
You can also opt to enjoy some of Iowa’s great outdoors. Why not take a hike in Pea’s Creek Canyon, or go for a swim in Racoon River?
Are you ready to discover a few hidden gems?
Let’s start.
1: What is the name of the house in Eldon that inspired the painting American Gothic?
Dibble house.
2: What year was the historic theme park Adventureland restored and reopened to the public?
1993.
3: What is the name of the annual Dutch heritage festival held in Pella?
Tulip Time Festival.
4: Which Iowa museum won the Corridor Business Journal Coolest Place to Work award in 2020?
The Iowa Children's Museum.
5: How many years did it take Father Paul Dobberstein to construct The Shrine Of the Grotto of the Redemption?
Forty-two years.
6: How many days does the Iowa State Fair run for?
Ten days.
7: What is the full name of the zoo located in Des Moines, Iowa?
Blank Park Zoo.
8: How many acres is Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden?
Twelve acres.
9: What is the second oldest museum in the United States, west of the Mississippi River?
The University of Iowa Museum of Natural History.
10: Which park, established in 1936, is known to be one of the most photographed places in Iowa?
Pikes Peak State Park.
Famous Faces from Iowa Trivia Questions
Who knew there were so many celebrities from Iowa?!
From teen heartthrob Ashton Kutcher to Golden Age icon John Wayne, Iowa has birthed its fair share of talent.
It’s time to test your celebrity knowledge as we enter the fourth round of our Iowa trivia.
Let’s go!
1: What was the name of Elija Wood's character in The Lord of the Rings trilogy?
Frodo Baggins.
2: How many Teen Choice Awards has Ashton Kutcher won?
Fourteen.
3: What year was John Wayne born?
1907.
4: What did Shawn Johnson win an Olympic Gold medal for at the 2008 Beijing Olympics?
Balance beam.
5: Which television series did Lara Flynn Boyle play the role of Donna Hayward?
Twin Peaks.
6: Which Iowa-born politician was the 31st President of the United States?
Herbert Hoover.
7: What is artist Grant Wood’s most iconic piece of work?
American Gothic.
8: How old was author Mildred Wirt Benson when she passed away in 2002?
Ninety-six.
9: What university did Nobel Peace Prize-Winning agronomist Norman Borlaug attend?
So, how was your Iowa trivia knowledge? Did you sail through the questions, or did you fall as flat as a day-old sour cream and raisin pie? Keep the fun going with another trivia!
