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Quizzes > Geography

Iowa trivia: test your knowledge of history, places, and fun facts

Quick Iowa quiz on history and landmarks. Instant results and helpful facts.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Anna FuentesUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz invitation on Iowa trivia featuring landmarks, history, fun facts on sky blue background.

This Iowa trivia quiz helps you check what you know about the state's history, landmarks, and fun facts. Answer quick questions, see where you shine, and pick up new details along the way. Want more regional challenges? Try Illinois trivia or take a quick Wisconsin quiz next.

What is the capital of Iowa?
Des Moines
Sioux City
Cedar Rapids
Davenport
Des Moines has been Iowa's capital since 1857 and is the state's most populous city. It serves as the political and cultural center of Iowa. The city was originally called Fort Des Moines when founded by the U.S. Army in 1843.
Which river forms Iowa's eastern border?
Colorado River
Mississippi River
Ohio River
Missouri River
The Mississippi River runs along Iowa's eastern boundary, separating it from Wisconsin and Illinois. It is the second-longest river in North America and a key waterway for commerce. The river's floodplain also supports rich ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
What is Iowa's state nickname?
The Cornhusker State
The Golden State
The Hawkeye State
The Buckeye State
Iowa is known as 'The Hawkeye State' in honor of Chief Black Hawk, a leader of the Sauk tribe. The nickname was adopted in 1838. It reflects Iowa's Native American heritage and appears on the state's license plates and official symbols.
In what year did Iowa become a state?
1838
1865
1846
1850
Iowa was admitted to the Union on December 28, 1846, becoming the 29th state. The admission followed rapid settlement driven by fertile farmland. Statehood marked Iowa's transition from territory to official state government.
Which city is the largest by population in Iowa?
Sioux City
Davenport
Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Des Moines is Iowa's largest city with a metro population exceeding 600,000. It functions as the state's principal hub for business, government, and culture. Census data consistently show Des Moines leading in population among Iowa cities.
What is the official state flower of Iowa?
Prairie lily
Cornflower
Wild rose
Goldenrod
The wild rose (Rosa arkansana) was designated Iowa's state flower in 1897. This hardy shrub thrives in Iowa's varied soils. The wild rose blooms with pink petals and is a common sight in the state's prairies and roadsides.
Who became the first female governor of Iowa?
Terry Branstad
Chet Culver
Kim Reynolds
Tom Vilsack
Kim Reynolds succeeded as Iowa's first female governor in 2017. She had served as lieutenant governor since 2011. Reynolds won election in her own right in 2018 and again in 2022.
What popular annual event is held in Des Moines and draws hundreds of thousands?
River Roots Live
National Hobo Convention
Pella Tulip Festival
Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair is held each August in Des Moines and attracts over a million visitors yearly. It features agriculture exhibits, music concerts, food competitions, and grandstand shows. It's one of the largest state fairs in the nation.
What is the state motto of Iowa?
Ad Astra per Aspera
Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
Forward
Iowa adopted the Latin motto 'Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain' in 1847. It reflects the state's emphasis on individual freedom and civic responsibility. The motto appears on the state seal and official documents.
Which famous movie was filmed in Dyersville, Iowa?
American Graffiti
Twister
Field of Dreams
The Bridges of Madison County
Many iconic scenes of 'Field of Dreams' (1989) were filmed at a baseball diamond built in a cornfield near Dyersville. The site remains a tourist attraction known as the Field of Dreams Movie Site. The film popularized Dyersville globally.
What is the name of the university located in Iowa City known for its Writers' Workshop?
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of Iowa
Drake University
The University of Iowa Writers' Workshop, founded in 1936, is the first creative writing degree program in the U.S. It has produced numerous Pulitzer Prize and Nobel laureates. Its prestigious reputation draws writers worldwide.
Which county in Iowa is known for its 19 covered bridges made famous by a 1995 film?
Madison County
Johnson County
Polk County
Linn County
Madison County's covered bridges were immortalized by the novel and 1995 film 'The Bridges of Madison County.' While only a few original bridges remain, they draw romance tourists annually. The county celebrates its heritage with festivals and walking tours.
The Amana Colonies in Iowa were founded by which religious group?
Quakers
Community of True Inspiration
Roman Catholics
Amish
The Amana Colonies were established in the 1850s by the German Pietist sect called the Community of True Inspiration. They created a communal society centered on agriculture and crafts. The villages now preserve communal buildings and artisanal crafts.
What unique geological formation is found in western Iowa along the Missouri River?
Sandhills
Driftless Area
Badlands
Loess Hills
The Loess Hills are wind-deposited silt hills that form a narrow ridge along Iowa's western border. They extend about 200 miles and showcase steep bluffs and unique prairie ecosystems. They are a National Natural Landmark with trails and parks.
Which U.S. President was born in West Branch, Iowa?
Harry Truman
Herbert Hoover
Dwight Eisenhower
Ronald Reagan
Herbert Hoover, the 31st U.S. President, was born in West Branch, Iowa in 1874. His childhood home and presidential library are part of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The site educates visitors on his life and presidency.
What is the name of the popular tulip festival held annually in Pella, Iowa?
Des Moines Tulip Festival
Dutch Days
Flowerstock
Pella Tulip Time
Pella Tulip Time began in 1935 to celebrate the town's Dutch heritage and features millions of blooming tulips. The five-day festival includes parades, traditional dances, and Dutch costumes. It attracts visitors nationwide each spring.
The Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa preserves ancient mounds shaped like what?
Fortresses
Pyramids
Animals
Human figures
Effigy Mounds National Monument protects over 200 prehistoric earthworks, many shaped like birds and bears. Built by Native American cultures between 650 and 1200 CE, the mounds served ceremonial and burial purposes. The park maintains trails that showcase these unique forms.
What year was the Iowa State Fair first held?
1854
1880
1868
1901
The inaugural Iowa State Fair took place in 1854 in Fairfield before moving to its current Des Moines location in 1886. It began as a livestock showcase and has since expanded to food, agriculture, and entertainment exhibits. It maintains traditions like butter sculptures and youth competitions.
Which Iowa city is known as the 'City of Five Seasons'?
Iowa City
Dubuque
Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids adopted the motto 'City of Five Seasons' in 1960 to symbolize a time for reflection and enjoyment. The 'fifth season' represents the added quality of life that comes from community and culture. Signs and public art in the city emphasize this branding.
What is the primary industry in northwest Iowa's region known as the Loess Hills?
Manufacturing
Tourism
Agriculture
Mining
While the Loess Hills attract tourists, the primary industry in the surrounding northwest Iowa region is agriculture. Fertile soils support corn, soybean, and livestock production. Family farms and agribusiness are central to the local economy.
In what town is the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site located?
Cedar Rapids
West Branch
Des Moines
Iowa City
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is situated in West Branch, Iowa, the birthplace of the 31st president. It includes his childhood home, presidential library, and genealogy research center. The park preserves Hoover's early life and legacy.
What is Iowa's state soil?
Shelby series
Webster series
Miami series
Des Moines series
The Shelby series was designated Iowa's official state soil in 1984. It is a fertile, well-drained loam found extensively in central Iowa's agricultural regions. Shelby soil supports high crop yields and illustrates Iowa's farming heritage.
Which major trail runs through southern Iowa connecting to the Katy Trail in Missouri?
Raccoon River Valley Trail
Great Western Trail
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
American Discovery Trail
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a 63-mile rail-trail that extends from Council Bluffs to the Missouri border, where it meets the Katy Trail. It follows a former railroad corridor and is popular for biking and hiking. The route showcases Iowa's rural landscapes.
Approximately how many acres does the Loess Hills region cover in Iowa?
200,000 acres
1,000,000 acres
50,000 acres
640,000 acres
The Loess Hills extend along Iowa's western border for about 200 miles and cover roughly 640,000 acres. These wind-deposited silt hills form a unique geologic region designated a National Natural Landmark. They support rare plant communities and steep terrain in the heartland.
The Iowa caucuses are held before presidential primaries primarily for what purpose?
To propose state constitutional amendments
To elect county officials
To pass local laws
To allocate delegates to parties' national conventions
Iowa caucuses serve as the first major contest in the U.S. presidential nominating process. Party members gather to discuss and select candidates, ultimately allocating delegates to national conventions. The results can boost a candidate's visibility and momentum.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Historical Milestones of Iowa -

    Recall major events and figures that shaped Iowa's past, strengthening your grasp of Iowa trivia and state history.

  2. Identify Famous Iowa Landmarks -

    Identify well-known sites and attractions across the Hawkeye State, linking each landmark to its cultural or historical significance.

  3. Analyze Quirky Fun Facts -

    Analyze a variety of entertaining trivia about Iowa's people, places, and traditions to boost your familiarity with trivia about Iowa.

  4. Differentiate Fact from Fiction -

    Differentiate between common myths and verified information about Iowa, ensuring you can discern accurate state of Iowa trivia.

  5. Assess Your Iowa Trivia Proficiency -

    Assess your current knowledge level through targeted questions and pinpoint areas for further exploration in iowa trivia questions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Statehood & "Hawkeye" Origin -

    Iowa joined the Union as the 29th state on December 28, 1846 (National Archives). A handy mnemonic is "29-46" pictured as interstate shields crossing over the Mississippi - perfect for acing any iowa trivia question on statehood. The nickname "Hawkeye" comes from Chief Black Hawk and was popularized by early surveyor James Edwards (Iowa.gov).

  2. King Corn: Top Producer -

    Iowa consistently ranks #1 in U.S. corn production, yielding over 2.5 billion bushels in 2022 (USDA). To remember its dominance, think "I Owe A lot of corn" as a playful mnemonic for your next round of iowa trivia questions. This powerhouse status supports biofuels, livestock feed, and global exports.

  3. First”in”the”Nation Caucus -

    Since 1972, Iowa's presidential caucus kicks off every election year, giving the state outsized political influence (Iowa Democratic Party). You can recall its timing by noting "Iowa in January" with each even-numbered year - an essential fact for any politics-themed iowa trivia. This unique process draws thousands of grassroots participants statewide.

  4. Field of Dreams: Pop Culture Landmark -

    The iconic baseball diamond from the 1989 film "Field of Dreams" stands near Dyersville and attracts over 150,000 visitors annually (National Park Service). Remember it as "Where if you build it, they will come," a phrase you can link to your memory palace when quizzed on trivia about iowa landmarks. The site doubles as a living museum that blends cinema history with Midwestern charm.

  5. Iowa Writers' Workshop: Literary Legacy -

    Founded in 1936 at the University of Iowa, the Writers' Workshop is the oldest creative writing program in the U.S. and boasts dozens of Pulitzer, National Book Award, and Nobel laureates (University of Iowa). For an easy recall trick, connect "I”O”W”A" to "Inspiring Outstanding Writers Always." This program has produced luminaries like Kurt Vonnegut and Flannery O'Connor.

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