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Tours

1. My-owa Tours

   • Iowa Icons

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     1. Jewel Box Bank

        Louis Sullivan Jewel Box Bank, Grinnell, IA, USA
        
        Built in 1914 by Louis Sullivan, mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright, the iconic Jewel Box Bank is one of only 8 like it across the Midwest. Currently home to the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce!

     2. Unexpected Art

        L.J. Maasdam's Wheel Art, South 48th Avenue East, Grinnell, IA, USA
        
        L. J. Maasdam’s 60-ft wagon wheel sculpture, between Sully and Grinnell off I-80.

     3. Tulip Time Festival

        Pella, IA, USA
        
        Stop to smell the flowers at the annual Tulip Time Festival in Pella! Founded in 1847 by immigrants from the Netherlands, Pella is a slice of Dutch culture in the Iowa heartland. Be sure to check out Jaarsma Bakery, Lake Red Rock, and the largest working grain windmill in the United States.

     4. American Gothic House Center

        9654, 300 American Gothic St, Eldon, IA 52554, USA
        
        Come see the site that inspired American Gothic, Grant Wood’s seminal work of regionalist art. Admission is free and costumes are available to recreate your own version of the iconic scene!

        
        American Gothic House Visitor Information

     5. National Balloon Classic

        National Balloon Classic Field, Jewell Street, Indianola, IA, USA
        
        For nine days every summer, over 100 hot air balloons ascend from the city of Indianola. Don’t miss the live music, fair food, nighttime balloon shows — and if you're feeling especially adventurous, take your own balloon ride with a trained pilot.

     6. Iowa State Fair

        Iowa State Fairgrounds, East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
        
        The Iowa State Fair is among the largest and most iconic state fairs in the country. In addition to concerts, agricultural contests, and the world famous Butter Cow, the State Fair is home to over 70 varieties of (mostly fried) food on a stick.

        
        Iowa State Fair Information

     7. Des Moines Farmers Market

        Farmers Market, Water Street, Des Moines, IA, USA
        
        Every Saturday from April through October, hundreds of vendors converge downtown for the Des Moines Farmers Market. Come see why it was ranked No. 2 among all farmers markets nationwide!

     8. Christkindlmarket Des Moines

        Principal Park Des Moines, Iowa
        
        Grinnell students visit Christkindlmarket Des Moines, a German-inspired Christmas market featuring various European-style foods, products, and activities.

     9. Pappajohn Sculpture Park

        Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
        
        The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a free, public, open-air sculpture museum that houses work by 22 of the world’s most acclaimed artists.

        
        John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

     10. Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

         Principal River Walk, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
         
         “The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge links the east and west sides of Des Moines at the northern edge of the Principal Riverwalk loop. The bridge features two separate pathways — one for walkers or joggers and one for bicyclists. The bridge is lit by colorful lights that reflect onto the water and truly make it a beautiful site to see in Des Moines.”

         
         — Catch Des Moines

     11. World's Largest Strawberry

         Strawberry Point, IA, USA
         
         Abby Frerick ’21 standing under the world's largest strawberry in the appropriately-named town of Strawberry Point.