Iowa

Why didn’t anyone ever tell me how beautiful Iowa is?! It’s one of those hidden gems in the U.S. that I’ve never really noticed or appreciated. I always thought of Iowa as just a farm state. And yes, while corn stalks are absolutely EVERYWHERE, there is a lot more to the beauty of this state. Not only was there a lush green color all along the I-80, there were little rivers running through various areas, and lovely wildflowers (in the few spaces not growing corn). It was also full of sweet, hospitable people, willing to help and say hello to a total stranger.

Did I mention the corn? Something about it waving in the wind along the rolling hills was quite majestic. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures, so you’ll just have to see it for yourself!

We stayed at a site in Oxford, which was quite close to a place called the Amana Colonies. German Inspirationists settled in Iowa in 1855 and established seven communal villages, which were named Amana. Read more about them here! https://amanacolonies.com/visitors-guide/history-of-the-seven-villages/

Multiple days could be spent just exploring Amana. They had beautiful shops and such charming buildings, and the construction was quite interesting. There was something about the charming appeal of stone, brick, and wood, all in one structure.