Hundreds of people explore the Iowa State Fair each August/Gazette File photo

Experience this!

By  B.J. Smith
Iowa.com

Why live in Iowa? Where else can you experience all of this?

Four distinct seasons, and in one case five of them. The state fair that inspired the musical “State Fair.” Diverse scenery, from wide-open spaces to steep, wooded hills and majestic bluffs along our rivers. Lively arts and entertainment venues and fascinating museums and historic sites. Exciting sports to watch or play.

We enjoy excellent schools and great colleges and universities. We have friendly communities, good neighbors and clean air. There are good jobs and people who know the value of hard work. We’re on the cutting edge in agriculture, technology, literature and medicine. We grow record crops and raise scientists, astronauts, actors, writers, artists and inventors.

We have covered bridges that inspire books and movies, and a baseball field of dreams. We have lots of wind to harness for power and fertile ground to farm. We have beautiful parks and churches and homes and sculptures. We have sweet corn and Muscatine melons.

We have quiet places to think and get away from it all, and busy places to congregate and celebrate. We are just big enough and can be full of surprises. We have a good thing going.

Click on a county in our map for a closer look at what Iowa has to offer. Use our iGuide to plan your visit.

Your Turn: What’s great about living in Iowa? Post your comments to this page or start a conversation in our Iowa Talks forum.