Iowa Culture - Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs

20 Artists 20 Parks

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa's state parks by visiting the 20 state parks that will host 20 Iowa artists for residencies in honor of the milestone. Artists will utilize the natural resources of the state parks to create new artworks inspired by the specific park locations and provide public programming during the summers of 2019 and 2020 that intertwines arts, culture, history and environment.
2019 History Day Trivia Challenge

The 2019 History Day Trivia Challenge will be held Monday, April 29 at 3:30 p.m. in Ballroom B.
Byways of Iowa Public Art

The Byways of Iowa Public Art Initiative began in 2014 to create and install public art featuring the distinct character and qualities of individual Iowa communities. The project was partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts: Our Town program.
Capitol City History

Notable historic sites in Des Moines.
Capitol Monuments

The Capitol Complex grounds are graced with a number of monuments, statues and memorials that tell the story of Iowa’s rich history and culture.
Freedom Trail

This trail highlights the Underground Railroad sites that were stops during John Brown’s final trip across Iowa.
Grant Wood Scenic Byway

Discover renowned American regionalist painter Grant Wood on this tour. Wood grew up in Eastern Iowa, organized an artists' colony at Stone City and was often inspired by the landscape.
Historic Tax Credit Tour (Des Moines)

National Register of Historic Places sites in Des Moines that have been brought back to life through historic preservation with the help of the Historic Tax Credit program.
Interstate 35

Notable historic sites located 0 to 20 miles off of Interstate 35.
Interstate 80

Notable historic sites located 0 to 20 miles off of Interstate 80.
Iowa State Fair

Learn about the history and development of the Iowa State Fair from 1886 to the present.
Iowa West Public Art

Council Bluffs is home to an outstanding public art collection created by artists who have made their mark worldwide.
Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

Take a fall drive through the Loess Hills - a unique land formation found only in Western Iowa and China. Discover the area with historic and natural locations on this tour.
State Historic Sites

Iowa's State Historic Sites are located across the state and present authentic stories of Iowa's history. These sites are overseen by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and are operated in partnership with local historical societies and county conservation boards.
The Freedom Rock®

The Freedom Rock® is a large boulder painted by artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II that gives thanks to our nation's veterans to honor their service to our country. In addition to repainting the original Freedom Rock in Adair County annually, Sorensen is currently in the process of painting a Freedom Rock in each of Iowa's 99 counties.
World War I

Explore how Iowans were involved in World War I and the ways that generations of Iowans have remembered those who fought.

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