Secret Iowa

by Megan Bannister

Some claim there’s nothing to see in flyover country. But take a closer look and you’ll discover that Iowa is home to more than just cornfields. In fact, across the Hawkeye State you’ll encounter hidden gems and secret spots abound. For instance, do you know where you can find the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel in the world? What about how much the World’s Largest Popcorn Ball weighs? And why did the Los Angeles Lakers pay to build a basketball court in the small town of Carroll? Dive in and discover the state’s offbeat history and quirky places through Secret A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. Set course for larger-than-life attractions like Albert the Bull, the World’s Largest Strawberry, and the Grotto of the Redemption. Learn more about Grant Wood’s connection to Iowa by visiting his former home and studio, or travel through time and space to the place where StarTrek’s Captain James T. Kirk will be born in 2233. Even at some of the state’s most well-known places, you’ll discover hidden histories and unique stories that are not often shared. Local author and travel writer Megan Bannister uncovered some of the state’s wackiest attractions to guide your adventure around Iowa. Buckle up, fill up your tank and get ready for an offbeat road trip full of the state’s best kept secrets.

192 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2023

Reviews

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Bannister has called the state of Iowa her home for the last fourteen years. She loves finding the quirky roadside attractions that make road trips more interesting and sharing them on social media. Then, she realized everyone needed to know about these hidden gems so she wrote a book about all the weird, wonderful, and obscure things to see while driving through Iowa.

As a lifelong Iowan, I didn’t expect to find too many surprises in the book, but I did. How did I not know about Elwood the Gnome in Reiman Gardens? Elwood is 15 feet tall and weighs 3,500 pounds. He has a red pointy hat and a long grey beard while holding a garden trowel. He is made of concrete and guards over the beautiful Reiman Gardens in Ames. I need to give him a visit next summer!

A few other places on my must-visit list include the Traer Salt & Pepper Shaker Gallery (it’s so close to me), the Wilton Candy Kitchen, and the Matchstick Marvels Museum in Gladbrook. Each place is listed in the book with an address, phone number, admission cost if applicable, as well as a bit of history about the place. Megan includes photos of each location and a pro tip such as the best time to visit, whether you need to make sure to have cash on hand, or a nearby place to add to your trip.

I’m fortunate to have visited a number of the places in her book that I recommend you add to your Iowa Bucket List. Don’t miss the Pink Elephant in Marquette, the Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque, the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Effigy Mounds in Northeast Iowa, and the Madison County Bridges and Clark Tower in Winterset. Be sure to take your kids to the Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor in LeMars!

Megan’s book is the perfect gift idea for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Gift it to a true Iowan or maybe someone who has just moved to Iowa. Is there a new retiree on your list? Are you an empty nester wanting to encourage your spouse to go on fun day trips? Want to encourage your adult children to come back and visit? Give them this book to remind them of all the cool things to love about Iowa.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have lived in Iowa almost my entire life, yet in reading this book I learned about several new-to-me places that are now on my list of day trips to take. From a giant gnome, or strawberry, or cow, or teapot...to cave explorations...to a couple of maybe not so secret locations such as the bridges of Madison County and the Field of Dreams (thanks to Hollywood), i am looking forward to some new adventures not too far from home!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are over 85 sites to visit in Iowa. Each site is 2 pages, with a description, and how to get there, and most of the places are free. Sites include "The Day the Music Died", Bily Clocks in Spillville, Matchstick Marvels, Is this Heaven, etc. I really joyed reading this and discovering new places to go to in Iowa.

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.75 ⭐️ I now want to visit these interesting, unique, quirky places in Iowa. I wish this book was written with some kind of system to make it easier to plan some day trips. It would have been simple for the author to include some maps and/or group the sites by location.

[Penny Foy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting sites to see in the state of Iowa

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm surprised how many I'd already been to, how many I've just missed, and a few I'm going to seek out.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a fun and entertaining read. It’s packed with quirky stops, surprising stories, and those off‑the‑beaten‑path places that make you see the state in a whole new way. Every chapter feels like uncovering a little treasure—whether it’s a strange landmark, a bit of forgotten history, or a spot you’d never think to visit but suddenly want to check out.

The tone is light, engaging, and easy to follow, making it perfect for flipping through or reading in small bursts. It definitely sparked my curiosity and gave me a few new places to add to my must‑see list.