by Iowa may be known for its wide-open spaces, cornfields, and small-town charm, but tucked within its borders are towns that embrace their eccentricities with open arms and playful hearts. From giant bulls and popcorn balls to tug-of-war tournaments across the Mississippi, these uniquely odd destinations bring a refreshing and cheerful twist to Midwest tourism.
Here are eight Iowa towns that proudly put the “peculiar” in “playfully peculiar” — and why you should plan a visit.
Audubon: Home of the World’s Largest Bull
- Audubon is famous for “Albert the Bull,” a 45-ton concrete sculpture complete with anatomically correct details.
- Albert is repainted regularly, especially during major town events like Operation T-Bone (August 1–3, 2025).
- This beef-themed celebration features parades, tractor shows, car exhibitions, and plenty of food.
Mount Vernon: Covered in Art, Literally
- Mount Vernon hosts Chalk the Walk each May, where the main street becomes a giant public canvas.
- Over 160 artists and thousands of attendees create vibrant chalk murals — 2025’s featured piece was a Matisse reproduction.
- Nearby, a barn painted to resemble Grant Wood’s American Gothic and the Grant Wood Studio in Cedar Rapids continue the artful theme.
Britt: Hobo Capital of the Country
- Britt celebrates America’s traveling workers at Hobo Days, also known as the National Hobo Convention.
- Events include food, crafts, live music, a hobo coronation, and storytelling.
- Visit the National Hobo Museum and explore the preserved Armstrong House, a candy-colored Victorian mansion.
Riverside: Birthplace of a Sci-Fi Legend—In the Future
- Riverside claimed the title of Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk in 1985, based on Star Trek lore.
- The town hosts TrekFest, a celebration for sci-fi fans, complete with cosplay, parades, and themed events.
- The Voyage Home Museum commemorates the town’s connection to the Star Trek universe, now officially canonized in 2023.
LeClaire: Tug-of-War Across the Mississippi
- TugFest is a three-day festival featuring a unique tug-of-war between LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, Illinois, across the Mississippi River.
- The rope stretches 2,700 feet and weighs over 680 pounds.
- Other attractions include live music, carnival rides, and visits to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Antique Archaeology, made famous by American Pickers.
Sac City: Popcorn Ball Champions
- Home to the World’s Largest Popcorn Ball, weighing in at 9,370 pounds and measuring 12 feet across.
- The popcorn ball has been rebuilt multiple times since 1995, each one bigger than the last to reclaim the record.
- Don’t miss Freedom Rock art installations and the North Raccoon River Water Trail for outdoor fun.
Amana: German Roots and Cultural Festivals
- One of seven Amana Colonies, Amana combines European tradition with Iowan hospitality.
- Enjoy German food and craft beer at Millstream Brau Haus and lodging at the historic Hotel Millwright.
- Year-round events include Maifest, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest, all celebrating the colony’s rich heritage.
Burlington: The World’s Crookedest Street
- Snake Alley lives up to its name with five half-curves and two quarter-curves across 275 feet of brick roadway.
- The alley is the site of the Snake Alley Criterium, an uphill bike race held in May, and the Snake Alley Art Fair in June.
- Built in 1894, it remains one of Iowa’s most photogenic and bizarre roadways.
