| Learn the local customs of Iowa. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Iowa locals. Map |
 | Iowa Local Customs | Tips 1 - 10 of 16 |  |
Everyone in Iowa, as in most of the Midwest, is super-friendly. If you need help or just want to take a picture of a random stranger, almost anyone is quick to oblige! It's really a great part of the country! Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Iowa?
Read reviews about Iowa Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
There are some differences in city life versus rural life in Iowa. While most Iowans are a bit on the conservative side (politically and socially), rural folks are much more so. Politically, Des Moines and Iowa City are the bastions of enlightenment (read: more liberal and Democrats) while the rest of the state are generally Republican. If you are a little more outrageous than the average Iowan, don't worry, you will more likely be ignored than hear about it outright. Iowans are generally polite and very welcoming if also a bit prudish. And remember, there are those of us who welcome pushing the limits a bit! Leave a Comment
|
Waving to other motorists:
I grew up in Des Moines (the capitol of Iowa and the largest city) and I have since lived in a series of small towns in Iowa. When I first moved to the country, I was very put off by the fact that, while walking to work, men would wave at me from their trucks. In the city, people pretty much go about their business without noticing each other. Finally, I realized that they weren't being sexist, it was a cultural norm. Once I lived there a while, my friends and coworkers told me that they thought I was very rude because I did not wave to them when I drove by. They even have specialized waves. The two-fingers-from-the-steering-wheel is quite popular with men and women usually wave with their whole hand. People here in Iowa are quite friendly and, apparently, expect others to be friendly too! Leave a Comment
|
 by photobf
Kisses may last for no more than five minutes.
One-armed piano players must perform for free.
A man with a moustache may never kiss a woman in public.
It is a violation of the law to sell or distribute drugs or narcotics without having first obtained the appropriate Iowa drug tax stamp.
Dubuque
Any hotel in the city limits must have a water bucket and a hitching post in front of the building.
Indianola
The 'Ice Cream Man' and his truck are banned.
Fort Madison
The fire department is required to practice fire fighting for fifteen minutes before attending a fire.
Marshalltown
Horses are forbidden to eat fire hydrants.
Ottumwa
Within the city limits, a man may not wink at any woman he does not know. Leave a Comment
|
In general, I find Iowa to be one of the last vestiges of places in America where you actually can leave the doors unlocked with little likelihood that things will be stolen. That said, however, even small-town America (Iowa included) is getting clobbered by the proliferation of drug traffickers and the problems that come with them. Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Iowa?
Read reviews about Iowa Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
In Iowa everyone usually greets you no matter if you know them or not. I think that Iowa does not know a lot about miniority groups since there really isn't a lot of them here, so in some cases I think that they stereotype other people.
|
They are suspicious of outsiders- it is near impossible to ever integrate...
|
This is VERY midwest! People are and should be generally very friendly and helpful, or at least I found that to be true. People were extremely friendly in Amana! Although, I heard some not-so-nice things about some country drivers and a few small towns being extremely rude and unkind to bicyclists. Some places just are not bicycle friendly! Grrr Leave a Comment
|
While visiting with the Amish, you might notice their accents. The Amish speak German, that is their first language that they use in their homes. If you know any German, they would not mind speaking it with you.
They are also very fluent in English, so dont be afraid to speak to them. They are VERY nice people. Leave a Comment
|
 | 1 | 2 |  |
|
Hotel Lodging
Up to 50% off Hotels at Expedia. No Expedia change or cancel fees! Itasca Park Lodging
Great lodging options near Itasca State Park, Hotels, Motels, Resorts Country Inns & Suites IA
Quiet & Spacious Rooms. Free High Speed Internet. Book Online Today. Iowa Hotels
Stay at AmericInn in Iowa Free breakfast, quiet rooms Iowa Hotel
Great lodging value. We cut prices, not corners! Book now to save... Sponsored Links
More Iowa Travel Deals 75% Off Hotels
Compare All Hotel Booking Sites Pay up to 75% less for Hotels BaymontOfDesMoines
Top Choice Voted By Iowans! Breakfast. Pool. Refrigerator. Wifi Rooms & Suites Discounts
Hot Deals on Hotel Rooms & Suites. Travelocity Guarantees Low Prices. Sponsored Links
|
