10 Things No Self Respecting Iowan Would Ever Do

There are some things we do a bit differently in Iowa, some things we’re expected to do and some things that we’ll never do. If you’re a real Iowan, you’ll know better than to do these 10 things.

Iowans help their neighbors. An Iowan would never think of letting a field go unharvested due to illness or death in the family. Everyone pitches in and we bring in the harvest together.

Don Graham/Flickr

Sweet corn and field corn are two completely different things. You don’t eat field corn. An Iowan would never make that mistake.

Alice Henneman/Flickr

An Iowan would never visit a friend who was suffering from a serious illness or grieving without bringing a casserole. Last name of the giver marked on the bottom of the dish, of course.

Rick Kimpel/Wikimedia Commons

Iowans traveling down gravel roads know that when they meet someone head on, it’s important to give the Iowa Wave. An Iowan would never snub a fellow Iowan on a non-paved road.

Carl Wycoff/Flickr

Iowans don’t expect the pork tenderloin to fit inside a bun. In fact, here in Iowa, the bun is a garnish. Real pork tenderloins fill the plate.

Joe Utsler/Flickr

Iowans don’t trust the weather forecast. If you don’t like the sky, wait five minutes.

National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) Collection/Wikimedia Commons

An Iowan would never host a potluck without confirming that someone was bringing a “fruit salad” with the mandatory Cool Whip base.

Steven Depolo/Flickr

Iowans would never disregard the importance of politics. Our government matters, no matter your political affiliation around here. This is our beautiful state capital building.

Cburnett/Wikimedia Commons

Iowans don’t give up. In 2008, this neighborhood in Cedar Rapids endured a terrible flood. They are back now, and better than ever.

Don Becker/Wikimedia Commons

Iowans never miss a good fireworks show. Nearly every community has their own at least once each summer.

Eric Kilby/Wikimedia Commons

Iowans have a special way of taking care of each other, the best food, and the most dramatic weather. These are just a few of the reasons that Iowa is one of the best places to live.