We Iowans have a deep love for our state – one that always seems to bring us home again after we wander off, and one that keeps Iowa in our hearts, no matter how far away we move. Iowa may not have the glamour of Hollywood or the bright lights of New York City, but we have something even better – wide open skies for watching the stars, endless roads to cruise with the windows rolled down and the best people you will ever meet. We love Iowa and here are 14 reasons why:

  1. We have some of the most beautiful, underrated scenery in the whole country.

iowabyways/Flickr

  1. Including some of the most breathtaking sunrises…

Carl Wycoff/Flickr

  1. And the most stunning sunsets.

Lorinda Groe/Flickr

  1. Not to mention, we have wide open skies that give us the best view of the stars.

Rich/Flickr

  1. And four seasons, each one more beautiful than the last.

Sundar M/Flickr

  1. With the rare exception, you won’t get stuck in any traffic jams here in Iowa.

Nicholas A. Tonelli/Flickr

  1. And we have some of the most magnificent state parks you’ve ever seen.

nome joy/Flickr

  1. Who needs the ocean anyway when you have the Iowa Great Lakes?

Alex Egeland Photography/Flickr

  1. Not to mention, we have the most charming small towns in the nation.

Justine/Flickr

  1. And all the character that comes with a small-town community.

Louis/Flickr

  1. Of course, we couldn’t forget the fact that we have the best pork tenderloins PERIOD.

Joe Utsler/Flickr

  1. And the best Maid Rites, too.

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  1. Plus, Iowa is a great place to raise a family.

Michael Geminder/Flickr

  1. And you will always be surrounded by the kindest, friendliest, and most caring people here in Iowa.

Phil Roeder/Flickr

What are some more reasons Iowa is the best state? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

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iowabyways/Flickr

Carl Wycoff/Flickr

Lorinda Groe/Flickr

Rich/Flickr

Sundar M/Flickr

Nicholas A. Tonelli/Flickr

nome joy/Flickr

Alex Egeland Photography/Flickr

Justine/Flickr

Louis/Flickr

Joe Utsler/Flickr

rayb777/Flickr

Michael Geminder/Flickr

Phil Roeder/Flickr