19 CORNy places to visit in Iowa
Whether it’s sweet corn, field corn, or even popcorn – corn is king in Iowa. And because of that, we have some pretty corny places that you can visit. How many of the corny sites have you been to?
1. The world’s tallest corn stalk sculpture in Shelby, Iowa
It’s a 76-foot-tall steel corn stalk sculpture designed by Cliff Carlson and is located at Agri-Symbol Park, 12 East St, Shelby, Iowa. It was dedicated in 1978 and can be found next to Taylor’s, a barn-shaped gas station on the I-80 exit for Shelby, Iowa. The sculpture not only features an ear of corn but also outlines those of a pig and a cow. It’s the world’s tallest corn stalk sculpture, according to World Record Academy.
2. The world’s largest rotating ear of corn in Coon Rapids, Iowa
On the west side of town on Highway 141, visitors are greeted with the world’s largest rotating ear of corn. It stands 10 feet tall and spins around slowly. Coon Rapids is also home to the place where Khrushchev met Roswell Garst, which happened back in 1959. It’s been labeled as the world’s largest rotating ear of corn by the folks at World Record Academy.
3. World’s Largest Popcorn Ball in Sac City, Iowa
Weighing in at 9,370 lbs and standing eight feet tall, it’s a tribute to the area’s popcorn growing history. The popcorn ball is stored in a small building with some windows that allow you to see inside. Built in 2016, it’s located at 1300 W Main St, Sac City, Iowa.
4. Corn Hedge in Marion, Iowa.
Five 10-foot-tall metal corn stalks are installed in a roundabout at the intersection of 35th Street, Tower Terrace Rd, and Lucore Road. Created by Dale Merrill of Liberty Iron Works in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. The sculpture is lit at night. The stalks will oxidize over time, but the tassels will remain polished.
5. Corn Room Mural at the Sioux City Art Center
The Corn Room Mural was originally painted by Grant Wood for the Martin Hotel in Sioux City, Iowa. After years of being covered by paint and wallpaper, it was rediscovered in 1979. For 2025, the mural is NOT on display, as it is out for restoration work, but will return to its home on the 2nd floor of the Sioux City Art Center at 225 Nebraska Street.
6. Corn Palace Movie at the Sioux City Public Museum
Did you know that the original Corn Palace was in Sioux City, Iowa – not Mitchell, South Dakota? In fact, Sioux City built several corn palaces that were eventually lost to fire. Just beyond the front doors of the Sioux City Public Museum, in its auditorium, a video is played that chronicles the history of agriculture and the corn palaces that were once home in Sioux City. Best of all – admission is free! Located at 607 4th Street, Sioux City, Iowa
7. Corn competition at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa.
Every August, participants submit their best ears of corn for a chance to win the blue ribbon! There’s also a tallest corn stalk competition. And, if that’s not enough, the state fair even dedicates an entire day of the fair as “Corn Day”.
8. Jolly Time Koated Kernels in Sioux City, Iowa
A store that also doubles as a museum to one of Iowa’s great popcorn producers – Jolly Time. Try some samples of your favorite popcorn while you check out their historic artifacts. Located at 1717 Terminal Drive, Sioux City, Iowa.
9. Jolly Time Popcorn Field Sign near Odebolt, Iowa.
What? It’s just a sign, in a field. Yes, well, we told you this list was going to be corny. The sign stands in the original field near Odebolt, Iowa where Jolly Time popcorn has been grown since 1914. If you feel the need to see the sign in person, it’s located just east of Prairie Pedlar Gardens, near the intersection of 270th Street and Fox Ave.
10. Corn Sculptures in Altoona, Iowa
Explore Altoona, Iowa to find the 20 decorated corn sculptures. They are scattered around town and were installed in 2023 during their CORNival celebration, honoring the 100th anniversary of America’s first acre of commercial seed corn first being grown in Altoona, Iowa.
11. Corn Sculptures in Vinton, Iowa
Vinton has approximately 20 statues that were installed in 2015. Each is uniquely decorated and was installed in 2015 as a dedication to Vinton’s history as the “Corn Canning Capital of the World”.
12. Have you been to a Corn Festival?
Many consider the Adel Corn Festival to be the largest in the state; however, West Point has the longest-running festival related to corn – dating back to 1952. Here’s our list of the most popular sweet corn festivals in Iowa. I’m sure we’ve missed some on the list, so be sure to let us know what needs to be added.
13. Visit Iowa’s most famous corn field: Dyersville, Iowa
Yes, the most famous corn field is absolutely the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa. It’s not just about baseball – it’s about baseball in a cornfield. I’ve heard from the onsite staff that the yield from outfield is absolutely terrible. Two reasons: First, they have to plant corn every year and never rotate crops. (could you even imagine the uproar if they planted beans in the outfield?) The second reason, an ear of corn is the most popular souvenir taken from the site. I’ve heard that the tourists pick more corn than the coons. If you haven’t, tour the farmhouse at the Field of Dreams, it’s also worthwhile.
14. Sleep in the “Corn” Bin in O’Brien County
The county built two metal grain bins and customized them as cabins at Dog Creek Park. One of the bins is called “Corn” and the other is “Beans”. Each bin features a kitchen, living room, bathroom, heat / air / tv wifi and 6 queen sized beds. Two-night minimum that typically runs about $150 a night. Here’s a closer look at the interior of your grain bin getaway.
15. Corn is King Mural in Mt. Ayr, Iowa
This 11 x 5 foot mural portrays as Corn as King – as large corn on the cob is being featured as the main attraction in a small town parade. Created by Orr Fisher back during the WPA art projects that decorated many of Iowa’s small town post offices. Here’s the full story on the crazy corn mural in Mt. Ayr, Iowa.
16. Get lost in Iowa’s largest corn maze in Mitchellville, Iowa
Spanning 20 acres, it’s the largest in the state and resides at Pumpkinville and Cornmaze at 618 Center Ave South, Mitchellville, Iowa.
17. Corn dinner at Wallace Farms
Once a year, at Wallace Farms, they host the “Corn Dinner,” a multiple-course meal in which every course features different entrees, all made from corn. I sure hope you’re not allergic to corn, that would be a problem.
18. “Evolution of Corn” Mural at the Ames Post Office
Another WPA era mural dedicated to corn. Painted by Lowell Houser and depicts the history of corn from the Mayan up to modern agriculture. Located at 525 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA
19. Visit an honor system sweet corn stand.
Take your pick, literally. Travel through a small Iowa town in August and I’m sure you’ll find a sweet corn stand that works on the honor system.
