NATIONAL GEORGIA DAY

August 2, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

The 13th colony and the 4th state to enter the Union, National Georgia Day recognizes the natural wonders and immense complexities of this bastion of Southern culture.

Georgia’s founder, James Oglethorpe, settled the colony’s first capital, Savannah. Georgia would go on to have four more capitals, Augusta, Louisville, Milledgeville and finally, Atlanta

Politically and socially, a divide has always seemed to exist. Considering Georgia was initially established as a barrier of fortification between South Carolina’s southern border and the Spanish settled in Florida, perhaps Georgia lived up to destiny.

Official Symbols

State Capital – Atlanta
State Nickname – Peach State
State Motto – Wisdom, Justice & Moderation
State Slogan – Georgia on my mind
State Bird – Brown Thrasher
State Amphibian – Green Tree Frog
State Crop – Peanut
State Flower – Cherokee Rose
State Tree – Live Oak
State Fish – Largemouth Bass
State Fruit – Peach
State Fossil – Shark Tooth
State Insect – Honey Bee

To Sign or Not to Sign

Georgia initially prohibited slavery in 1735. Of the 13 original colonies, she was the only one to do so. The prohibition lasted 15 years. Leading up the Revolution, Georgia leaned toward supporting the crown and was the single colony not in attendance at the First Continental Congress.

During the Second Continental Congress, Georgia first sent one delegate, Lyman Hall. However, Hall didn’t vote because he only represented a single parish in Georgia. The colony later sent Button Gwinnett and George Walton as official delegates. All three signed the Declaration of Independence.

Wars were destructive for Georgia. Her people and the economy suffered, and the resistance to social change persisted.

During the 20th century, industrial and technological advancements found a niche in Georgia’s economy. A hub for airlines, military bases and international corporations, Georgia rebounded once more.

Georgia Flavor

Brunswick Stew
Boiled Peanuts
Fried Chicken
Vidalia Onions
Corn Bread
BBQ
Okra
Biscuits & Gravy
Pecan Pie
Grits

When it comes to Georgia, words that come to mind include home-cookin’ and comfort food. Don’t be surprised by the serving size, the number of fried foods or desserts. Two things are certain, they’re made from the heart, and they are delicious!

Just about anything can be fried, including okra, green tomatoes, chicken, seafood and Vidalia onions. Since 1986, those sweet onions grow in Vidalia and 20 Georgia counties, and nowhere else by Geogia law.

Peaches are to Georgia like sunshine is summer. Take a bite out a ripe one and let the juice run down your chin. Or, enjoy all the wonderful peach pastries or canned peaches Georgia has to offer. From pies to jellies, there are so many ways to bring the flavor of Georgia home with you.

Grab a Coca-Cola and some boiled peanuts to enjoy the summer weather. Georgia is home to Coca-Cola and enjoying salty peanuts go back to the Civil War era.

Overall, Georgia’s history is fertile for inspiration. Alongside the peach orchards and cotton fields surge crops of masterful artists, musicians, writers, and poets. Their experiences with the beauty, history, and humanity of Georgia fill the eyes and ears with more than can be appreciated in one visit.

Hidden Treasures

Titan I Missile – Cordele
Gold’n’Gem Grubbin – Cleveland
Giant Peanut Monument – Ashburn
The Big House – Macon
Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village and Discovery Center – Americus
Pasaquan – Buena Vista
The Tree that Owns Itself – Athens
Rousakis Plaza Echo Square – Savannah
A Century of Hats – Savannah
Hindu Temple of Georgia – Fayetteville
Warm Springs – Warm Springs, GA

Tomochichi – Yamacraw Chief (1644 – October 5, 1739)

Rebecca Latimer Felton – U.S. Senator (June 10, 1835 – January 24, 1930)

Juliette Gordon Low – U.S. Girl Scouts Founder – (October 31, 1860 – January 17, 1927)

Tom Smith – Horse Trainer – (May 20, 1878 – January 23, 1957)

Ty Cobb – baseball Player (December 18, 1886 – July 17, 1961)

Blind Willie McTell – Blues Pioneer (May 5, 1889 – August 19, 1959)

Margaret Mitchell – Author (November 8, 1900 – August 16, 1949)

Jackie Robinson – Baseball Player (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972)

James E. Carter – President – October 1, 1924

Martin Luther King Jr. – Civil Rights Activist (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

Clarence Thomas – Supreme Court Justice – June 23, 1948

Julia Roberts – Actress – October 28, 1967

Cam Newton – Football Player – May 11, 1989

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGeorgiaDay

Exploring the sites, sounds, flavors and beauty of Georgia and use #NationalGeorgiaDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL ALASKA DAY

June 27, 2026May 18, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On June 28th, National Alaska Day recognizes the largest state to join the union and the Nation’s Last Frontier.

Not only is Alaska the largest state, but it is also home to the highest mountain peaks in the country, including Mt. Denali. In The Last Frontier, it’s possible to test the theories associated with the Bering Land Bridge. Check out the remote and intriguing location of North America’s history.

Populated by Inuit, Yupik, Tlingit, and others long before Russian and European explorers found their way to the Arctic land, Alaska supported the indigenous people with sufficient whale fat, beaver, and fish.

Alaska Official

State Capital – Juneau
State Nickname – The Last Frontier
State Motto – North to the Future
State Bird – Willow Ptarmigon
State Flower – Alpine Forget Me Not
State Mammal – Moose
State Fish – King Salmon
State Fossil – Wolly Mammoth
State Mountain – Denali
State Tree – Spitka Spruce
State Sport – Dog Mushing
State Song – Alaska’s Flag
State Gemstone – Jade

The Land of the Midnight Sun led to the next great gold rush. In the Yukon, many would venture into the rugged North expecting to find riches in the Klondike. Those who did, would find it difficult to get it back out again…alive.

The Iditarod takes place in Alaska and runs 1,150 miles from Anchorage to Nome in honor of Leonhard Seppala. In 1925, he along with several other mushers delivered much-needed anti-diphtheria serum to Nome.

The immense Denali National Park and Preserve is home to glaciers, fossil records, and a study in geology. All along the Alaska Range, the pristine wilderness provides hikers the most well-marked trails outstanding views and peaceful vistas.

Hidden Treasures

Dr. Seuss House – Wasilla

Santa Claus House – North Pole

Totem Bight State Historical Park – Ketchikan

Chicken of Chicken – Chicken

Famous People

Elizabeth Jean Wanamaker Peratrovich – Advocate – (July 4, 1911 – December 1, 1958)

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Marie Smith Jones – Eyak member – (May 14, 1918 – January 21, 2008)

Virgil Franklin Partch – Cartoonist – (October 17, 1916 – August 10, 1984)

John Paragon – Actor – (December 9, 1954 – )

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Velma Wallis – Author – (1960 – )

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Curt Schilling – Baseball player – (November 14, 1966 – )

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Mario Chalmers – Basketball player – (May 19, 1986 – )

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Alaska Flavors

Reindeer Dogs
King Crab
Halibut
Smoked Salmon
Wild Game
Black Cod
Fresh Berries
Chocolate Bread
Myktak
Aqutak

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAlaskaDay

Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate National Alaska Day. Discover the wildest places and peaceful spaces. Go where the land meets the sky. Find adventure in The Land of the Midnight Sun and use #NationalAlaskaDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL CALIFORNIA DAY

February 21, 2026January 24, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On February 22nd, National California Day recognizes the Golden State.

For more than a century, Spanish missionaries settled in California. Manifest Destiny and the Mexican American War would play a pivotal role in making California a U.S. Territory. Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico sold California along with its territories north of the Rio Grande for 15 million dollars.

Only days before the treaty was signed, gold was found at Sutter’s Mill in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gold rush of 1849 would set off an era of settlement unlike any a new territory had ever seen. On September 9, 1850, two years after the gold rush began, California became the 31st state.

While many think of sunny beaches and orange groves, California has a diverse climate. Each region boasts an opportunity for seasonal outdoor adventures. Whether surfing or downhill skiing is on the agenda, it’s sure to be found. If hiking among giant redwoods or touring historic missions is more to your liking, you’ll discover it here.

Of course, we can’t overlook Northern California’s wine country. Beautiful road trips and wine tastings along the magnificent Napa Valley or Sonoma County are a must for wine lovers.

Swimmin’ pools and movie stars, Califonia has those in large numbers. While moving pictures weren’t born in California, Hollywood sure made them flourish. By the turn of the 20th century, Hollywood built a foundation of movie studios that continued to grow and many of which still exist today.

Official California

State Capital – Sacramento
State Nickname – The Golden State
State Motto – Eureka
State Theater – Pasadena Playhouse
State Bird – California Quail
State Amphibian – California Red – Legged Frog
State Flower – California Poppy
State Animal – California Grizzly Bear
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Dance – West Coast Swing
State Fish – California Golden Trout
State Rock – Serpentine
State Fossil – Saber – Toothed Cat
State Mineral – Gold
State Tree – California Redwood
State Song – I Love You, California
State Gemstone – Benitoite
State Artifact – Chipped Stone Bear
State Insect – California Dogface Butterfly

NATURE – ART – HISTORY

For a complete list of California State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.parks.ca.gov and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below. Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve – Lancaster Red Rock Canyon State Park – Cantil Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – Guerneville California Citrus State Historic Park – Riverside California Indian Heritage Center – Sacramento Clear Lake State Park – Kelseyville Emerald Bay State Park – South Lake Tahoe Fort Tejon State Historic Park – Lebec Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park – Pine Grove Pigeon Point Light Station – Pescadero Death Valley Sequoia and Kings Canyon Yosemite – Sierra Nevada Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front – Richmond La Brea Tar Pits – Los Angeles Griffith Observatory – Los Angeles Exploratorium – San Francisco Aquarium of the Bay – San Francisco Alcatraz Island – San Francisco Sutters Fort – Sacramento Depot Park Museum – Sonoma Computer History Museum – Mountain View

California Flavor

California Roll
Fushion
Pho
Cobb Salad
Mission Burrito
Fish Tacos
Dim Sum
Kringle
Mochi

William Randolph Hearst – Publisher – (April 29, 1863 – August 14, 1951)

Julia Morgan – Architect – ( January 20, 1872 – February 2, 1957)

Robert Frost – Poet – (March 26, 1874 – January 29, 1963)

Jack London – Author – (January 12, 1876 – November 22, 1916)

George Patton – Army Officer – (November 11, 1885 – December 21, 1945)

Alice Stebbin Wells – Police Officer – (June 13, 1873 – August 17, 1957)

Dorothy Arzner – Director – (January 3, 1897 – October 1, 1979)

Ansel Adams – Photographer – (February 20, 1902 – April 22, 1984)

John Steinbeck – Author – (February 27, 1902 – December 20, 1968)

Helen Wills Moody Roark – Tennis player – (October 6, 1905 – January 1, 1998)

Ernest Gallo – Businessman – (March 18, 1909 – March 6, 2007)

Harvesting the American Dream: A Novel Based on the Life of Ernest Gallo

#NationalCalifoniaDay — Harvesting the American Dream: A Novel Based on the Life of Ernest Gallo

Julia Child – Chef – (August 15, 1912 – August 13, 2004)

Richard Nixon – President – (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994)

Iva Toguri – Radio Broadcaster – (July 4, 1916 – September 26, 2006)

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Etta James – Singer – (January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012)

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George Lucas – Filmmaker – (May 14, 1944)

Lucas: His Hollywood Legacy#NationalCaliforniaDay — Lucas: His Hollywood Legacy

Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga 9-Movie Collection + Bonus#NationalCaliforniaDay — Lucas: His Hollywood Legacy

Sally Ride – Astronaut – (May 26, 1951 -July 23, 2012)

Steve Jobs – Businessman – (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011)

Steve Jobs#NationalCaliforniaDay — Steve Jobs

Octavia E. Butler – Author – (June 22, 1947 – February 24, 2006)

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCaliforniaDay

Take a tour of California and find something new to discover! Join us as we explore the 31st state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover hide-a-ways, mysteries and incredible landscapes. Use #NationalCaliforniaDay to share on social media.

Totally Bamboo Destination California State Shaped Serving and Cutting Board, Includes Hang Tie for Wall Display#NationalCaliforniaDay — Totally Bamboo Destination California State Shaped Serving and Cutting Board, Includes Hang Tie for Wall Display

Starbucks Been There Series California Ceramic Mug#NationalCaliforniaDay — Totally Bamboo Destination California State Shaped Serving and Cutting Board, Includes Hang Tie for Wall Display

NATIONAL WISCONSIN DAY

February 14, 2026January 24, 2026Jensperspectiveblog

On February 15, National Wisconsin Day recognizes The Badger State.

Rich in copper, lead, forest and fertile farmland, Wisconsin became the 30th state. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to reach Wisconsin while seeking a Northwest passage to China.

A mining boom, not fur trading, led to the nickname The Badger State. According to oral history, the miners burrowed into the hillsides much like badgers for shelter instead of setting up more permanent homesteads. The first wave of settlers to the area also began the uprooting of the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Chippewa and other indigenous people.

Early in Wisconsin’s settlement, dairy production began to take root. By the turn of the century, the state became known for its dairy farms and synonymous with cheese.

Mining, dairies, and breweries grew one after the other. An influx of German immigrants in the 1850s brought a new brand of dreamers. Brewers cropped up across Wisconsin satisfying the thirst of The Badger State. As with brewers in other regions of the country, the 18th Amendment of 1919 prohibiting alcohol drowned out much of the competition leaving only a handful after the legislation was repealed in 1933.

From Lake Michigan to Superior and numerous river and lakes in between, Wisconsin offers ample opportunity for water recreation and sport. There are also year-round trails perfect for summer hiking or substantial snow for winter activities.

Official Wisconsin

State Capital – Madison
State Nickname – The Badger State
Stte Motto -Forward
State Bird – American Robin
State Flower – Wood Violet
State Animal -Badger State Folk Dance – Polka. State Fish – Muskellunge
State Rock – Red Granite
State Mineral – Galena. State Tree – Sugar Maple State Song – On Wisconsin
State Waltz – The Wisconsin Waltz

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWisconsinDay

“Discover a taste of Wisconsin. Explore the 30th state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover and Travel Wisconsin with all her hidden treasures and amazing landscapes!” Use #NationalWisconsinDay to share on social media.

Wisconsin Flavors

Fried cheese curds
Beer cheese soup
Brats
Brandy Old Fashioned
Blue Moon Ice Cream
Pasty

Parks & Museums

For a complete list of Wisconsin State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit dnr.wi.gov and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Madison

https://www.nps.gov/iatr/index.htm

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway – Saint Croix Falls

Big Foot Beach State Park – Lake Geneva

Copper Falls State Park – Mellen

High Cliff State Park – Sherwood

Natural Bridge State Park – North Freedom

Whitefish Dunes State Park – Sturgeon Bay

Peshtigo State Forest – Crivitz

Friendship State Trail – Hilbert

Circus World Museum – Baraboo

Wisconsin Maritime Museum – Manitowoc

Wisconsin Historical Museum – Madison

Madeline Island Museum – La Pointe

Wisconsin Automotive Museum – Hartford

National Railroad Museum – Green Bay

Door County Maritime Museum – Sturgeon Bay

Milwaukee Art Museum – Milwaukee

Stonefield – Cassville

Ripley’s Believe It or Not – Wisconsin Dells

Yerkes Observatory – Williams Bay

Hidden Treasures

Mustard Museum – Middleton
Shaker’s Cigar Bar – Milwaukee

Stewart Tunnel Ice Formations – Belleville

Chatty Belle – Neillsville

Notable People

Glory of the Morning – Chief – (c. 1709 – c. 1832)

Frank Lloyd Wright - Architect - (June 8, 1867 - April 9, 1959) — Frank Lloyd Wright – Architect – (June 8, 1867 – April 9, 1959)

Laura Ingalls Wilder - Author - (February 7, 1867 - February 10, 1957) — Laura Ingalls Wilder – Author – (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957)

Arthur Davidson – Businessman – (February 11, 1881 – December 30, 1950)

William S. Harley - Engineer - (December 29, 1880 - September 18, 1943) — William S. Harley – Engineer – (December 29, 1880 – September 18, 1943)

Georgia O'Keeffe - Artist - (November 15, 1887 - March 6, 1986) — Georgia O’Keeffe – Artist – (November 15, 1887 – March 6, 1986)

Thornton Wilder - Playwright - (April 17, 1897 - December 7, 1975) — Thornton Wilder – Playwright – (April 17, 1897 – December 7, 1975)

Curly Lambeau - Professional Football Player - (April 9, 1898 - June 1, 1965) — Curly Lambeau – Professional Football Player – (April 9, 1898 – June 1, 1965)

Mildred Harnack - Historian - (September 16, 1902 - February 16, 1943) — Mildred Harnack – Historian – (September 16, 1902 – February 16, 1943)

Orson Welles - Director - (May 6, 1915 - October 10, 1985) — Orson Welles – Director – (May 6, 1915 – October 10, 1985)

Les Paul – Musician – (June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009)

Gaylord Nelson - Senator - (June 4, 1916 - July 3, 2005) — Gaylord Nelson – Senator – (June 4, 1916 – July 3, 2005)

Joyce Westerman: Baseball Hero (Badger Biographies Series) Paperback – February 29, 2012
by Bob Kann (Author) — Joyce Westerman: Baseball Hero (Badger Biographies Series) Paperback – February 29, 2012

by Bob Kann (Author)

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NATIONAL IOWA DAY

February 7, 2026January 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog

On February 8, National Iowa Day recognizes The Hawkeye State.

The 29th state to join the United States is known for fertile prairie, rolling hills, raising innovative people and some nostalgic movie moments. From the Mississippi River to the harvests in Plymouth, Harrison or Fremont counties, Iowa’s history, beauty and hospitality flourish.

For starters, Iowa is home to the oldest city in the state, Dubuque. Dubuque was founded in 1788, making it the oldest city in Iowa and one of the oldest settlements in the entire Midwest. Dubuque is also home to the oldest standing church in Iowa, the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which was built in 1833.

Another interesting fact about Iowa is that it has the highest per capita number of bowling alleys in the United States. There are over 400 bowling alleys in the state, which is a lot considering the population of Iowa is only around 3.2 million people. This makes Iowa the perfect destination for anyone looking to spend a day or evening knocking down some pins.

In addition to its love of bowling, Iowa is also home to a number of unique festivals and events. One of the most well-known is the RAGBRAI, or the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. This event is a week-long bike ride that takes place in July and attracts thousands of participants from around the world. The route changes every year, but it always ends up in a different city in the state.

Another quirky festival in Iowa is the National Hobo Convention, which takes place every year in the town of Britt. The convention is a celebration of the hobo lifestyle and attracts hobos and hobo enthusiasts from all over the country. It includes a hobo parade, a hobo queen coronation, and a hobo museum.

The state was named for Iowa Native Americans who populated the area when European settlement forced Eastern tribes westward.

Acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase, Iowa Territory settlement didn’t start to take place until around the 1830s.

Iowa Official

State Capital – Des Moines
State Nickname – The Hawkeye State
State Motto – Our Liberties We Prize
State Language – English
State Bird – Eastern Goldfinch
State Vegetable – Sweet Corn
State Soil – Toma Soil
State Crop – Corn & Soybeans
State Rock – Geode
State Tree – Oak
State Song – Song of Iowa

Other Fascinating Faces and Places

One of the later settlements that remain today is the Amana Colony. A congregation of the Community of True Inspiration, their faith and persecution in Germany led them to immigrate to America for religious freedom. Iowa supplied fertile farmland and a home for them to practice their skills and their beliefs. Today, they open their community to the public. Shop for handmade gifts, homemade baked goods, wine and stay for a home-cooked meal.

In the southwestern part of the state, Madison County boasts beautiful covered bridges which were featured in the movie by a similar name. While touring the bridges, be sure to stop by Winterset and take in the birthplace of John Wayne.

Duke in His Own Words: John Wayne's Life in Letters, Handwritten Notes and Never-Before-Seen Photos Curated from His Private Archive Hardcover – October 27, 2015

by Editors of the Official John Wayne Magazine (Author), Ethan Wayne (Introduction) — Duke in His Own Words: John Wayne’s Life in Letters, Handwritten Notes and Never-Before-Seen Photos Curated from His Private Archive Hardcover – October 27, 2015

by Editors of the Official John Wayne Magazine (Author), Ethan Wayne (Introduction)

Not far from the Mississippi River, The Field of Dreams home is just outside Dyersville. They built it so that you would come.

Field of Dreams [Blu Ray] [Blu-ray]

Kevin Costner (Actor), Amy Madigan (Actor), & 1 more

For fantastic performances in a historic rock and roll venue, check out the events at the Surf Ballroom. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper played their last concerts at the Surf Ballroom the night they perished in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.

The Real Buddy Holly Story

Sonny Curtis (Actor), Paul McCartney (Actor, Producer), & 1 more — The Real Buddy Holly Story

Sonny Curtis (Actor), Paul McCartney (Actor, Producer), & 1 mor

Complete Recordings

Including La Bamba
Ritchie Valens — Complete Recordings Including La Bamba Ritchie Valens

Iowa is also home to a number of strange and unusual attractions. One of these is the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, which is located in Walcott. The museum is dedicated to the history of trucking and features a collection of vintage trucks, as well as a variety of trucking memorabilia.

Another unusual attraction in Iowa is the National Balloon Museum in Indianola. The museum is dedicated to the history of hot air balloons and features a collection of vintage balloons, as well as a variety of ballooning equipment. Visitors can also take a ride in a hot air balloon at the museum, which offers some of the best views in the state.

In addition to its museums and festivals, Iowa is also home to a number of unique natural attractions. One of these is the Maquoketa Caves State Park, which is located in the eastern part of the state. The park is home to a number of underground caves that visitors can explore, as well as a number of hiking trails and picnic areas.

Nature lovers will find plenty of adventure in Iowa. Effigy Mounds National Park will satisfy those with a mystical and historical curiosity. Rockhounds should seek out Geode State Park. The Corps of Discovery’s Louis and Clark Trail come through Iowa, too.

For a complete list of Iowa State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.

Dolliver Memorial State Park – Lehigh

Geode State Park – Danville

McIntosh Woods State Park – Ventura

Shimek State Forest – Farmington

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610136

Viking Lake State Park – Stanton

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610135

Iowa Old Capitol Building – Iowa City

Salisbury House – Des Moines

Effigy Mounds National Monument – Harpers Ferry

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum – Decorah

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library – Cedar Rapids

Union Pacific Railroad Museum – Council Bluffs

MacNider Art Museum – Mason City

American Gothic House – Eldon

Living History Farms – Urbandale

Sergeant Floyd – Iowa

Museum of Danish America – Elk Horn

Western Historic Trails Center – Council Bluffs

Little Brown Church – Nashua

Historic Squirrel Cage Jail – Council Bluffs

Bentonsport National Historic District – Bentonsport

Beedle Park Heritage Train – Cresco

Amana Heritage Museum – Amana

Iowa Flavors

Pork tenderloin
Maid Rites
Morel mushrooms
Pella Bologna
Iowa Sweet Corn
Muscatine melons
Stertzings Potato Chips
A & E Chip Dip
Twin Bings
Blue Bunny Ice Cream

One more unusual fact about Iowa is that it is home to the world’s largest Strawberry Shortcake. The giant dessert was created in 2009 as part of the annual Strawberry Fest in the town of Strawberry Point. The shortcake was over 10 feet in diameter and featured over 5,000 servings of strawberries, cake, and cream. It was so big that it had to be sliced and served to the crowd in pieces.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalIowaDay

From the Quad Cities to Shimek Forest, Iowa offers city and country to explore. Join us as we examine the 29th state’s dynamic people and pioneering history. Travel byways and discovery Iowa’s stunning scenery! Use #NationalIowaDay to share on social media.

To Sign or Not to Sign

Hidden Treasures

Tomochichi – Yamacraw Chief (1644 – October 5, 1739)

Rebecca Latimer Felton – U.S. Senator (June 10, 1835 – January 24, 1930)

Juliette Gordon Low – U.S. Girl Scouts Founder – (October 31, 1860 – January 17, 1927)

Tom Smith – Horse Trainer – (May 20, 1878 – January 23, 1957)

Ty Cobb – baseball Player (December 18, 1886 – July 17, 1961)

Blind Willie McTell – Blues Pioneer (May 5, 1889 – August 19, 1959)

Margaret Mitchell – Author (November 8, 1900 – August 16, 1949)

Jackie Robinson – Baseball Player (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972)

James E. Carter – President – October 1, 1924

Martin Luther King Jr. – Civil Rights Activist (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)

Clarence Thomas – Supreme Court Justice – June 23, 1948

Julia Roberts – Actress – October 28, 1967

Cam Newton – Football Player – May 11, 1989

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGeorgiaDay

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Alaska Official

Hidden Treasures

Famous People

Elizabeth Jean Wanamaker Peratrovich – Advocate – (July 4, 1911 – December 1, 1958)

Marie Smith Jones – Eyak member – (May 14, 1918 – January 21, 2008)

Virgil Franklin Partch – Cartoonist – (October 17, 1916 – August 10, 1984)

John Paragon – Actor – (December 9, 1954 – )

Velma Wallis – Author – (1960 – )

Curt Schilling – Baseball player – (November 14, 1966 – )

Mario Chalmers – Basketball player – (May 19, 1986 – )

Alaska Flavors

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAlaskaDay

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Official California

NATURE – ART – HISTORY

California Flavor

William Randolph Hearst – Publisher – (April 29, 1863 – August 14, 1951)

Julia Morgan – Architect – ( January 20, 1872 – February 2, 1957)

Robert Frost – Poet – (March 26, 1874 – January 29, 1963)

Jack London – Author – (January 12, 1876 – November 22, 1916)

George Patton – Army Officer – (November 11, 1885 – December 21, 1945)

Alice Stebbin Wells – Police Officer – (June 13, 1873 – August 17, 1957)

Dorothy Arzner – Director – (January 3, 1897 – October 1, 1979)

Ansel Adams – Photographer – (February 20, 1902 – April 22, 1984)

John Steinbeck – Author – (February 27, 1902 – December 20, 1968)

Helen Wills Moody Roark – Tennis player – (October 6, 1905 – January 1, 1998)

Ernest Gallo – Businessman – (March 18, 1909 – March 6, 2007)

Julia Child – Chef – (August 15, 1912 – August 13, 2004)

Richard Nixon – President – (January 9, 1913 – April 22, 1994)

Iva Toguri – Radio Broadcaster – (July 4, 1916 – September 26, 2006)

Etta James – Singer – (January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012)

George Lucas – Filmmaker – (May 14, 1944)

Sally Ride – Astronaut – (May 26, 1951 -July 23, 2012)

Steve Jobs – Businessman – (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011)

Octavia E. Butler – Author – (June 22, 1947 – February 24, 2006)

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCaliforniaDay

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Official Wisconsin

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWisconsinDay

Wisconsin Flavors

Parks & Museums

Hidden Treasures

Notable People

Glory of the Morning – Chief – (c. 1709 – c. 1832)

Arthur Davidson – Businessman – (February 11, 1881 – December 30, 1950)

Les Paul – Musician – (June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009)

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Iowa Official

Other Fascinating Faces and Places

Iowa Flavors

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalIowaDay

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