Library Guides: Iowa-Related Resources: Iowa recreations

ISU Library Resources

RAGBRAI : America's favorite bicycle ride by Greg Borzo
Call Number: GV1049.2 R34 B67 2013
Launched as a lark in 1973, RAGBRAI has developed into the world's largest, longest and oldest bicycle touring event. Thousands of cyclists from all fifty states and dozens of countries ride across Iowa for a weeklong festival. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of hospitable Iowans welcome, feed and shelter this rolling carnival, showcasing their communities. Greg Borzo has gathered hundreds of stories that reveal the essence of this unique event. He has also gathered a lavish collection of photographs and cartoons--vintage and contemporary, most never published before--that illustrate RAGBRAI's kaleidoscopic character.
The Drake Relays : America's athletic classic, a photographic essay by David Peterson
Publication Date: 2014
The Drake Relays are one of the iconic events of track and field in the United States. World and Olympic champions test their speed and stamina on the famed Blue Oval in Des Moines, Iowa, every April. By spring 2013 they had set fourteen world records and fifty-one American records. But unlike most other top meets, this one also features college athletes from all over the country and high school athletes from across Iowa, giving them the experience of a lifetime--competing on the same track with the elite in their sport.
The Iowa State Fair by Kurt Ullrich
Call Number: S555 I8 U45x 2014
ISBN: 9781609382780
Chronicles the magic of the Iowa State Fair in words and photographs.

Web Resources

50 Things You Need to Experience in the Hawkeye State
From delicious food to adventurous state parks and more, Iowa is full of must-see attractions, activities, restaurants, and more that you need to add to your bucket list.
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad (Boone, IA)
Special events include: Day Out with Thomas, Pumpkin Express, Santa Express, Spring Motorcar Day, Sunset BBQ Dinner Trains.
Buffalo Bill Museum (LeClaire, IA)
In June, they also host a Wild West show.
High Trestle Trail
Bike or walk the Trail which runs for 25 miles through five towns and four counties - from Ankeny to Woodward, Iowa. It includes the iconic, 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge across the Des Moines River valley, one of the largest trail bridges in the world.
Iowa by Trail
Provides interactive maps of Iowa’s multi-use trails that allow users to: find points of interest along the route, like local restaurants, museums and natural resource information; share photos, reviews and trail suggestions; keep track of distance, weather, news and trail events.
Iowa Speedway
Iowa has more racing fans than any other U.S. state
Iowa State Fair (Des Moines)
The Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world.
A More Beautiful Iowa –Iowa's State Parks System
Iowa’s more than 71 state parks and recreational areas attract millions of visitors each year and provide places of outdoor solitude, recreation, and natural beauty. With the passage of the 1917 state park bill, Iowa became a national leader in the state park movement.
National Hobo Museum (Britt, IA)
The museum began as the dream of 3 life-long hobos and former Hobo Kings. Determined to preserve the history of the American Hobo, they formed the Hobo Foundation in the mid-1970s. The foundation, made up of hobos and residents of Britt, Iowa tasked themselves with ensuring that the stories of the American Hobo would be told for generations to come.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (Dubuque)
Features a hands-on active learning aquarium, learn about river conservation, stroll through a riverboat and learn how it works and learn about raptors.
RAGBRAI
Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.The 8,500 riders who participate are selected by a random lottery.
Seed Savers Exchange (Decorah, IA)
SSE stewards America’s culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. They educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.