Iowa is home to some exciting scenery--an early glacier skipped around its northeast corner, leaving untouched a high-cliffed hilly terrain of surprising beauty. Here you can find Indian burial mounds in the shapes of animals and birds, as well as caves, and the mighty Mississippi River. Along the Great River Road, which runs beside the Mississippi River, are hills, bluffs, caves, and charming old river towns, each with its own distinct personality. Along this same route are miles and miles of recreation land where boating, fishing, and swimming are popular. Festivals are an important part of life in Iowa. Every county in the state has an annual fair where local farmers and industries display their wares. (Courtesy of Rand McNally http://www.randmcnally.com)