Whether you are new to the Hawkeye State, a lifelong resident, or just passing through, these are the foods you should try for a true Iowa summer experience.
Blue Bunny Ice Cream
Blue Bunny Ice Cream is known all over the world. But to get the tastiest scoop of your life, go straight to the source at the Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars, home of Blue Bunny maker Wells Enterprises.
Eat a delicious cone in the classic parlor, learn all about the history of the town and company in the upstairs movie theater, and make sure to get your obligatory tourist photo at “the Jesus Cone” across the street. Nothing says summer in Iowa like ice cream, and Le Mars is the place to get it. Make sure to try the huckleberry flavor (two scoops).
Where to find it: Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor, 115 Central Ave. NW, Le Mars, IA, 51031
Scotcheroos
Scotcheroos are a Midwestern staple that were reportedly inspired by a recipe on a box of Rice Krispies back in the 1960s. They have become a must-have at Iowa summer gatherings ever since. Cookouts, tailgate parties, Fourth of July celebrations; you’re almost certain to see a tray of these sticky, delicious treats that the Des Moines Register called “a Rice Krispies Treat on steroids.”
It’s simple to bake but sure to make both native Iowans and visitors swoon—before the inevitable sugar crash. Make your own, get them from a grocery store, or purchase from a local bakery; there is no wrong to enjoy a Scotcheroo. Where to find it: Molly’s Cupcakes, 215 E. 3rd St., Des Moines, IA, 50309
Sweet Corn
Sweet corn grows thanks to a naturally occurring recessive mutation in the genes of a corn stalk that control conversion of sugar to starch inside the endosperm of the corn kernel, resulting in a corn with higher sugar content than your average field corn stalk. But you don’t need the science behind it; grab an ear, slather it in butter, and eat one of Iowa’s most iconic foods.
Sweet corn isn’t hard to find in Iowa, you just have to know where to look. Our suggested spots include local farmstands or the back of those pick-up trucks that dot the side of the state’s rural highways. Local vendors try to have sweet corn ready in time for the Fourth of July, making it as dependable a marker of the summer season as the last day of school.
Eat it straight, mix it in with a salad, or eat it deep-fried on a stick at the Iowa State Fair, just make sure you eat it fresh, as it stores poorly due to … well, no need for more science.
Where to find it: Grimes Sweetcorn, available in many metropolitan and medium–sized communities across Iowa
The Loose Meat Sandwich
Also known as Maid-Rites, tavern sandwiches, or Charlie Boys, these Iowa sandwiches are delicious any time of the year, no matter what they are called. Reportedly created by the now-defunct Ye Olde Tavern in Sioux City, a loose meat sandwich can be found in nearly every corner of the Hawkeye State.
A staple of neighborhood pubs and fast food pit stops alike, there is no wrong name for this crumbly piece of culinary delight. Whether you enjoy it with a frosty beer at Sioux City’s Miles Inn or with fries and a shake at your local Maid-Rite, make sure to grab plenty of napkins and a spoon to pick up the pile of meat that will inevitably fall from your bun.
Important note: This is not a Sloppy Joe, and confusing it with one is a surefire way to annoy the locals.
Where to find it: Miles Inn, 2622 Leech Ave., Sioux City, IA 51106
Nutty Bars
Getting a treat from the Nutty Bar Stand at Arnolds Park has been a ritual of summers on Lake Okoboji since 1945. Made with a square of Blue Bunny ice cream, dipped in chocolate and rolled in crushed peanuts, it has become a treasured part of the season for generations of Iowans.
The Nutty Bar Stand also serves up summer snacks such as dipped ice cream cones, frozen bananas, and root beer, but if you want to feel like a true Iowan, the Nutty Bar is the way to go.
Where to find it: Arnolds Park Amusement Park, 37 Lake Drive, Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Breaded pork tenderloin
There is no better excuse for a summer road trip than to find some good eats, and with 14 stops to visit on the Iowa Tenderloin Trail, you are sure to find a breaded pork tenderloin that works for you.
For the best of this deep-fried flat treat in 2023, the Iowa Pork Producers Association recommends a visit to Lid’s Bar and Grill in Waukon (or you can find one at the State Fair, of course).
Where to find it: Lid’s Bar and Grill, 1350 9th St. SW, Waukon, IA 52172
Snickers Salad
Only a state like Iowa could create something so sweet, so delectable, so full of sugary goodness, then call it a “salad.” Made of whipped cream, green apples, pudding, and chunks of Snickers candy bars, this delicious side dish is a star at countless Iowa picnics.
Though you’ll see Snickers salad at gatherings all over the Upper Midwest, give Iowa credit for creating a homemade summer treat that has brought joy to generations. This is a salad the same way a hot beef sundae is a sundae … but we’ll get to that. Where to find it: Ingredients available at your local Hy-Vee supermarket, with locations across the state
Walking Tacos
Sure to make an Iowan salivate and make an out-of-state visitor raise their eyebrow in confusion, the walking taco is as convenient a food as any that exists; all you need is a bag of Doritos, ground beef, sour cream, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and a fork. Crunch up the Doritos and add your other ingredients, then use the fork to scoop it all into your mouth—standing or sitting.
Walking tacos are a staple at Iowa high school sporting events, farmer’s markets, and festivals, but we’ll use it as the beginning of our highlights from the Iowa State Fair. Convenient, delicious, and messy—make sure to grab plenty of napkins if you plan to go against the grain and eat this sitting down.
Where to find it: Iowa State Fair (Aug. 10-20), 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317
Pork Chop on a Stick
One of the State Fair’s most iconic foods, the Pork Chop on a Stick is best enjoyed while walking amongst the crowds, admiring the majesty of the Butter Cow, or waiting in line for a roller coaster on one of the hottest days of the year.
With the presidential campaign season kicking off in earnest, you’re sure to see local and national politicians chowing down on this snack and serving it to fairgoers, eager to turn their mid-summer pork consumption into a few votes.
Hot Beef Sundae
Another must-have State Fair treat, the hot beef sundae is a pure delight. While it doesn’t include any of the ingredients you would think of putting in an actual “sundae,” (ice cream, chocolate syrup, etc.) this glorious combination of roast beef, mashed potatoes, cheese, and gravy checks all the boxes to be a Midwestern summer favorite.
Where to find it: Iowa State Fair (Aug. 10-20), 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317
Sour Cream Raisin Pie
Mention this pie to a person who hasn’t spent time in Iowa or the Midwest, and they may start to slowly backpedal while looking for ways to exit the conversation. The name, however, simply doesn’t do it justice. Made of custard filling, raisins, sour cream, and meringue, this is an Iowa speciality with origins going back to the state’s Amish communities.
Give it a try if you want a true taste of Iowa’s culinary possibilities.
Where to find it: Iowa State Fair (Aug. 10-20), 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317
State Fair Corn Dogs
With an event called “The Corndog Kickoff” taking place every year at the Iowa State Fair, you knew they were going to make an appearance on this list eventually, so why not close it out? Made up of delicious, deep-fried goodness that every presidential candidate has to bite into for a photo op at least once, these are the fair’s most popular food.
Fried, filled with meat, and placed on a stick, it’s the epitome of a top-notch Iowa summer food.
Where to find it: Campbell’s Concessions, Iowa State Fair (Aug. 10-20), 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50317