lowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the “American Heartland.” It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration.Iowa, like most of the Midwest, has a humid continental climate throughout the state (Koppen climate classification Dfa) with extremes of both heat and cold. Most people enter (and leave) Iowa via Interstate 80 if coming from the east or west, I-35 from the north or south. Both interstates are pretty easy to navigate, as are many Midwestern states,Its rich cultural heritage can be seen in the German Amana Colonies, with their many historic sites and museums. The tulips of Pella reflect the town’s Dutch past and Des Moines, Iowa’s capital, was clearly named by French explorers.Iowa was home to many famous individuals such as Herbert Hoover, John Wayne (born in Winterset, Madison County), Glenn Miller and Grant Wood, to name a few. It was part of the Lewis and Clark expedition and many other historic events.