Iowa General Information Nickname: Hawkeye State State bird: Eastern Goldfinch State flower: Wild Rose Capital: Des Moines Date of admission to the Union: 28th Dec 1846 Population: 2,926,324 (2000) Population density: 20.1/sq km 2000 total overseas arrivals: Under 50,000 Time: Central (GMT - 6). Daylight Saving Time is observed. The State: Almost 95 per cent of Iowa’s gently undulating land is given over to agriculture, but dotted across the landscape are many scenic parks, lakes and recreation areas, such as East and West Okoboji, Spirit Lake and Clear Lake. Its rich cultural heritage can be seen in the German Amana Colonies, with their many historic sites and museums. The tulips of Pella reflect its Dutch past and Des Moines was clearly named by French explorers. Iowa City is dominated by the University of Iowa campus. The city also boasts the beautiful Old Capitol building among the cluster of historic buildings called the Pentacrest. Museums include the Museum of Natural History and the Medical Museum in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The Amana Colonies are situated alongside the Iowa River. They welcome tourists to the Museum of Amana History, Community Church, Communal Kitchen Museum and the Cooper Shop Museum. They are renowned for their friendly nature, and their German heritage is evident in the local restaurants, which serve family-style portions of traditional dishes. The South Amana Barn Museum is an unusual museum that depicts the course of American history in miniature. Des Moines has a great selection of amusements for children including the Science Center of Iowa, which transports visitors out of this world with impressive laser shows and simulated space shuttle flights. Other sights in Des Moines are the State Historical Museum and Archives, Botanical Center, Des Moines Art Center and Jordan House. The city also hosts a number of annual events such as the Iowa State Fair in August and a Jazz in July celebration, with free daily jazz concerts throughout the city. Just out of town, the community of Indianola is the setting for the National Balloon Museum, which holds the colourful National Balloon Classic in July. Other Iowa attractions include the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad; Effigy Mounds National Monument, with its relics of ancient Native American culture; and Fort Dodge, now restored as a museum. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.