Take a Walk Through Iowa History at the Historical Walking Tour at the Iowa State Fair
Iowans are invited to take a step forward for their health by taking a step back into Iowa State Fair history at the 12th Annual Historical Walking Tour. The State Historical Society of Iowa is proud to present this tour in partnership with the Healthiest State Initiative.
Explore the fairgrounds, learn about Iowa history and get some exercise—all at the same time. Being physically active is one of the most important steps that people of all ages and abilities can take to improve their health, and walking is an excellent way to increase physical activity. The fairgrounds span about 445 acres, so it’s a great place to get moving!
The 2025 tour took place on Thursday, August 13 at 8:15 a.m. starting at the DNR Building on the Grand Concourse and finish about 45 minutes later at the fair's opening ceremony. Guides from the State Historical Society of Iowa will make several stops at historic sites along the way. The walking route is approximately 1 kilometer, or about 1,500 steps for an average walker.
Previous Tours
2026 Iowa State Fair Historical Walking Tour
A little Iowa weather couldn’t stop us! Despite a morning weather delay, the 12th annual Iowa State Fair Historical Walking Tour brought together a great crowd for an afternoon of walking, learning and exploring Iowa State Fair history. Co-hosted by the State Historical Society of Iowa and Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, the tour helped participants get their feet and minds moving while discovering the people, places and traditions that have shaped the Fair for more than a century.
Led by State Historical Society of Iowa Curator Hanna Howard and K-12 Education Coordinator Rachel Hansen, the 2026 tour featured 10 stops across the Fairgrounds. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the full route or hopped on for a stop or two, and to our partners, and staff who helped make this opening-day tradition possible!
2026 Historical Walking Tour Route
- Administration Building
- Grandstand
- Midway
- Ye Old Mill
- Agriculture Building
- Cultural Center
- Youth Inn
- Cattle Barn
- Swine Barn
- Horse Barn
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the Historical Walking Tour offered another opportunity to connect with the history behind one of Iowa’s most beloved traditions. We’re grateful to everyone who helped us make history, get our steps in and celebrate the 2026 Iowa State Fair!
Event Recap: 2025 Iowa State Fair Historical Walking Tour
Despite some sprinkles, the 11th Annual Historical Walking Tour kicked off the Iowa State Fair on a rainy Thursday, August 7 at 8:15 a.m., starting near the Administration Building on the Grand Concourse. This fun, FREE, and educational gathering—co-hosted by the State Historical Society of Iowa & the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative—was a great way to make history on Opening Day at the Fair.
Led by SHSI Curator, Hanna Howard, and Education Coordinator, Rachel Hansen, guided us through fascinating stories and historic spots across the fairgrounds. This year’s Historic Tour included stories about:
• Louis H. Pammel, conservation pioneer and father of Iowa’s state park system
• Ruth Law, death-defying aviator and Grandstand thrill-seeker
• Great Depression-era improvements by the Works Progress Administration (WPA)
…and more!
A special thank you to Governor Kim Reynolds, SHSI Administrator, Valerie Van Kooten, and Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Executive Director Jami Haberl, for your opening remarks and support of this annual tradition.
Missed this year's Historical Walking Tour at the Iowa State Fair?
If you were unable to make the 2025 Historical Walking Tour, download a free PDF of the tour transcript (below) to explore the stories behind the stops, wherever you are.