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Most people have no idea that Iowa has so many aquifers right under the ground we call home. The residents of Belle Plaine had no idea what they were getting themselves into when they decided to drill a well in 1886. Iowa’s Aquifers flow fast and strong deep under our towns, highways, and rural areas. Iowa Department of Natural Resources The Belle Plaine Channel caused a disturbance in 1886 when the city of Belle Plaine tried to drill a new well to access it for fire protection....

The dizzying heights of America’s tallest dams have long caused both awe at their large-scale engineering, as well as fear over whether monolith construction sites can truly withstand the forces of nature. The June 5 collapse of the Teton Dam is one man-made disaster that shook the country due to its widespread consequences – over 300 square miles and an entire ecosystem were demolished in its wake. And today, exactly 40 years later, this horrific tragedy still lingers in the memories of locals and family members alike....

Wisconsin is not the most popular state. It doesn’t get a whole lot of attention in the media. There are no “Real Housewives of Manitowoc” (although I’d watch that one). Despite this, Wisconsin contributes a whole lot to this great nation of ours. Blenders Anna/Flickr As a huge smoothie lover, I am all about the blender. This small (but mighty) appliance was developed right here in Wisconsin. Great produce Patrick Kuhl/Flickr You like to eat, don’t you?...

Sure, you can go to your big box store and get a decent pumpkin. But there’s nothing quite like going to the pumpkin patch and getting the perfect pumpkin. Wisconsin has loads of great pumpkin patches, but here are some of the best. Mommsen’s Pumpkin Patch Mommsen’s Pumpkin Patch/Facebook Pick your own pumpkins is just the beginning of this great place. There is also pumpkin artillery. 1696 County Hwy SS, Rice Lake, WI 54868....

Some say small-town Midwestern life can get a little repetitive, but these 12 Iowa festivals will get you fired up about visiting some of our state’s best small towns. Whether you love live music, enjoy food fairs, or always wanted to dress up as a Vulcan, Iowa has a festival that’s perfect for you. Tree Town Music Festival Tree Town Festival Website The 2017 Tree Town Music Festival, scheduled for May 25-28 in Forest City, Iowa will feature Bret Michaels, Thomas Rhett, Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, Dwight Yoakam, Pur Prairie League, and many more well-loved musicians....

Nebraska is no stranger to severe weather of all types, but a few storms stand out in our state history. The blizzard of 1949 was an epic storm that actually started in November 1948 and kept going relentlessly for months. The fall harvest had been especially bountiful in 1948. By the end of the season, many farmers and ranchers had a positive outlook for the following year…until the first storm struck on November 18th....

Are you ready for a truly unique Iowa experience? This one of a kind festival has been one of the most popular in the state, for a long time. The 2017 Balloon Classic will take place in Indianola, Iowa. National Balloon Classic/Facebook National Balloon Classic/Facebook The balloon field address is 15335 Jewell Street, east of Indianola on highway 92. Scheduled dates for this incredible event are July 28th through August 5th....

Less than a month away, at the end of August, residents throughout the United States will be able to experience the first Total Solar Eclipse that we’ve been able to see in nearly one hundred years. While the Empire State may not have the most perfect view of this incredible natural event, areas of our state will get to see a spectacular show for the first time in their lifetime. To find out where you can catch this extraordinary phenomenon, continue reading below!...

It’s officially December, which means that Christmas is right around the corner. In addition to holiday shopping, baking sugar cookies with Grandma, decorating your home, and spending time with family and friends, there are various places in Hawaii to truly get into the holiday spirit. While cities throughout Hawaii celebrate Christmas well, these nine towns are just a little merrier this season. Honolulu Kyle Nishioka/Flickr Nick/Flickr Honolulu City Lights is perhaps the largest Christmas celebration across the state....

In Vermont, we love finding interesting ways to preserve historic buildings and pay homage to our history. Stepping into this old train station brings you back in time, and with it brings feelings of nostalgia. All those childhood days playing with trains come alive as you enter a true train station and enjoy great drinks, fantastic food and live music. Let’s take a closer look at this train-themed restaurant in VT....

Some places are just too charming to put into words. For those towns that will just take the breath right out of your mouth… You have a camera. Here are some gorgeous photographs taken of the most scenic towns in Pennsylvania. Jim Thorpe Eva A. Jeff Cushner/ Flickr Jim Thorpe is nicknamed the “Switzerland of America” for a reason. Honesdale Nicholas A. Tonelli/ Flickr Hinsdale may not be very well known, but its beauty has attracted filmmakers on multiple occasions....

Virginia has such a long, rich history that it’s no surprise that we have dozens of locations that are thought to be haunted. There’s one ghost here, though, that will break your heart with her chilling, mournful tale. Patrick Henry married his childhood sweetheart, Sarah, in 1754. In 1771, the couple moved with their five children to a plantation called Scotchtown. Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown/Facebook Shortly after moving in, Sarah gave birth to their sixth child....

The Natural State looked a lot more natural a century ago. Even though towns were still slowly being established, you can tell by looking at photographs from the early 19th-century that progress was still a long way away for Arkansas. These pictures taken around the state are a look back at what Arkansas was like a hundred years ago. A lot of places would be unrecognizable today, but the Arkansas charm is still recognizable from these photographs....

Hawaii is absolutely paradise, and arguably, one of the most gorgeous states in the country. The islands have it all – pristine beaches, phenomenal sunsets, striking waterfalls, and majestic mountains. It is no wonder why so many talented photographers flock to the islands; many of who have shared their work with the Only In Hawaii Facebook page. Today, we are featuring some of the best photographs we have received. We’d like to thank these amazing photographers, and if you haven’t shared your photos with us, feel free to do so (all the information can be found at the end of this post)....

Most people agree that New England is one of the very best places to find amazing antiques. Rhode Island is no exception. There are tons of vintage and antique shops that are the perfect place to find that beautiful old piece of furniture, retro outfit, and more. Here are 10 great places for antiques in Rhode Island! Rhode Island Antiques Mall, Pawtucket Facebook/Antiques Mall Facebook/Antiques Mall If you’re looking for a one stop shop for all your antique needs, Rhode Island Antiques Mall is it....

So last time I told you about some of the best beaches in Connecticut, which you can revisit here. They are widely known across the state, popular for their amenities and large size. But today I want to focus in on the little known beaches in the state, the beaches you go to when you’re bored of the popular destinations and you want a different view. These beaches are perfect for folks looking to change things up, or even if you just want a quieter experience....

Chances are, if you’ve sat in front of a movie screen you’ve seen Northern California. It’s tough being so incredibly beautiful because everyone wants to use one of our scenic backdrops as their own. Whether you’re walking through one of our Redwood forests, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, or find yourself beachside you may just think you’ve seen the sites before. The truth is you probably have. Mrs. Doubtfire flickr/gps When you think of a movie filmed in San Francisco, who doesn’t think of Mrs....

Sure, Mississippi does embody all the charm and grace of the South. But sometimes, people in the rest of the country have a few misconceptions about what we’re really like. We’d like to set the record straight here. We don’t all live on farms in the country. Ken Lund/flickr We do have some big cities here. The population of Jackson is over 173,000. Of course, those of us who do live on farms consider ourselves pretty blessed....

In San Francisco, age is a number. If you want to get in touch with your childish side then this is the right city for you. Why? With more than 100 playgrounds in our 49 square miles, you have plenty of places to feel like a kid again. Lafayette Park: Gough & Washington Street, 94109 Kim l/Yelp Since being renovated in 2013, Lafayette Park is gleaming and waiting to be used!...

There are so many amazing places to visit in Illinois! You could take a road trip every weekend and never run out of fun and interesting things to do. Here’s some of the most incredible Illinois trips you should take as soon as possible: Visit Oberweis and take their epic factory tour. Oberweis/Yelp This beloved ice cream company is an Illinois favorite for a reason - it’s absolutely delicious! More info here....