The I-35 Split – Why Iowa Feels Like Two Different States

Spend any amount of time in Iowa and you'll likely hear folks talk about how the other side of the state is just... "Different". No matter which side of I-35 you land on, there's a perception that those on the opposite end of I-35 might as well be in another state entirely. It's called the I-35 Split, and while it might not be common knowledge, it's always bubbling under the surface.

Eastern Iowa has a much higher population density, a higher industrial output, and its residents are naturally drawn to the Mississippi River. In some respects, Eastern Iowa (and those who live there) share more in common with their neighbors (Wisconsin & Illinois) than with Western Iowa. Another iconic spot, the Field of Dreams, is found in the town of Dyersville. It's also home to part of the historic Driftless Area, a truly remarkable region that was left untouched by the receding glaciers thousands of years ago.

The Driftless Area

Western Iowa has some of the best agricultural output on earth, is home to the Iowa Great Lakes, and the state's highest point in elevation in Hawkeye Point. While Eastern Iowans gravitate toward the Mississippi, in Western Iowa, it's all about the Missouri River, extending 200 miles, from Sioux City in the north to the Missouri state line in the south. It's also home to the legendary Loess Hills, which run alongside the Missouri River. These unique geologic formations are one of only two places on earth where the earth deposits Loess sediment in such a way.

The Loess Hills

Now, let's look at the cities and towns on each side of I-35.

What makes Davenport different than Sioux City? What about Dubuque and Council Bluffs? And where do Des Moines and Ames (which reside in the middle of the state) land in all of this?

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Distance apart: 5h 22m (347 miles)

One is on the banks of the Missouri River, the other, on the banks of the Mississippi. Sioux City's claim to fame is being linked to the Lewis & Clark Expedition way back in the early 1800s. In fact, there's a marker commemorating the only life loss on that journey, Sgt. Charles Floyd, who passed away from (likely) appendicitis. A 100 ft. monument now stands on a bluff in Sioux City overlooking the Missouri River honoring Floyd.

Davenport is the largest of the Quad Cities and home to the second biggest metropolitan area in the state after Des Moines. The city is a major manufacturing hub and is famous for its scenic cruises along the Mississippi River.

Distance apart: 5h 1m (321 miles)

Sitting on the eastern side of the Mississippi River, Council Bluffs is much more than just a suburb of Omaha. It was a major hub of the first Trans-Continental Railroad and is home to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum. It's also where you can find major casinos like the Horseshoe, and the historic Dodge House.

Known as Iowa's "Key City", Dubuque is also the oldest city in the state... By far. It was first settled way back in 1785 by Julien Dubuque, 61 years before Iowa gained statehood. You can also find the historic Fenelon Pace Elevator in Dubuque and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium can be found on the riverfront.

Distance apart: 1h 38m (99.7 miles)

These two are much closer together, yet are each distinctly representative of the East/West split within the state's borders. Originally named 'Fort Clarke' back in the 1840s, Fort Dodge was renamed in 1851 to honor Henry Dodge, a key military leader in the Black Hawk War. The town is also a historic hub for gypsum mining and processing.

Waterloo (Originally known as Prairie Rapids Crossing) has historically been one of the major manufacturing hubs in the state of Iowa. The city has always revolved around John Deere, since it purchased the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company in 1918. Deere continued making the popular 'Waterloo Boy' tractor until it rolled out the even more popular John Deere Model D in 1923, the tractor that revolutionized farming in the U.S. John Deere is still a major manufacturer in the city today.

What About Des Moines?

Iowa's largest city and state capital don't really fit either side of the East/West divide, which is almost fitting as it sits in the center of the state. But both east and west gravitate toward Des Moines in a multitude of ways. The city dominates the state politically, financially, and through its insurance sector. Des Moines got its name from the Des Moines river, which, when translated, means "River of the Monks".