War of 1812 Cemetery Walk
May 3: War of 1812 Cemetery Walk, 1 p.m., Graceland Cemetery, 102 Willetts Drive,Knoxville
Join the Marion County Pioneer Cemetery Commission to visit four cemeteries in the county where War of 1812 veterans are buried. Learn about these men and what brought them to Iowa. Tour will be held rain or shine. Free and open to the public. For more information and the list of cemeteries, go to marioncountyiowacemetery.com.
America at 250: Freedom, Wildlife and the Legacy of the Land
May 7: America at 250: Freedom, Wildlife and the Legacy of the Land, 6 p.m., Madison County Conservation Center, 1900 Pammel Park Road, Winterset
Visitors will explore how the same forces that shaped a young nation also impacted its wild inhabitants such as the American bald eagle and bison. Through guided hikes, interpretive displays, live wildlife demonstrations and family-friendly activities, guests will gain a deeper understanding of the country’s legacy of both freedom and environmental consequence. Free admission.
Hoover on the Road
Through May 30: Hoover on the Road, Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale
Learn about President Herbert Hoover’s humanitarian legacy. The exhibit highlights his work as an engineer, global problem solver and public servant whose influence extended far beyond his presidency. Free 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays through April 29. Included with general admission April 30 to May 30.
Choose Iowa Calendar Contest
Through June 1: Choose Iowa Calendar Contest
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig invited school-aged Iowa students to participate in the 2026 Choose Iowa Calendar Contest, submitting artwork that combines Iowa agriculture with a patriotic theme. Naig will recognize the winning artists during an awards ceremony Aug. 18 in the Agriculture Building during the 2026 Iowa State Fair. Winning submissions will also be included in the 2026/2027 Choose Iowa calendar distributed by the Department of Agriculture. For details and requirements, visit the Choose Iowa website at chooseiowa.com and click on the Kids & Teachers tab.
Cherrywood Poppy Quilt Challenge and Quilts of Valor Exhibit
Through July 5: In Flanders Field the Poppies Grow: Cherrywood Poppy Quilt Challenge and Quilts of Valor Exhibit, 10 a.m., Iowa Quilt Museum, 68 E Court Ave., Winterset
The exhibit includes a collection of six quilts of valor surrounded by 225 Cherrywood Poppy Quilt Challenge quilts that have a military or veteran theme. Also on display: an American Album quilt featuring 50 states in the order of when they joined the Union.
250th anniversary of the United States trailer display
Through July 31: 250th anniversary of the United States trailer display, Wilson Trailer Co., 4400 S Lewis Blvd., Sioux City
Wilson Trailer has created a custom vinyl-wrapped grain trailer featuring the American flag. The trailer is displayed on the roadside. Throughout the year, it will travel across the United States and be showcased at various farm shows.
40th Anniversary Summer Iowa Games
Through Aug. 31. 40th Anniversary Summer Iowa Games
The Summer Iowa Games presented by Grinnell Mutual will celebrate 40 years of sports with its annual multi-sport festival. More than 40 sports at sites throughout Iowa will be offered for athletes of all ages and abilities. For locations and details, visit iowagames.org.
250 Stops in 250 Days along Iowa’s Lincoln Highway
Through Sept. 5: 250 Stops in 250 Days along Iowa’s Lincoln Highway (online event)
The Lincoln Highway was America’s first planned, improved and promoted transcontinental automobile route. Over 250 days, the Facebook page Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway will highlight a different stop daily, from monuments and museums to restaurants and roadside markers, on the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway, a designated National Scenic Byway.
Prairie, Plows, and the People’s College
Through Oct. 2: Prairie, Plows, and the People’s College, Farm House Museum, 601 Farm House Lane, Ames
This exhibition honors key people, moments, objects, and experiences with more than 250 primary source objects representing six themes: early Iowa State Agricultural College and Model Farm; early Iowa; immigration; national imagery; native stories; and innovation and the Victorian home.
Iowa towns photo collage
Sons of the American Revolution is collecting a photograph of every Iowa city and town for a combined collage of all 934 in Iowa. Do you have a great photo from an Iowa town to contribute? Send it to MJR1825@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What to know about America 250 events coming up in Iowa
Reporting by Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
