Iowa, Wisconsin Top List For ‘Most Outdoorsy’ — Why It Matters.

I love the outdoors. Hiking, camping, foraging, fishing, and hunting consume much of my free time in our beautiful state of Iowa. Whether it's an evening stroll with my wife, picking berries and finding mushrooms with my son, or fishing at one of the many ponds, rivers, or lakes our local area offers, being outdoors is what the Tri-State Area has to offer in abundance. Obviously, I love it.

Apparently, most of us do, especially those of us who call Iowa and Wisconsin home.

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According to a recent Tractor Supply Company survey (the Outdoor Happiness Report), Iowa and Wisconsin rank among the most “outdoorsy” states in the nation. I'll be honest, that’s no surprise to anyone who calls these places home. Possibly more surprising, though, is the fact that Iowa came in first place overall.

We scored a perfect 100 in outdoor activity metrics. Nearly 90% of Iowans visit green spaces weekly or monthly. Half of us spend time watching wildlife. We’re even near the top nationally in walking and biking rates. In other words, we don't simply talk about enjoying nature; we’re out there making it happen.

Wisconsin isn’t far behind, landing third on the list with strong showings in hiking, wildlife watching, biking, and running. If you’ve ever spent a summer afternoon in the Driftless Area, wandered the forests of northern Wisconsin, or strolled along the Lake Michigan shoreline, you know exactly why. These landscapes practically beg you to lace up your boots, grab your fishing pole, or find a quiet spot to enjoy some fresh air.

My only personal dislike for exploring in Wisconsin is that most places charge you to visit, whereas in Iowa, we have free-to-visit parks!

The survey also makes a strong case for why our love for the outdoors matters. Spending more time outside is linked to lower stress, better physical health, and a significant boost in happiness. In fact, just adding five extra hours outdoors a month can increase happiness by up to 43%. For those of us lucky enough to have parks and trails nearby, the benefits are literally out our back door.

Of course, it's not always about the big adventures. It could be as simple as sitting outside with a cup of coffee. Maybe some gardening in the backyard. Even walking the dog after dinner works. And trust me, these everyday moments add up. Even in town, my wife and I try to enjoy a 30-45 minute walk each night around Cascade. It's good for your body, mind, and relationship. Simple things like this keep us grounded, connected, and grateful for the natural beauty around us. Hopefully, we are also being good stewards of it, to keep it here for the long haul.

So here’s to Iowa and Wisconsin! Two states where “getting outside” isn’t just something we do for a vacation, but "on the daily," if we can. It’s part of who we are. Whether it’s hiking bluffs, casting a line, or just strolling through town. Our states are proof that the outdoors isn’t just a place you visit; it’s home.

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