A look at America 250 events around Iowa this year

It’s the United States’ semiquincentennial year. Or just call it USA 250. Throughout 2026, Iowans will be celebrating 250 years since the 13 colonies declared their independence in 1776. Here’s a listing of some upcoming Iowa events marking the big year.

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.

Bald Eagle Day

Feb. 7: Bald Eagle Day. 10 a.m.-noon, Southeast Sixth Street bridge, Des Moines

Join a Des Moines Parks and Recreation environmental educator on the bridge to see the national bird swooping over the Des Moines River. Free.

Our American Experiment

Feb. 10: “Our American Experiment ― 250 Years On.” 7 p.m., Great Hall of the Memorial Union, 2229 Lincoln Way, Iowa State University, Ames

Asma Khalid, former White House correspondent for NPR and host of the BBC news podcast “The Global Story,” which explores the intersection of global and American affairs, will appear as the 2026 Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics to present a lecture about the state of American democracy in the context of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Winner of many awards for her reporting, Khalid is a native of Indiana. Free admission.