Drat - wish IA wasn't so far from NY, lol!
I did go to IA once when I was in 4-H as part of an exchange program. First summer, my guest came here, then the next summer, I went there. Can't remember the name of the town; the farm I was on was way out in those famous cornfields. We did go to the state fair, and to Amana village.
Had a great time then, but it's too far to drive for a retreat. Heck, there are enough people from upstate/central/western NY here, we should get a retreat together!