DES MOINES, Iowa — The "wow" factor at the Iowa State Fair has always been grand, but 125 years ago was one of the first three feats that you had to see to believe.
Thanks to the effort of the people preserving the fair's history, you can see a real live train collision at the Ralph H. Deets Historical Museum's exhibit.
According to organizers, the "Head-On-Joe" exhibit is named after Joe Conley, who grew up by the tracks and thought it would be really neat to have something smash up really big for people to see at the fair.
It was such a big hit at the 1896 Iowa State Fair that it happened again in 1922 and 1932.
Watch: More Iowa State Fair coverage on Local 5's YouTube channel
Local 5 and CW Iowa 23 are bringing exciting experiences to you, from live newscasts to a real-life Local 5 Weather Lab experience. The CW Iowa 23 booth will be located on Grand Avenue, and the Local 5 Weather team can be found near the Giant Slide.
Both booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day of the fair.
► Find full fair coverage at weareiowa.com/fair.
► Find the latest health and safety precautions here.