Iowa gun laws suck. I'm in South Dakota, a half hour from Sioux City, so I go there all the time. It's a pain. Here's a summary:
No loaded guns in your car, and they have to be in a case unless they're in the trunk. Handguns have to be unloaded and in a case that's "too large to conceal on the person".
No permit to buy a long gun, but you need a permit to buy a handgun, which is available from your sheriff. Takes 3 days and costs a small amount. Valid for one year.
No open carry within city limits, and no concealed carry unless youcan prove that you "need" it, or if know someone important. Permits may have limitations on them on where and when you can carry. On the other hand, they don't cost much, so if you could get one...
It's illegal to possess machine guns, sbr's, etc. Probably won't affect you, but it's still no fun.
All in all, for a midwestern state, their gun laws are pretty strict. Definitely not what I'm used to after growing up in South Dakota.