Toad shows at the Iowa State Fair and pothole pools: The best Iowa April Fools' Day pranks

At the Des Moines Register, we don't joke about the news, but that doesn't mean we can't indulge in others' April Fools' Day pranks.

It doesn't take much investigating to guess these jokes are too good to be true. Here are some of our favorite April Fools' Day pranks.

Des Moines Public Works converting potholes to pools

After blizzards wreaked havoc on the streets of Des Moines, some of the potholes you are dodging look as big as swimming pools. So Des Moines Public Works decided to prank about a "new pothole to pool project" beginning April 1.

"Our brightest minds have most of the logistics worked out, with just a few remaining questions like: Chlorine or saltwater? Sound off in the comments!," the Facebook post stated.

For those who kept reading or had their skepticism, the post went on to state it was an April Fools' Day joke and that the city will stick to asphalt to manage the street craters.

Whatcha Smokin' BBQ offers smoked brisket body lotion

Iowans love barbeque as much as the next, but lathering your skin in pork-scented lotion may be a step too far. Whatcha Smokin' BBQ and Brew took it that far.

The local barbecue joint posted an April Fools' Day prank introducing the smoked brisket body lotion.

"The first-ever way to bring that slow-smoked, pit-fired perfection straight to your skin. Now, you don’t just have to eat it… you can wear it," the post stated. "Lather up, smell delicious, and embrace the essence of true barbecue. Grab yours now, while supplies last!"

Iowa State Fair 2025 adds toad shows

The Iowa State Fair is known for a lot of quirky contests. So it was almost believable when organizers announced toad shows coming to the 2025 State Fair.

A social media post featured edited photos of people wrangling toads in place of pigs. If you clicked the link to learn more about the "new event," it takes you to an Iowa State Fair page that says "April Fools" and offers a list of real competitions.

"When it comes to the Iowa State Fair, there’s nothing fake about the competitions, rides and food," according to the Iowa State Fair post. "From zany or serious contests that test skill and creativity to legendary fair foods that keep people coming back year after year, the Fair is serious about delivering unforgettable experiences."

RAGBRAI now selling 'korn-kybo'

Lines for a bathroom at RAGBRAI are no joke. So it only made sense that RAGBRAI teased a new on-the-go bathroom called Korn-Kybo.

If you click the link, it takes you to RAGBRAI's online shop where it admits the Korn-Kybo is a prank. But to make up for the trick, RAGBRAI is offering an April Fools' Day sale that is up to 50% off on all 2024 and older items.

Dough Co. debuts 'Ninja Turtles'-themed pizzas

Are you brave enough to try Dough Co.'s April Fools' Day pizzas? Its "Ninja Turtle"-themed menu is no joke.

The specials include a pepperoni and marshmallow pizza, sausage and jelly beans pizza, as well as tuna, peanut butter and jelly pizza. Dough Co. joked that this would be part of its new menu. The April Fools menu is available for April 1 only.

"We don't think anyone would actually order these," Dough Co. said in a social media post. "Prove us wrong."

Iowa Sticks Baseball Club rebrands to Iowa Carrot Sticks

Iowa Sticks Baseball club unveiled a new name: the Iowa Carrot Sticks. The Waukee baseball club said carrot sticks are a "performance-enhancing vegetables" that improve eyesight therefore they also improve batting.

"News of the Iowa Sticks' carrot-fueled dominance spread across the league," according to the Iowa Sticks' website. "Rival teams started accusing them of performance-enhancing vegetables. The commissioner of the league launched an investigation but found nothing except an impressive stash of organic produce."

Panka moves underwater

Panka is offering the freshest of fresh seafood at its "new underwater restaurant" in Des Moines.

All meals at this aqua dinner are free if you bring in a unicorn, according to a post from the Peruvian restaurant in Des Moines. For those who can't swim or find a unicorn, you can still get 10% at the Panka on land if you mention the April Fools' Day post.

If you have seen any good April Fools' pranks, send them to Kkealey@registermedia.com to be featured.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.