Minden’s Feathered Showstoppers
When you pull off the quiet country road into Minden, Iowa, you might not expect to find one of the most colorful places in the Midwest. But at the Peacock Information Center, vibrant trains of emerald, sapphire, and gold sweep across the farmyard like living works of art. For over four decades, this one-of-a-kind destination has been home to Dennis “Mr. Peacock” Fett and Debra “Mrs. Peacock” Buck, a couple whose life revolves around the charm and care of peafowl.
I made the trip here to photograph their world for ia magazine, and what I found was far more than a collection of beautiful birds. It was a love story between people, animals, and a lifestyle that embraces joy in every feather.
The Peacock Information Center’s origin story is as endearing as its residents. Years ago, after their beloved pet pig passed away, Dennis asked Debra what she wanted next. Her answer? “Peacocks.” That single moment set them on a path that has since turned into one of the most recognized peafowl farms in the country, complete with media appearances on The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and Animal Planet.
Walking through the farm, I could see why. Everywhere I turned, peacocks strutted proudly, peahens tended to nests, and curious peachicks darted between fence posts. Each bird seemed to have its own personality which made it a joy to photograph them.
Photographing peafowl is an exercise in both patience and quick reflexes. The most famous sight—the male peacock’s full display—isn’t constant. You wait for that magical moment when he fans his train, the sunlight hitting just right so the iridescent eyes shimmer.
I focused on three kinds of images:
Full Trains: The peacocks’ tail feathers lit by morning sun created a halo of color impossible to fake.
Textural Close-Ups: The fine details of each feather—tiny jewel-toned scales—looked like they belonged on a couture gown.
Life on the Farm: From feeding time to the cozy chaos of peachicks under a heat lamp, these everyday moments gave the story its heartbeat.
My goal was to tell this story not just through images, but through emotion. The farm isn’t only a feast for the eyes, it’s a testament to Iowa grit, humor, and creativity. Every photograph, from the dramatic displays to daily caretaking, became part of a larger narrative about life lived with passion.
Before I left, Dennis and Debra shared a few peafowl tidbits that made me love these birds even more:
Only the males are called peacocks—females are peahens, and together they’re called peafowl.
A peacock’s tail, or “train,” can be over 5 feet long and made up of more than 200 feathers.
Despite their beauty, peafowl are surprisingly loud—their calls can be heard up to a mile away.
They can fly short distances, and at night, they often roost in tall trees to stay safe from predators.
In many cultures, peacocks symbolize beauty, pride, and immortality.
As I packed up my camera bag and said goodbye, a peacock called out from the fence line. One last burst of sound in a place already alive with color and personality. The images will tell their story in ia magazine, but the memory of this visit will stay vivid far longer.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Peacock Information Center at peafowl.com for farm details, resources, and peafowl care tips.
Read more Iowa stories at ia magazine.
