Well, after lots and lots of googling, I think I found the guy.
It's a Red-sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Pictures:
http://srelherp.uga.edu/jd/jdweb/Her.../thasirpar.htm
Apparently mostly abundant in western parts of Iowa. Considering I was a mere 30 minutes from the state line, this is most likely the snake.
Anyhow, thanks for the help guys, never seen one like this, was interesting learning was it was.