While Iowa is commonly seen as flat fields and farmland, it’s also dotted with quaint small towns that travelers unwittingly bypass. These are 11 of Iowa’s cozy towns worth visiting:
1. Pella
Location: Central Iowa
Features: A Dutch-themed town with tulip farms, windmills, and special festivals. It’s a bit of the Netherlands in the middle of America.
Must-See: Vermeer Windmill and Jaarsma Bakery for traditional Dutch treats.
2. Decorah
Features: Famous for its Norwegian heritage, Decorah provides scenic vistas and a wealth of cultural attractions.
Must-Visit: Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and surrounding Dunnings Spring Park.
3. Winterset
Location: South-Central Iowa
Features: Home to John Wayne’s birthplace, this town features historic covered bridges and a charming town square.
Must-Visit: The John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Madison County’s famous bridges.
4. Amana Colonies
Location: Eastern Iowa
Features: A collection of seven historic villages with German roots, with distinctive shops, restaurants, and crafts.
Must-Visit: Amana Heritage Museum and Millstream Brewing Company.
5. McGregor
Location: Northeast Iowa
Features: Picturesque river town on the Mississippi, McGregor is a must for history buffs and nature lovers.
Must-Visit: Effigy Mounds National Monument and Pikes Peak State Park.
6. Elkader
Location: Northeast Iowa
Features: A town rich in history, with a lovely downtown and the Keystone Bridge crossing the Turkey River.
Must-Visit: The Carter House Museum and Elkader Opera House.
7. Le Claire
Location: Eastern Iowa
Features: Located on the Mississippi River, Le Claire has a combination of antique stores, wineries, and riverfront atmosphere.
Must-Visit: Antique Archaeology (American Pickers) and the Buffalo Bill Museum.
8. Clear Lake
Location: North-Central Iowa
Features: Rich musical past, lakeshore setting, outdoor recreation, and year-round activities.
Must-See: The Surf Ballroom (the site of Buddy Holly’s last concert) and Clear Lake State Park.
9. Fairfield
Location: Southeast Iowa
Features: Boastful art colony and sustainability project town with an interesting, vibrant atmosphere.
Must-See: The Maharishi University of Management campus and Fairfield Arts & Convention Center.
10. Bentonsport
Location: Southeast Iowa
Features: A peaceful, historic village on the Des Moines River, ideal for a relaxing retreat.
Must-Visit: The historic iron bridge and local artisan shops.
11. Orange City
Location: Northwest Iowa
Features: Another Dutch-themed treasure, this town is famous for its Tulip Festival and vibrant buildings.
Must-Visit: Windmill Park and Orange City Tulip Festival in spring.
Each of these towns reveals Iowa’s combination of natural scenery, history, and cultural character, providing a welcome respite from the usual tourist routes.
