Hey! Many of the buildings are leftover from the 1840s and are still in use. For a unique nature experience, book a stay at Dear Camp. Today, this cozy hamlet houses less than 50 residents and welcomes thousands of tourists each year. The small city full of Norwegian architecture is home to the largest Norwegian museum in the US housing numerous exhibits. The lovely Decorah is an absolute must-visit for the outdoors and culture lovers in the warmer months. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. You might not want to stay in one place, as theres a lot of history to be experienced in all areas of the state. Check out the. With charming history and quaint beauty, these are the best small towns to visit in Iowa. Its common to see a horse and buggy riding down the road ahead of your car. The seven lakes span 12,687 acres and offer lots of fun for anyone who enjoys water sports. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Mount Pleasant was also a stop on the Underground Railroad and, like Salem, has a rich history of abolition, community education, and Quakerism. This small town in northeast Iowa has a big outdoor appeal. The Pella Historical Society Museums and Vermeer Windmill are two attractions you do not want to miss. Heres a closer look at just a few river communities you shouldnt miss on your next Great River Road trip. The researchers used data from the U.S. Census and Iowa Small Towns Project, which has surveyed residents from 99 small towns in Iowa every ten years since There are a few monuments and museums although they are not the main attraction. In fact, the Winterset Courthouse and historic district were both listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. Guided tours of the iconic white-picket homestead are also available for a small fee. Last but certainly not least is Elk Horn, a town settled by Danish immigrants that still holds on to its roots today. The state is home to a wide range of rural areas with small-town charm, beautiful panoramic views, and deep history. The, is a unique opportunity to visit natural wonders, and the park itself boasts beautiful scenery. Shenandoah Distance: About 1 hour from Omaha & Council Bluffs Located just 60 miles southeast of the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, Shenandoah is a self-sustaining city with a population of approximately 5,500 people. As you explore this town, search for the 55 5-foot ice cream cone sculptures that decorate this Le Mars. Williamsport. This small community of under 4,000 residents is anything but sleepy. Tasting some locally made and delicious spirits at the Mississippi River Distilling Company is never a bad idea, where you can sample and purchase from one of the top craft distilleries in the US. Make sure to take a peek at the beautiful historic downtown buildings and at Cornell College. Whether at one of many city parks, golf courses, or outdoor patios in Waverly, a smiling face is never far from sight. Sara Broers is a travel enthusiast that resides in Northern Iowa. The charming storefronts near the Cedar River offer a wide range of local eateries, shops, and places to stay the night. With a population of 5,533, Anamosa is certainly small, but they offer big opportunities for a fun trip to town. The entire village is a designated National Historic District, along with the marvelously-old truss bridge across the river, used as a pedestrian path. There are also scenic river cruises for a different perspective of the beautiful village. Winterset is a charming small town in the historic Madison County of South-Central Iowa, surrounded by covered bridges. In addition to the artsy culture of this town, there are some historical attractions, too. Hiking, jogging, and bicycling are also popular, especially along the newly installed Trout Run Trail. The Airpower Museum and the American Gothic House Center are two attractions that you do not want to miss here. The best place to visit to enjoy the big bluffs and wide banks of the Mississippi from McGregor is the nearby Pikes Peak State Park. The Amana Colonies comprise seven scenic villages in eastern Iowa, 30 minutes from Iowa City. Iowa Travel Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip, 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Des Moines, IA, 10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cedar Rapids, IA, Iowa in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 14 Top-Rated Things to Do in Iowa City, IA, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Rochester, MN, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Omaha, 14 Top-Rated Things to Do in Red Wing, MN, 13 Top-Rated Things to Do in Peoria, Illinois, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Lincoln, NE, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Iowa in Pictures: Beautiful Places to Photograph. Decorah is home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which was named With many other reasons to visit, all the best small towns also offer access to the Iowa great outdoors. Emmetsburg Flickr/David Morris Emmetsburg is home to Five Island Lake and has a population of 3,904 people. 17 Charming Small Towns in Iowa that You Need to Visit (2023) We have to include it, though, because it is so charming! Its common to see a horse and buggy riding down the road ahead of your car. The Dutch architecture and beauty in Pella will make you feel as though youve entered the Netherlands. Evidence of this is easy to see in Pella, with Dutch windmills and tulips (in season) garnishing the streets. Trekkies already know this, but Riverside is the Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk. Dyersville Founded in 1848 by James J. Dyer, Dyersville is a charming community situated in eastern Iowa. Iowa is a state of rolling hills, flatlands, cornfields, and rivers. Pella, population 10,554, is easily one of the cutest towns in the state, perhaps even the country. The town's history spans over 200 years to the original Fort Madison, established on the Mississippi in 1809. The Amana Colonies are also well known for their artisan wares across the villages. If you prefer the forest to the city, Eldora is a great place to visit. Bring your golf clubs, as the Linn Grove Country Club is home to a 9-hole course. Des Moines Des Moines State Capitol building | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane Des Moines is the state capital of Iowa and a growing city characterized by young professionals, first-class restaurants, and fun things to do in every direction. Retaining a special Dutch heritage, tourists can expect to find a variety of festivals and unique landmarks that celebrate this ethnic group. Now there are only 40 residents, but people still love to visit. You can experience the Netherlands no passport required. This unique small town has a distinct Dutch appeal less than an hour's drive southeast from Des Moines. The small town is on the shores of its namesake lake, and the overall vibe is Lake Town, USA. It's the great outdoors that drives people to McGregor. Prefer to enjoy your adventures indoors? Loess is a sediment that formed after years of wind-blown dust settled. To wrap up your adventure, make a stop at. Iowa tenderloins and comfort foods are featured on the menu. Iowa Northeast Iowa offers some of the most scenic landscapes in the state. This adorable small town is quite different from anywhere else in Iowa - it's full of castles! Other attractions in the region serve as traditions for some family vacations. The Dunnings Spring Waterfall and Ice Cave is a unique opportunity to visit natural wonders, and the park itself boasts beautiful scenery. The historic family park offers a sprawling spread of amusement rides for all ages, other entertainment, museums, and midway games. Kalona, about 30 minutes southwest of Iowa City, and the surrounding area have a large Amish population. Here are nine under-the-radar Iowa towns that you need to visit. Residents enjoy the ultimate getaway into the vastly-beautiful Pikes Peak State Park for daily hiking, boating, and bike rides. Kalona. Alongside a good selection of places to stay, Eldora also delivers with a friendly community. Fort Defiance State Park is home to miles of hiking trails. Danish blood runs deep in this town, as most of the 600+ people who live in Elk Horn are of Danish heritage. Stop at the Bridge View Center and walk near the water. Our last post about charming small towns in Iowa was so popular, we had people asking for more! I would say that Shenandoah is one of the best small towns in Iowa to live in. Best Small Towns Make sure to stop by Winterset City Park too, and the. The beautiful town is perfectly situated on top of a bed of rocky bluffs, overlooking the Iowa River. Other attractions to check out on a weekend trip include the Iowa Quilt Museum and the Madison County Historical Society. 10 Iowa Small Towns You Must Make The Time To Explore Walnuts charm goes way beyond rare antique finds. That site alone can take a whole day to explore! Bentonsport was a prominent port city in the 1840s that retained historical charm veiled in a small-town atmosphere for a cozy hamlet today. Each of these quaint settlements offers small-town southern Iowa charm. Okoboji is actually where you can find the Iowa Great Lakes. , once an egg candling business that has since transformed into an antique market. However, West Branch has preserved a patch of tall grass prairie so you can see these magnificent plants and even. Most of them are Victorian-era homes that are quite amazing to see in the modern-day Midwest. Forming part of the Quad Cities region along the border with Illinois is the small town of LeClaire. Classic movies such as, Cold Turkey, The Bridges of Madison County, and The Crazies were all filmed in Winterset. This park is also home to Clark Tower, which resembles a castles tower. The Vermeer Windmill is one of these centerpiece attractions and is the tallest working windmill in North America. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Salads, sandwiches, chicken, and pie are favorites. These eight towns are the essence of small-town Iowa charm with a galore of sights and pursuits in scenic nature. Best Small Towns You can even visit a museum to learn about baseball, barns, or the heritage of Amana. Visit on Labor Day Weekend and attend a baseball game made up of Dyersvilles dream team. Red Wing, Minnesota Tom and Lorraine Winterink are your hosts and will welcome you like family. Traditional Dutch food, folk dances, and regional costumes are all on the menu, making this one of the most alluring events and towns to explore in all of Iowa. Calling all Star Trek fans: You wont want to miss a visit to Riverside, the future Le Claire. In late November, the community kicks off the winter season with its Holiday Hoopla series of events. A meal near the Mississippi is what you will find at Miltys. A visit to Pella isn't complete without a taste of Dutch flavors. Better known as Luxembourg in America, the quaint and historic village of St. Donatus is completely unique, and a must-see destination If youve ever watched Field of Dreams, youll be familiar with the baseball field that is still in a Dyersville cornfield today. Aside from the mandatory Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor visit, here are some more things to do on your next trip to town: tour the Plymouth County Museum, admire the street art throughout town, and grab a bite to eat at Archie's Waeside. She is passionate about travel; she is the CEO of Travel With Sara and the co-owner of the Midwest Travel Network. Dyersville is not only known for its cornfields, but it is home to a Hop off of I-80 at Exit 54 in western Iowa, drive five minutes north, and you will see the Danish windmill. Like Dyserville and Winterset, some small towns gained prominence as film sites for major motion pictures. Many of Americas Dutch treasures can be found in Pella, Iowa. While this town is quite small, it has a lot to offer. Kalona, about 30 minutes southwest of Iowa City, and the surrounding area have a large Amish population. For more history, check out the, , which covers midwestern agricultural history, and mark your calendar for the yearly, , a huge multi-day event featuring steam engines, agricultural equipment, and live entertainment. This small town actually makes more ice cream than any city in the world. There is plenty to do without being overwhelming for first-time visitors! Spend your 2. While you're in town, you obviously need to check out all the castles and such, but some other fun and unique things to see are: the Moorehead House Museum or the Stagecoach Inn for a peek into the town's history, the Skate Palace if you feel like doing a little rollerskating, and the giant pirate ship on Lake LaJune, which is a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Fort Madison is a storied and scenic city in southeast Iowa on the Mississippi River. A stay at a bed and breakfast is ideal in Winterset. Pair the lake with a beautiful and historic downtown and a Popular events such as the annual Arts and Crafts Festival and the Lazy River Beer and Wine Fest will fascinate appropriate fans. Though the state's large urban centers require their share of attention, Iowa's small towns offer charming and fascinating histories. The scenic enclave of Decorahcalled the "Norway of Iowa" is in the northern portion of the state with a population of 7,425. Eldora is the nearest town to the sprawling acres of Pine Lake State Park. The area also has a wide range of places to stay, including the historic Hotel Winneshiek with boutique offerings. Any visitor to the "Hawkeye State", would be remiss for overlooking its stunning small towns. It is home to beautiful towns with cultural centers housing deep European heritage on display through architectural marvels and attractions for any taste. 1. Pella, home to Wyatt Earp, is another one of the cute towns in Iowa. Other notable attractions in-town include the Iowa Quilt Museum and the Madison County Historical Society. Speaking of plants, Decorah should be high on every gardeners list of places to visit. 12 Charming Small Towns In Iowa You Gotta Visit Charles City is home to the tractor, Elk Horn is where the Danish prevail, and Pella is where you will experience Americas Dutch heritage. This is the dream for anyone who loves to relax while out in nature! To experience true Elk Horn culture, visit during Tivoli Fest on Memorial Day Weekend. Tourists love sighting the Instagram-worthy Vermeer Windmill and tours of one of the tallest working windmills in the US. For more history, check out the Richard E. Oetken Heritage Museum, which covers midwestern agricultural history, and mark your calendar for the yearly Old Threshers Reunion, a huge multi-day event featuring steam engines, agricultural equipment, and live entertainment. The town is actually perhaps most known in pop culture as the site of the 1959 plane crash, killing musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. Richardson also known as The Day The Music Died. Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and learn about his Wild West Show. You can walk across an old truss bridge or admire the rose garden. Bentonsport is a historic village situated along the Des Moines River. The community is easily accessible 30 minutes from the Des Moines metro area, with the downtown Winterset a must-visit for a lively summer's day spectacle. This town is located 37 miles southwest of Des Moines. Check these out! ; it was built in the 1920s but looks like it belongs in a Medieval castle. Required fields are marked *. Its common to see a horse and buggy riding down the road ahead of your car. If you leave the town limits, youll find even more relaxing places to explore the outdoors. Of all the quaint towns in Iowa, Shenandoah has a special energy. When you visit Pella, you will want to stop at the Jaarsma Bakery and sink your teeth into a Dutch letter. WebWith excellent access to doctors, low monthly housing costs, and tons of recreational opportunities, its no surprise that Sheldon is one of the best small towns to retire in Iowa. She writes for a newspaper by day, and writes content for websites by night. It is home to around 50 residents but sees thousands of visitors each year for the immensely beautiful nature all around, on a getaway from the city. The Amana Colonies are made up of seven villages: Anyone who loves antique shopping will have a variety of antique shops to visit while in Mount Vernon. The overall best car insurance company of 2023 is American Family. Home to a population of 5,353 residents, this beautiful and charming small town was also the birthplace of Hollywood icon John Wayne in 1907. The charming town surrounded by covered bridges is the historic epitome of Madison County in south-central Iowa. The Buffalo Bill Museum is a must-visit for fascinating exhibits from around the Mississippi River region, as well as details of the famous frontiersman, William Frederick, or Buffalo Bill, who was born on locale in 1846. 10 Small Towns In Iowa That Offer Peace And Quiet - Only In Your The nearby Waverley Rail Trail is a popular seven-mile route that passes over eight scenic bridges. Salem, Iowa, was a critical part of the Underground Railroad before the Civil War, and the towns history is still evident today. Thousands of people come to town every weekend after the 4th of July, when the Rockwell Lions Club and the National Tractor Pullers Association present the North Iowa Nationals. Allow time to explore Main Street, as this is one of Iowas best places for shopping. Plan to spend an hour on Main Street at the Museum of Danish America Genealogy Center. Bring your binoculars for close ups of the bald eagles that frequent the area. I agree to receive email updates and promotions. Ever since Pella was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands, it has held onto its roots. Nicknamed Iowas Antique City, Walnut has more than just antiques in shops. Do not forget to ride the Legend, a wooden track roller coaster sure to create some screams! Some 50,000 visitors descend on this small Iowa town during the festival alone! The real event not to miss at the Field of Dreams is "Ghost Sundays." You can also enjoy a huge family-style German meal at the Ox Yoke Inn, or purchase gifts (for yourself or others) in the wide variety of shops. 10 Of The Best Small Towns In Iowa You Don't Want To Miss I consent to receive e-mails from All American Atlas. Warren County courthouse in Williamsport. Several other attractions like the Eldora Grand Theater, provide things to do between adventures. Rockwell, Iowa, is a town of around 1,000 residents and is located in north-central Iowa. The surrounding outdoors is just as interesting as the village itself. To read this article and get more exclusive Michigan stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter. To wrap up your adventure, make a stop at East Grove Farms, one of only three meaderies in the state, which also has a vineyard and caneyard.
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