10 Best Small Towns To Visit In Iowa
Also known as the “Hawkeye State”, Iowa is a beautiful place where some of the best of Americana can be discovered. With its fascinating history, cultural diversity, and picturesque natural surroundings, this important centre of the Midwestern United States is indeed a gem for any visitor. Though the main cities continue to attract the most attention, Iowa’s small towns too have plenty to offer. From charming communities to rustic beauty, these cute small Iowa towns will surely leave one with a positive impression.
Bentonsport
The historic village of Bentonsport was once an important steamboat port, and today this charming and fascinating tourist destination is indeed one of the beautiful places in Iowa. Established in the 1830s and located along the banks of the Des Moines River, visitors can tour up to 16 blocks of historic streets where authentic 19th century shops (like the blacksmith), restaurants, and churches all line the way. Enjoy a few days at a quaint bed and breakfast, admire the immersive historic atmosphere, and take home an antique memorabilia at any of the numerous collection stores. Indeed when in Bentonsport, a genuine old world charm will be sure to enrapture guests of all ages.
Okoboji
With a population of just some 768 residents (according to the 2020 census), the small town of Okoboji is surely a place of quiet contemplation, where fun is never far away. Situated along West Okoboji Lake, the town is a most popular summer destination where swimming, sailing, and of course sunbathing are always in demand. In addition to the lake side fun, tourists can also enjoy a day trip to the nearby Arnold’s Park Amusement Park where a number of great rides and tasty fairground treats await. Take a ride on the wooden track roller coaster “Legend” or ride a bumper car, when in Okoboji and area a great time is ensured.
LeClaire
The town of LeClaire was formally established in 1855 and forms part of the Quad Cities region of Iowa that also shares a border with the State of Illinois. Home to a population of nearly 5,000 residents, LeClaire has loads of cultural and natural beauty to admire as well intriguing local history. Visit the Cody Road Historic District and its beautiful assortment of preserved 19th century edifices, spend an afternoon at the Buffalo Bill Museum (the man himself was born in town in 1846), or perhaps even enjoy some locally brewed drinks at the Mississippi River Distilling Company.
Meanwhile the nature enthusiast would be remiss in forgetting to go bald eagle watching; from the months of December to March, some of the most amazing views of these majestic animals can be seen near the Mississippi River and its locks.
Pella
Pella was established in 1847 by Dutch immigrants, and today some 10,500 residents call this charming town home. The largest town of Marion County, Pella maintains a very special Dutch heritage and visitors can take in a number of special festivals and unique landmarks with ties to the Netherlands. Stop by the tallest working windmill in the country, the Vermeer Windmill from the 1850s, take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Molengracht Canal, and of course savour all the sights and smells of the Tulip Time Festival. In addition to the titular flowers, great and colorful parades, traditional food, lively folk costumes, and dancers, and loads of live music make this an event not to miss out on. Indeed when in Pella, a “Touch of Holland” as its motto states is sure to be appreciated.
Bonaparte
Situated on the banks of the Des Moines River, the town of Bonaparte was established in 1837. Named for the famed Emperor of the French Napoleon, just under 360 people live in this quaint and charming place. With several landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places (including the Pottery Archeological District and the Riverfront District), this town on the Mormon Trail is indeed a special destination. In addition Bonaparte boasts an assortment of preserved 19th century buildings, while many cute cafes, local restaurants, and boutique shops round out the surroundings for a most alluring sampling of small town America.
Winterset
Seat of Madison County, Winterset is another beautiful small Iowa town with plenty of charm. With a population of just over 5,000 inhabitants, Winterset’s most famous resident was surely none other than cinema icon John Wayne who was born in the town in 1907. Today visitors can explore the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in an interactive tribute to the formative years of this global star.
Meanwhile the famed covered bridges of Madison County can be found in abundance in and around Winterset, and the town even hosts the popular Covered Bridge Festival each October. In addition beautiful sights can be enjoyed at Winterset City Park, while the unique Clark Tower castle lookout (constructed in 1926) makes for a most special photo and video spot.
Decorah
With a history dating to the 1840s, the town of Decorah is indeed a place of historic and cultural allure. Home to a population of just over 7,500, this seat of Winneshiek County lies just south of the border with the State of Minnesota. Discover the town’s unique Norwegian roots, where a large group of settlers from Norway first arrived in the 1850s and enjoy an afternoon at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. In addition the summer Nordic Festival celebrates all things Scandinavian with upwards of 50,000 visitors a year!
Meanwhile at the Decorah Crater, learn more about Earth’s geologic past with this unique landmark. Believed to have been created 470 million years ago by a meteor strike, the Crater spans a diameter of nearly four miles.
Ida Grove
Ida Grove was formally established in 1871, and today boasts a most modest population of just over 2,000 inhabitants. Known as “The Castle Town”, several castle structures can be found all around Ida Grove, while fascinating local museums have something of interest for all ages. Spend time at such places like the Moorehead House Museum for insightful looks into 19th century life in Iowa, while at the Stagecoach Inn a sample of accommodations some 150 years ago makes for a most unique experience. And do not forget to pose near the Pirate Ship at Lake LaJune, a most special visual delight for all!
Orange City
Seat of Sioux County, the town of Orange City was founded in the 1870s by Dutch settlers and was named for the monarch William of Orange. Like the previously discussed town of Pella, Orange City is proud of its Dutch history and visitors can enjoy many unique cultural events and landmarks. Spend time at the spring Tulip Festival and take in the special tastes of the Woudstra Meat Market for some authentic Dutch foods. And with several Dutch style buildings all around, this charming Iowa town really transports one back to Holland without ever having to get on a plane.
Eldora
With foundational roots dating to the 1850s, the town of Eldora is now the home of just over 2,600 residents. Named for the deceased daughter of one of the town’s founders, visitors will enjoy Eldora’s great access to Pine Lake State Park and the Iowa River.
Meanwhile in the historic district (much of which is included on the National Register of Historic Places) a genuine sense of time travel can be appreciated with an assortment of preserved buildings and old world charm. And with a number of inviting eateries, shops, and local galleries all around, spending time in Eldora is always an experience worth remembering.
Some of the very of the Midwestern USA can be discovered in the “Hawkeye State “of Iowa, and its adorable small towns are surely hot spots of great cultural, history, and natural beauty. From the Dutch rich heritage of Pella to the lakeside tranquility of Okoboji, these and other small Iowa towns are undoubted gems ready to be discovered. Here fun, intrigue, and most rewarding excursions for all ages are sure to be had reminding all who visit why Iowa is truly one of the best places in America.
