10 Charming Iowa Towns For The Perfect Getaway

Iowa is a scenic, doubly landlocked U.S. state located in the Upper Midwestern region. It’s often associated with extensive corn fields, gently rolling hills, flat plains, and distinctive eastern and western frontiers formed by the mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Big Sioux Rivers. Thanks to its out-of-this-world natural ambiance, rich immigrant history, and cultural mystique, the Hawkeye State provides all the elements for a stress-free getaway. While urban agglomerations, including the capital city Des Moines, Davenport, Cedar Rapids, etc., are predominantly the top headliners, the bazillions of charming towns marbling this state are equally worth going on a holiday to. From Dutch-inspired festivals in Orange City to scenic bluffside strolls in McGregor, here are ten of the most inviting towns in Iowa to explore.

Waverly

The administrative capital of Northeast Iowa’s Bremer County, Waverly, set alongside the Cedar River, forms a portion of the larger Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. Throughout the year, excursionists congregate at Waverly in large numbers, charmed by the famed Wartburg College campus beside Main Street’s numerous florist shops like Love & Lace, restaurants like Frederick’s Sips N Eats, and comfy accommodations like Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Waverly. The latter features 45 guest rooms with a fashionable wine and beer bar to down a few drinks. Those visiting in July can also participate in the yearly Waverly Heritage Days celebration at the Bremer County Fairgrounds. This event has everything from food and drink to a lively fireworks show.

Winterset

The charming shire town of Madison County, Winterset, is nestled at the junction of U.S. Route 169 and Iowa Highway 92, just 30 miles southwest of Des Moines. A scenic drive through this quintessential Iowa town reveals its famous six covered bridges, immortalized in literature and film. From the Roseman Bridge to the Hogback Covered Bridge, visitors can learn all about them during the Madison County Covered Bridges Festival. This event is held annually on the second weekend of October and is packed with crafts, food, music, and small-town charm. For more history, tourists will enjoy a stop at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, which is filled with memorabilia from the actor’s life. Keeping the vibe alive, book a room at the Covered Bridge Inn for an affordable stay.

Pella

Settled in 1847 by Dutch immigrants and christened after ‘Pella of the Decapolis, ’ this teeny Marion County town is situated around 40 miles southeast of the state capital. Whilst being the site of manufacturing enterprises like the Vermeer Company as well as the main campus of Central College, Pella is highly renowned for its Dutch-style structures, spinning windmills, serpentine canals, and kaleidoscopic tulips. To this end, Pella’s Vermeer Mill is a must-visit, boasting 1850s-style architecture perfect for a photo.

Similarly, some fabled landmarks such as the Klokkenspel, the Molengracht Plaza in Pella’s central business district, and Pella Opera House - a well-liked entertainment venue- are not to be missed. Have a comfortable stay at the AmericInn by Wyndham Pella and partake in the three-day Tulip Time Festival on the first weekend of May every year.

McGregor

Home to less than 750 residents, McGregor is a postcard-perfect river town in Northeast Iowa’s Clayton County, nestled at the base of towering sandstone bluffs known as the Jordan Formation and St. Peter Sandstone along the Mississippi River. This seasonal favorite invites travelers to stroll Main Street (State Highway 76), where they’ll find creative spaces like the McGregor Marquette Center for the Arts and standout dining at The Old Man River Restaurant & Brewery. For a comfortable stay, The Little Switzerland Inn provides a cozy charm in the heart of town. Just a short drive away, Pikes Peak State Park treats visitors to dramatic Mississippi River Valley views and scenic hiking trails, rounding out the perfect nature meets culture getaway.

Le Claire

A suburb of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area, this waterfront Scott County settlement is considered one of the Quad Cities region’s expeditiously growing towns. When you jaunt into this enchanting community, you will catch sight of the Cody Road Historic District’s multitudinous age-old buildings, eating establishments like Crane & Pelican Café, and the rustic Buffalo Bill Museum. Here, visitors can learn all about Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show with exhibits, memorabilia, and more. On the other hand, outdoor scenery abounds on the 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise by the Riverboat Twilight onboard an amazingly replicated Victorian riverboat. Once back on land, hit the bed at one of many premium hotels like Holiday Inn Express Le Claire Riverfront-Davenport.

Eldora

Hardin County’s center of administration, Eldora, is positioned on the Altmont Moraine’s easternmost point, directly west of the Iowa River gorge that rims the glacial moraine. Named by a resident mother in memory of her infant daughter, this 2,600-resident town boasts a charming downtown filled with well-preserved historic structures. Explore the Hardin County Historical House and the Hardin County Farm Museum to learn about local life and industry. Stop by Sunshine Cafe Eldora for a hearty meal, and spend the night at the cozy Village Motel. Nature lovers can quickly access nearby Pine Lake State Park, home to forest trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas.

Elk Horn

Named after Elk Horn Creek, this picturesque town in Shelby County sits amid the rolling hills of southwest Iowa. Begin your tour of this ‘enclave of Danish people’ by visiting its striking Danish Windmill, a symbol of its European roots. The Museum of Danish America showcases over 35,000 artifacts, with off-site highlights like Bedstemor’s House offering a look into historic domestic life.

Beyond the heritage, natural beauty also abounds in the region, with plenty of ways to take in the sights. The most popular is the Western Skies Scenic Byway, a scenic drive passing through the countryside’s peaceful farmland and pastures. Wrap up the day with a restful stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Atlantic, located a short drive away.

Dyersville

The 4,500-resident town of Dyersville spans the eastern portion of Delaware County and the western portion of Dubuque County. Named for the early colonist James Dyer, the town has a rich history dating back to the 19th century.

Advertising itself as “The Farm Toy Capital of the World,” this teensy hamlet invites holidaymakers to be astounded by the agricultural machinery-based showy models, life-size replicas, and toys displayed at the National Farm Toy Museum. There is also the yearly ‘National Farm Toy Show’ hosted by the Toy Farmer Magazine in the first full weekend of November. Meanwhile, bicyclists adore the 26-mile-long Heritage Trail linking Dyersville with Dubuque. Lastly, tourists can book their stay at Super 8 by Wyndham Dyersville.

Decorah

Decorah, named after Waukon Decorah, a diplomatic leader of the Indigenous Ho-Chunk tribe, is the Winneshiek County administrative center nestled in Iowa’s Driftless Area. This northeastern gem is known for its strong Norse American heritage and postcard-perfect landscapes. Cultural enthusiasts can’t miss the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, the largest of its kind in the country, showcasing traditional crafts, folk art, and immigrant stories. Outdoorsy visitors can explore the scenic trails and icy wonders of Decorah Ice Cave State Park or enjoy the festivities of Nordic Fest, held annually in late July. The town’s charm is enhanced by the academic atmosphere of Luther College and cozy stays at places like Fairfield Inn and Suites Decorah.

Orange City

Sioux County’s seat of government, Orange City, is a tiny settlement in Northwest Iowa distinguished for its Dutch lineage and good-natured townsfolk. Travelers from near and far are attracted to this college town’s lovely Northwestern College campus and Dutch-inspired sites of interest, such as the Sioux County Courthouse. Furthermore, observe the incredible flower gardens as well as the noticeable Dutch Canal Bridge by the side of the windmills at Windmill Park, find out more about the area’s Dutch past at the Dutch American Heritage Museum, and de-stress at Hampton Inn Orange City.

Final Thoughts

From the magnetism of Decorah’s Driftless Region to the Dutch-influenced structures at Orange City, the less-crowded communities in Iowa are waiting to welcome leisure seekers from every region of the world. Whether you want to soak in the attention-grabbing settings, get additional information about the engrossing local histories, or be a participant in the multiple open-air activities and year-round conventional festivals, the unconventional experiences in these Iowa towns will forever be etched in every vacationer’s consciousness.