10 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Iowa
The beautiful state of Iowa is nestled between Illinois and Nebraska and forms a core part of the Midwest. The only state to border two of the greatest navigable rivers, the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River to the west, Iowa is known for its rolling hills, farmland, and villages set along the riverbanks. Iowa is an ideal place to vacation if you’re looking for charming little towns and villages filled with culture and history set in the heart of the Midwest.
The following towns in Iowa each showcase their unique identity, culture, architecture, and natural landscapes to visitors. These picturesque towns are among the prettiest, inspiring an escape from daily life and bringing you to a world filled with diversity and beauty.
Pella
One of the most well-known towns in Iowa is Pella, located in Marion County. This pretty town has a lot of history, as it was originally founded by Dutch immigrants who decided to name the quaint town “Pella” to reference ‘Pella of the Decapolis,” a refuge for Christians escaping Jerusalem through the Roman-Jewish war of 70 AD. Settlers from the Netherlands were searching for religious freedom at the time; hence, the name “Pella” was chosen.
Today, the town still has many references to the Dutch, such as the historic Vermeer Windmill, where you can take a historic tour to learn more. For further historical insight into the town of Pella, visit the Scholte House Museum and Gardens.
There are breathtaking views of the Dutch-style architecture all around town. Stroll along the Molengracht Canal and enjoy the Dutch flavor the town has preserved, or shop for souvenirs at the Molengracht Plaza. If you’re planning a trip to Iowa in the springtime, don't miss the beautiful Tulip Time Festival—yet another touch of the Netherlands in Pella!
Okoboji
If you’re in search of an escape from day-to-day life to glistening crystal waters, Okoboji, Iowa, is the ideal place. This town is nestled on the West Lake Okoboji, one of Iowa’s Great Lakes. It is the ideal spot to view the spectacular glacier-carved lakes. An exciting way to view them is by taking the Iowa Great Lakes Trail, spanning over 40 miles around these pristine lakes. Enjoy sandy beach scenery, quiet creeks, and vast green city parks while hiking.
The town also has a wonderfully buzzing waterfront to enjoy. Kids can have a fun-filled day at Arnolds Park Amusement Park or Boji Splash Indoor Waterpark. Take in the beautiful artistic scene by visiting the Higgins Museum, or if you’re on a summer vacation, watch a show at the Okoboji Summer Theatre. You can also play a round of golf at one of the many beautiful golf courses in the area. Explore other resort towns in and around the area for great shopping, cultural, and dining experiences.
The Amana Colonies
If you want to visit a historic town, the Amana Colonies will not disappoint. This destination is located in the heart of Iowa, just a 30-minute drive from Iowa City. It is known for its historic link to Germany, as German immigrants founded the Amana Colonies in the 1850s. This area features seven quaint and charming towns connected via stunning hiking trails. Enjoy exploring small German villages filled with handmade arts and crafts items for sale and appreciation. If you’re into good food and wine, have a bite to eat at the Ox Yoke Inn or enjoy a delicious German dish at the Ronneburg Restaurant. You can also tour the Ackerman Winery and enjoy a glass of dandelion wine there.
Visitors can enjoy the area's many art galleries, shops, and museums. If you are visiting the Amana Colonies, be sure to look out for one of many festivals hosted there throughout the year, one of which is the Angelica Festival, which celebrates the colonies’ rich and historic German heritage.
Dubuque
This stunning and historic town is also known as the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” with river views spanning miles. Dubuque dates back to the late 1700s and remains the oldest settlement area in Iowa. In the early 1800s, Dubuque served as a major stopping area for steamboats as travelers sailed through the Mississippi River. Today, visitors can experience the excitement of sailing through the river. One of the most famous cruises is the evening boat cruise, which lets you see Lake Dubuque at golden hour.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, stroll on the Riverwalk and view the Mississippi. The Riverwalk ends at the historic must-see Dubuque Shot Tower. Another must-see is Eagle Point Park, where you can spot an eagle or pelican flying against the limestone bluffs.
Elk Horn
This small and historic town sits in the heart of Iowa and boasts Danish culture. Travelers get to enjoy the culture of the beautiful European country, Denmark when they visit this town along Elk Horn Creek. It is most well-known for the giant 60-foot-high Danish windmill in the middle of the town. You can also visit the Museum of Danish America during your stay, to understand the deep history of Danish immigration to North America.
As you can see, there are plenty of historic activities to enjoy. In addition, visitors can experience Danish culture and take a slice of Copenhagen home with them by attending Julefest or Tivoli Fest during the year.
McGregor
This small town along the Mississippi River was once a treasured shipping port in the northeast. Today, McGregor is known for its breathtaking views from various areas of the town. Explore the stunning downtown area, which boasts 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and mouthwatering cuisine. The town hosts many events throughout the year, including the Lazy River Beer and Wine Fest as well as the annual Arts and Crafts Festival.
Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Pikes Peak State Park to hike through glorious trails or enjoy some boating or biking in the region. You can also take the famous riverboat cave tour to view Spook Cave up close. If you’re interested in learning about the area’s indigenous cultures, visit the Effigy Mounds National Monument for a wholesome cultural experience. From outdoor adventure seekers to history lovers, there is something for everyone in this little town.
Decorah
Staying within the Driftless Region, this charming little town is known for its outdoor recreation offerings and stunning natural landscape. The scenery is breathtaking, showing off a series of hills through the Driftless Area. It is known to be a “little Norway” in Iowa, named due to its rich Norwegian heritage.
History enthusiasts can enjoy a day at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and stay in historic boutique bed and breakfasts boasting beautiful architecture. The Ice Cave, Trout Run Trail, Malanaphy Springs, and Dunning’s Spring (where you can see a stunning 200-foot waterfall) are all fantastic options for outdoor lovers. Decorah also has several wineries, one of which is the Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, a must-visit for travelers who enjoy high-quality wine with a view.
Mount Vernon
Another lovely small town to consider visiting is Mount Vernon. The town was named after a plantation estate owned by George Washington, and it embraces a quaint main street with many well-preserved and beautiful 19th-century buildings.
The town hosts many events each year, including Chalk the Walk, a sidewalk chalk festival where people are encouraged to create their artwork on the main street. If you visit Mount Vernon during the holiday season, attend the Magical Night festival, a Christmas festival in the downtown area. Other events include the Chilli Cook-Off and the Chocolate Stroll.
If you’re visiting the area, be sure to spend a day at the Palisades-Kepler State Park. There, you can enjoy exciting outdoor activities amongst stunning scenery.
Dyersville
Located in eastern Iowa and founded by James J. Dyer in 1848, Dyersville is a small and pleasant town filled with history and splendid scenery. It is well-known as the filming location for the movie, Field of Dreams. Travelers enjoy strolling through the historic downtown area which is dotted with unique shops and vibrant restaurants.
If you’re a lover of historic architecture, be sure to check out the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, a Roman Catholic basilica featuring Gothic architecture. The Dyer-Botsford House is another great place to visit if you love history. It is a Victorian mansion that showcases antiques and a collection of over 2000 dolls within its four walls.
Elkader
This pretty little town in northwest Iowa offers a scenic view of the Turkey River. The town's name is derived from the Arabic Algerian leader, Abdelkader. Elkader is known for its vast landscape, including farmland, wooded hills, and rivers and streams running through it.
Travelers can enjoy taking in the area's history in the downtown core by visiting the Carter House Museum. Or, you can choose to embrace the outdoors and see the Keystone Bridge, a 346-foot-long bridge over the Turkey River made from limestone that was locally quarried.
If you’re looking for a small and pretty town to escape to for a vacation, any of these stunning and picturesque Iowan towns will fill that need. Each town is beautiful in its own way, and you may want to see more than one during your vacation. No matter how you choose to plan your trip, know that there is an abundance of history, culture, and stunning landscapes that await you.
