11 of the Most Welcoming Towns in Iowa

Welcome to Iowa, a state where the fields of agriculture meet the warmth of small-town charm. In this guide, we're journeying through some of Iowa's most inviting towns. Though small, each one is rich in culture, history, and a friendly atmosphere that's hard to match. From the unique heritage of Dutch and Danish settlements to the historic sites that echo America's diverse past, these towns are more than mere dots on a map. They are vibrant communities waiting to share their stories with you.

Shenandoah

Shenandoah is a progressive small town in Iowa known for its progressive, renewable fuel production as well as its artistic prowess. The population of 4,925 allows tourists and locals alike to enjoy a small town's quiet sense of ease, along with friendly interactions, low cost of living, and extended healthcare. The welcoming atmosphere can be observed through the beauty of the Garden City Farmers Market, where vendors set up for free and sell home-grown and handmade suits, vegetables, baked goods, and crafts. Shenandoah is also the home of the Park Playhouse of the Southwest Iowa Theatre Group, one of the state's longest-running non-profit community theatre groups. 

Le Mars

What else could exemplify friendliness more than being dubbed ‘The Ice Cream Capitol of the World’? Le Mars boasts this unique title, as it has ever since 1994, as it became the home to Wells Enterprises Inc., makers of Blue Bunny brand ice cream and dairy products. Because of its Sweet reputation, Le Mars began constructing fiberglass ice cream cones in 2010 and has since installed all fifty-five, six-foot tall cones throughout the community. Outside of ice cream, Le Mars is heavily artistic and community-oriented. A community theater has been running since 1968, several historic buildings ranging from the Art Center to Plymouth County Court House, and a municipal band has been performing concerts for over 100 years. 

Winterset

Visiting Winterset is a fantastical experience, for those who love film and the aesthetic inspiration behind them. The Covered Bridges Scenic Byway offers tourists a journey into iconic America, with 82 miles of charmingly shaded covered bridges that inspired the film, novel, and musical The Bridges of Madison County. After that, visitors can tour the birthplace of John Wayne and the only museum in the world dedicated to the legendary actor. Revil in the nostalgia on the silver screen, he restored Iowa theatre to complete the culturally enriched adventure. 

Visitors thirsty for more history will be satiated with the sights of an ancient stone tower called Clark Tower, Courthouse Square, and an old-style drug store in town. 

Pella

Dutch heritage reigns supreme in Pella, Iowa, with historical landmarks at every corner. It was founded in 1847 when over 800 immigrants from the Netherlands settled in the prairie, transforming the town into a dynamic community. The Dutch culture and influence remain today, with tasty bakeries, pubs, lush and vivid gardens, European-styled architecture, and one of North America’s tallest remaining working windmills as a small snapshot of serene life in the Netherlands. Tour the Vermeer Windmill, visit the Amsterdam School Museum, listen in on the Klokkenspel’s dreamy chimes, watch the figurines dance, or indulge at Frisian Farms Cheese House. The welcoming energy of the Dutch is reflected in the people of Pella, who embrace old-world culture with a modern flair. 

Okoboji

This small town of only 768 is alluring to tourists mainly due to the glacier-carved lakes surrounding it. The chain of lakes extends from the Minnesota border southwest several miles and covers nearly 15,000 acres. Lake Okonoki is a sparkling, dark shade of blue and acts as the centerpiece of the five chain lakes. Okoboji is a recreational outdoorsman’s area, with water sports to pick from the summer, and winter activities like snowmobiling, ice-fishing, and the University of Okoboji Winter Games. Dickinson County Nature Centre has environmental displays all year round, live animals, and even osprey nest cams. There are multiple cultural establishments to engage in, from visiting the Higgins Museum to the Okoboji Summer Theatre. 

Eldora

Eldora is a tight-knit community of just over 2,000 who share the values of growth and preservation of historical, cultural, and natural heritage and a progressive approach to local businesses. The town boasts a community garden that leases plots for personal gardening use but also offers large donation beds cared for by community members and harvested for food donation to food pantries. The Pine Lake State Park is a tucked away jewel that celebrates nature, with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views blended with Iowa’s rolling farmland. Eldora Grand Theater is a historical wonder, having been opened before 1941 and was later renovated in the 1990s. A sense of connection is fostered through community events and sustainable environmental practices in Eldora; what can be more welcoming than that?

The Amana Colonies

The Amana Colonies comprise seven small villages on 26,00 acres within Iowa County, in east-central Iowa. Each town is bursting with an authentic German ambiance that began to flourish within the area a good 90 years ago. Culture and history are in everything that can be seen, touched, and tasted within the Amana Colonies, all of which have deep roots within the communal era in which the Colonies were birthed. Many restaurants are an extension of the old communal-style kitchens and German-inspired dishes, as are wineries, breweries, and meat shops. Specialty hand-crafted furniture reflects a more artistic intuition than practical but maintains that classic Germanian look and quality feel. 

Bentonsport

Take a trip back in time to Bentonsport and discover historic bed and breakfasts, rental cottages, antique and craft shops, and resident artisans such as potters, blacksmiths, quilters, sculptors, and so much more. Technically, Bentonsport is considered a village, which once contained over 1,000 residents but then reduced drastically to only 40 people. That does not mean it isn’t inviting and worth a visit, especially for those intrigued by the quaintness of original 1840’s structures. An old truss bridge that spans the Des Moines River is open to the public as a pedestrian bridge, along with a stunning rose garden, is housed at the former lock and damn. The minuscule town of Bentonsport is designated a National Historic District. 

Dyersville

Cinematic history is easily accessible in Dysersville, a town in eastern Delaware County and Western Dubuque County. The movie Field of Dreams was filmed at a farm there and remains one of the most popular tourist destinations within Dyersville. The movie site, with a built-in baseball field, also remains as yet another film and sports fans destination. Visitors also flock to the Red Faber Museum, which is dedicated to the baseball Hall of Fame of the same name. The Plaza Antique Mall is another place to obtain special items that are rich in history, with over 250 booths available that showcase various antiques, collectibles, and farm toys. 

Decorah 

Decorah is yet another small town in America that reflects the imagery and traditions of a distant culture. Travel to Decorah for everything with a Norwegian vibe, and stay for the sublime landscapes of rolling hills, rivers, and limestone bluffs that appeal to the out enthusiast in us all. Take in the wonder of magnificent natural, cascading waterfalls at Dunning’s Spring Park, Malanaphy Springs, and Ice Cave State Preserve. Dive into literary history at Laura Ingall’s Wilder Park and Museum, the former home of the beloved author, and even see the American-immigrant journey through the lens of 33,00 historical artifacts and 12 historical buildings at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School. 

Elk Horn

Experience Denmark's friendly and happy ambiance at Elk Horn without leaving the country. Learn about the Danish Windmill and Welcome Center community, which contains a windmill crafted in Denmark in 1848 and transported to Elk Horn in 1976. The town was inspired by its Danish roots and relies on sustainable sources of energy, such as modern wind turbines that stand tall throughout the area. A 1951 Danish immigrants' Chapel is the latest installation to the Danish Windmill complex, which was once dubbed the World’s Tiniest Church and, today, the tiniest chapel in Iowa. 

A Journey Through Iowa's Heartwarming Towns

As we conclude our tour of Iowa's most welcoming towns, it's clear that each one offers a unique blend of history, culture, and community spirit. From the cobblestone streets echoing tales of the past to the lively festivals celebrating rich heritage, these towns are not just places to visit; they are destinations to be experienced. Their welcoming nature, deeply rooted in tradition and friendliness, makes them not just memorable stops but treasures in the heartland of America. So, whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a cultural adventure, these charming Iowa towns are waiting to offer you a warm welcome and a lasting impression.