11 Serene Iowa Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Iowa may be renowned for its vast farmlands and cornfields, but tucked within its rolling golden countryside of maize and amazement are some of the most serene Iowa towns suitable for a weekend retreat. Each one of these small towns showcases the scenic beauty, rich heritage, and cozy Midwestern hospitality that Iowa is known for. Moreover, these Iowa towns provide an ideal weekend retreat from the hectic pace of modern life, with places like Dyersville that offer cinematic landscapes of vast Iowa cornfields, as well as destinations like Burlington with unique landmarks and attractions. Whether you are an amateur historian, a lover of nature, or someone simply seeking a peaceful getaway, the serene Iowa towns promise you the best possible weekend retreats in the state.
Burlington
Perched along the banks of the Mississippi River, Burlington is a peaceful and admirable small town steeped in eccentric and varied layers of history. Once known as Shoquoquok by the Mesquakie people, the area was valued for its flint resources before the town was named Flint Hills, and eventually Burlington. In the late 1830s, Burlington briefly served as the capital for both the Wisconsin and Iowa territories before Des Moines became the official state capital of Iowa. Today, the town preserves its 19th-century administrational complexes and housings through the Heritage Hill Historic District, where the original capital buildings reveal the town’s managerial past.
Perhaps its most famous feature is Snake Alley, a steep, winding avenue modeled after vineyard paths in France and Germany. The Snake Alley was once used by horse-drawn carriages, and its winding and serpentine structure appeared in Ripley’s Believe It or Not as “Unbelievably Crooked.” Furthermore, it was the Number One Odd Spot in Ripley’s Guide to the Curious Corners of America, and nowadays this road hosts the annual Snake Alley Criterium bike race each Memorial Day.
From its quirky attractions to deep historical roots, Burlington is definitely among the top ten destinations and serene weekend retreats within the Hawkeye State of Iowa. Stay a long while when booking a room in exquisite lodgings like Evans' Holly Grove Inn.
Dyersville
Dyersville is a literal dream come true for baseball fans and film lovers alike, since it is famously the home and filming location for the iconic Field of Dreams movie. Set amidst sprawling cornfields, the actual field where the fictional baseball field was built has become a nostalgic pilgrimage site for those drawn by the film’s memorable line, “If you build it, they will come.”
Just a short drive from Iowa City, Dyersville also offers more than cinematic fame. The National Farm Toy Museum, showcasing miniatures from the Ertl Company, highlights the town’s agricultural community with scale-model farm tractors and other farming equipment.
For those seeking architectural grandeur and a place of worship, the Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier welcomes visitors with stunning designs and a spacious interior that seats over 1,000 worshippers. There is no end of attractions worth savoring in the dreamy and serene town of Dyersville, so give this small town a chance to make your dreams come to life while spending your sweet evenings at places like the Colonial Inn Dyersville.
Decorah
Set in northeast Iowa’s Driftless Region, a region formed from the glaciers of the last ice age, the serene town of Decorah is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and a hub of geological intrigue. Situated atop a rare impact crater created over 460 million years ago, this area is not only visually stunning but scientifically fascinating. Fossils like the Pentecopterus decorahensis, a massive sea scorpion, were unearthed in the Decorah Impact Crater, one of 200 recognized impact craters on Earth.
Decorah’s modern-day landscape also features rugged limestone cliffs and the winding Upper Iowa River, making the town an idyllic destination for kayaking, hiking, and photography. The picturesque Dunning’s Spring Park is where one can find a panoramic and serene waterfall for your amusement.
Most importantly, Decorah also embraces its cultural roots in Norway at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, where traditional crafts and artifacts celebrate the heritage of one of the Scandinavian countries in Europe. However you wish to proceed in Decorah, you will undoubtedly be smitten and stunned by the tranquil beauty of this peaceful small town, especially in one of the town's lavish abodes like the Hotel Winneshiek.
Pella
Pella is a venerable and veritable slice of Europe in the heart of Iowa, thanks to its strong cultural ties to the Netherlands and its storybook Dutch architecture. Founded by immigrants from the Netherlands, the town has carefully preserved its Old-World ambiance and European charm, visible in its buildings, customs, and festivals. Every spring, Pella bursts with a vivacity of color during the Tulip Time Festival, where blooming tulips and traditional Dutch costumes fill the streets with festive cheer.
The Vermeer Windmill, the tallest working windmill in the US, towers over the town as a striking tribute to Dutch ingenuity. Within the shadow of this whirling monument of Dutch culture lies the Vermeer Museum & Global Pavilion, which tells the story of Pella’s settlers and their pursuit of a new beginning in the New World.
For those craving outdoor leisure, Lake Red Rock offers a peaceful and splendid escapade into boating, fishing, and picnics. There are plenty more wonders and activities in store in this perfect town known as Pella, and you will not be disappointed when spending your nights in Pella's quaint accommodations, among them the Cheesemaker's Inn and Pella Mansion Bed and Breakfast.
McGregor
Thriving within the wooded bluffs of Iowa and adjacent to the Mississippi River, the magnificent town of McGregor is an exquisite and tranquil location where one can simply take their time and take things easy in exploration. Just north of town, the Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves the ancient Native American burial sites and scenic trails for historians and hikers alike. Southward, Pikes Peak State Park features elevated views of the river valley, while the nearby Sny Magill Wildlife Area offers serene and cozy retreats into Iowa’s natural landscapes.
McGregor’s well-preserved 1800s-era buildings, meanwhile, give the town a timeless and transcendent ambiance, replete with several cozy cafés and antique shops worth perusing at your leisure. For a more adventurous escape, visitors can venture west to Bloody Run Wildlife Management Area or east to the river’s islands that straddle the state border of Wisconsin. No matter the attractions, the atmosphere in McGregor will continue to be as serene and splendid as the sweeping fields of maize in Iowa, even when staying in humble dwellings like the Backwoods Bar & Grill or Grumpsters Log Cabins.
Elkader
Named after Emir Abd el-Kader of Algeria, a famous Muslim leader who liberated his country from French imperialism, the small town of Elkader holds the distinction of being the only town in America named after a Muslim hero. Set amid the rolling hills of the Turkey River Valley and about 20 miles from McGregor, this uniquely named town is a serene and scenic destination brimming with beauty, cultural depth, and architectural wonders. The iconic Keystone Bridge, built in the 1800s, spans the Turkey River and remains one of Iowa’s finest stone arch bridges.
Visitors can explore the Earthmoving Legacy Center, where historic equipment from the 19th and early 20th centuries honors the evolution of construction technology, especially the early days of Caterpillar machinery that continues to be relevant now. Meanwhile, trekkers and trailblazers can enjoy the Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge and Elkader City Park, which have many trails and pathways.
In this stunning small town with deep cultural connections with its sister city of Mascara in Algeria, newcomers will enjoy their serene and quiet weekend in the uniquely-named town of Elkader, so consider staying awhile at either the Goldfinch Suites or Elkader Jailhouse Inn.
Le Claire
Located on the Mississippi River’s bountiful edge, the delightful town of Le Claire enchants and dazzles newcomers with a plethora of riverside attractions and locations. Known as the birthplace of Buffalo Bill Cody, the town honors its famed son at the Buffalo Bill Museum, where one can learn more about the man and the legends surrounding him.
Every year in the high time of winter, bald eagles descend upon the area in their migratory season, creating a stunning wildlife spectacle celebrated during the town’s Eagle Festival in January. On December, on the other hand, the Buffalo Stampede Sweepstakes showcases decorated bison statues across town for those with more terrestrial desires.
Le Claire also invites you aboard the Twilight Riverboat for scenic cruises on the Mississippi River. Meanwhile, collectors of fine and impeccable antiques will enjoy browsing Antique Archaeology, the storefront made famous by the TV series American Pickers. There are various other attractions and articles worth seeing in the serene town of Le Claire, and if you intend to spend your weekend in this town near the border of Illinois, you can do so by first booking a room in hospitable lodgings like the Holiday Inn Express Le Claire Riverfront.
Winterset
Just under an hour from the big city of Des Moines, Winterset is best known for its historic covered bridges, which were made famous by the novel and film The Bridges of Madison County. These iconic and picturesque structures, including the Holliwell and Cedar bridges, connect the lush outdoor landscapes around Winterset with the town’s many lovable and lackadaisical buildings.
Another notable claim to fame is Winterset’s role as the birthplace of legendary actor John Wayne, for which one can learn more about Wayne’s film career at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum.
Beyond its cultural landmarks, Winterset’s rolling hills, nearby Pammel State Park, and the Fellowship Forest are lovely destinations that are perfect for hiking and sightseeing. From its Hollywood history to its rural countryside attractions, Winterset is a serene and serendipitous place suitable for a weekend getaway, complete with accommodating establishments such as the Covered Bridge Inn.
Amana Colonies
A collective of seven historic villages, the Amana Colonies is a rare and unique glimpse into Iowa’s German-American heritage. Founded in the 1850s by immigrants from Germany seeking religious freedom and community life, the Aman Colonies still reflect their origins through cobblestone buildings, traditional crafts, and hearty cuisine. Located a short, 19-mile drive from Cedar Rapids, the Amana Colonies are bountiful with museums and workshops that narrate the settlers’ stories, particularly how the town was so named from the word “amana” in the Song of Solomon 4:8, which means “remain true.”
You can see how the villagers in each colony remain true to their German faiths with annual events such as the Wurst Festival in June, Oktoberfest in the fall, and Christmas in the Tannenbaum Forest. Between handcrafted goods and authentic German dishes like bratwurst and strudel, the Amana Colonies are an amicable and serene slice of Germany in the midst of Iowa’s evergreen American landscapes. Of course, you can take your time and feel relaxed in this collection of towns all weekend long once you book a room in one of the colonies' grand lodgings, such as the Hotel Millwright in Amana.
Bellevue
Living up to its name, Bellevue truly provides "beautiful views" along the Mississippi River. One of its main draws is the panoramic beauty and elegant trails and treks within Bellevue State Park, a stellar area where visitors often spot eagles soaring overhead or take in lovely and memorable river views from limestone bluffs. Just outside town, Spruce Creek Park and the Little Mill Wildlife Management Area are alternative nature escapes for those seeking the quiet serenity of the well-maintained outdoors.
Store your belongings safely in friendly and responsible lodgings like the Mont Rest Bed & Breakfast for a more fulfilling and carefree vacation in Bellevue.
Bentonsport
With its preserved 19th-century architecture and many peaceful and revered attractions, Bentonsport is a welcoming and heartwarming weekend getaway for those seeking the leisurely and lackadaisical atmosphere of an Iowa small town. This historic village along the Des Moines River once thrived as a steamboat port, and remnants of its golden boating age remain in the form of antique shops, art studios, and a classic general store.
The town’s iron truss bridge and riverside trails invite visitors to stroll through exquisitely sublime surroundings at a slow and delicate pace. The nearby Lacey-Keosauqua State Park opens its bucolic and arboreal landscapes for all to see and experience. Most of all, when it comes time to unwind, cozy lodgings such as the Mason House Inn and Alexander’s Cottage provide impeccable services and hospitality.
From the Dutch-inspired enchantments of Pella, the scenic overlooks of Bellevue, and the historical depth of the Amana Colonies, the most serene Iowa towns are truly ideal and idyllic destinations for a weekend retreat. Whether you are tracing Native American history in places like Burlington, touring a film-famous baseball field in Dyersville, or walking through riverside parks in Decorah, each town delivers its own blend of tranquility, friendliness, and adventure. As you explore these quiet and quaint locations in the Hawkeye State, you will not forget nor regret your weekend vacation in these serene and superb small towns of Iowa.
