13 Small Towns In Iowa Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Iowa is a beautiful, extensive state best known for its farmland and massive corn fields. In fact, Iowa has over thirty million acres of farmland in its borders and plenty of open land and natural sites to explore. However, that's not all this lovely location has to offer those who take a trip out to the Midwest. Iowa has a rich heritage mainly based on Norwegian, Dutch, and Danish settlers of the 1800s. Plenty of fascinating small communities stretch through Iowa, known for their welcoming and friendly environment. Visitors will find Dutch and Danish windmills in these towns, rustic buildings built in the 1800s, and many classic antique shops worth exploring.
LeClaire
LeClaire rests right along the Mississippi River, giving visitors a front-row seat of this majestic river and its surrounding landscape. The first European settlers came to the area in the 1830s and established several settlements along the Mississipi River. One of the most critical parts of the early founding was a rocky portion of the river called Upper Rapids back when LeClaire was two towns.
Today, the town is best known for its waterboat tours and historic sites along Cody Road Historic District. The Riverboat Twilight is one of the city's most famous tour boats, built to replicate the old charm of the original Victorian-era riverboats that once sailed the Mississipi. The cruise offers live music, fine dining, and lovely views of the surrounding landscape.
Other must-see locations include the Buffalo Bill Museum and the Antique Archeology shop. The museum is a great spot to see the richness of LeClaire's cultural history, with a model of an old 1920s schoolhouse and other exhibits to educate and fascinate. The Antique Archeology shop offers handcrafted art, handbags, and other accessories at affordable prices.
Pella
Pella is a small town located far west of LeClaire in Marion County. Settlers first came to the region in 1847 and were primarily of Dutch descent from the Netherlands. These immigrants were largely religious refugees fleeing persecution from the state-run Reformed Church. They gave the city the name of Pella from the city of refuge referenced in the Bible.
The Vermeer Historical Village is a site to behold for anyone who loves history and wants a little taste of Dutch culture in Iowa. The Vermeer Windmill is the area's highlight and came directly from the Netherlands. It's an 1850s-stylized grain mill, which is very common in Dutch culture, and many in Pella believed this was the perfect way to celebrate their heritage.
Maria's Tea Room is a great spot in the historic village to refuel and get a refreshing beverage. This lovely tea room sits in the old Scholte House, where guests can learn all about the history of the site and the family who owned it. The Perk of Pella is another popular refreshment location that serves up many popular seasonal favorites and is a great place to relax after a long day of travel.
Amana Colonies
The Amana Colonies aren't technically a town or city but an unofficially incorporated community in east-central Iowa. It's approximately an hour and a half west of LeClaire and Northeast of Pella. It comprises seven small villages with a unique history based on Utopian ideals and opposition to war. Residents came to the region in 1855, but this was not the beginning of their journey. They called themselves the Inspirationists and their new town "Amana" after the Hebrew word for "remain true." Traveling to this small town is a trip to the past, with many rustic buildings designed in Germanic tradition throughout the seven villages.
The villages host many events yearly, including the Iowa Rennaisance Festival and Gathering O'Celts, and Oktoberfest. Tourists should also check out the many tours of the area to learn firsthand all about the culture of the villages. There are also plenty of nature trails, with Colony Trails being one of the most popular sites for hiking and cycling and stretches for just over 3 miles.
Decorah
Decorah is a beautiful town in northern Iowa, just a few miles south of Minnesota's border. It traces its roots back to before the arrival of European settlers in the 1800s, with Native tribes calling the land home for centuries. After these tribes were removed by the U.S. military, Norweigian settlers came to the area, building the first Lutheran Church in town in 1861.
The Porter House Museum on Broadway Street is an idyllic place to share in the city's vibrant past. The house once belonged to Adelbert Field Porter and Grace Young Porter throughout the mid-1800s and early 1900s. Adelbert Porter was a prominent naturalist whose many prized collections still line the shelves of the home for visitors to enjoy. Nature lovers should check out Trout Run Trail, a beautiful nature observatory that traverses 12 miles. These same nature explorers may also want to stay a few nights at Pulpit Rock Campground near Pulpit Rock and Upper Lower River.
McGregor
McGregor is just under an hour southeast of Decorah, resting along the banks of the Mississippi River. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area near and around McGregor belonged to several native tribes, including Winnebago, Fox, Sioux, and Sauk. European settlers came to the region from Scotland in 1785, with Alexander McGregor being the founder and the son of Scottish immigrants.
The city hosts a haunting and exciting Halloween Parade every year in October, which is a great time to visit. Part of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway passes through town along the Mississippi and is worth checking out for anyone who enjoys stunning natural beauty. Visitors planning to stay a few days and bringing plenty of guests should consider renting the McGregor House. This rental property has five bedrooms and can potentially host up to ten visitors.
Elkader
Elkader is a charming little town that is about 30 minutes Southwest of McGregor in Clayton County. The city began in 1836 when the town's first European settlers, Horace Bronson and Elisha Boardman, came to the region. They set up the first farm and schoolhouse near the Turkey River. Later, European settlers further developed the town and gave it its name, which comes from an Algerian hero who helped lead a revolt against French colonialism.
The Carter House Museum is an excellent location to view some of the town's past. The house used to belong to Henry and Ernest Carter and is a Greek Revival mansion built in the 1850s. The refurnished book room was once an important bedroom in the house and offers guests a quiet place to read, write, and unwind. The Elkader Historic Downtown District is another beautiful space to spend the afternoon walking through and exploring. This downtown area is home to the Opera House, Library, and other key town sites.
Dyersville
Just about an hour south of Elkader is the charming Iowa town of Dyersville. This site is best known as the movie location for Field of Dreams, with the original movie site still located in the eastern portion of the city. Guests can visit this original Baseball field, corn fields, and rustic farmhouse that made the movie so memorable. Bavarian immigrants were some of the first European settlers to travel the Mississippi and journey by wagon to this site in 1847. James Dyer, for whom the town gets its name, was one of the earliest farmers and a man of wealth who helped shape the area during its formative years. These immigrants built The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier in 1888, a stunning two-spired church that still stands in town and is definitely worth visiting.
Bentonsport
Bentonsport is an unofficially incorporated city of Van Buren County, in the far south of Iowa near the border of Missouri. The charming district traces its roots back to 1836, when Giles O. Sullivan, Francis Church, and Charles O. Sanford first laid out the region's boundaries. It still retains much of its historic charm, with an extensive historical district that preserves its heritage and founding.
Visitors can wander the streets and check out the many shops and craft shops that remain in the original 1840s structures. The Historic Greef General Store is one of the specific shops that offers exciting crafts, furniture, and handmade toys that reflect the culture of the mid-1800s. Finally, tourists should check out the Bentonsport Presbyterian Church to see one of the town's first churches, built all the way back in 1855. Guests who enjoy a stroll along a river or fishing should also be sure to see the Des Moines River, which flows right along the town to the west.
Winterset
Winterset is a sweet little community of Madison County, just a few miles south of Des Moines City. The town dates back to 1849 when the name was Summerset; however, it was quickly changed to Winterset. It's a beautiful community of open land and wooded areas, meaning it's a great location for anyone who loves a good hike or camping experience.
Covered Bridges Scenic By-Way is certainly the main event for anyone who enjoys cycling for long distances. The roadway gets its name from the many covered bridges that dot the entire county, which explorers are sure to enjoy on this 82-mile route. This route will also take travelers past a few of the town's most popular sites, like the Iowa Quilt Museum and John Wayne Birthplace and Museum.
Eldora
Eldora is a fairly large town that rests north of Winterset in Hardin County. It rests right along Pine Lake and the Iowa River, making it a stunning landscape ideal for camping. Pine Lake State Park rests just outside town borders, provides cabin camping, and has several hiking trails. Those who enjoy a more suburban experience should visit Eldora City Park and Rock-n-Row Adventures Iowa River Tubing. The city park is good for a nature stroll and possibly a picnic. But the tubing adventure is a real thrill people of all ages can enjoy. Tubing takes visitors down the Iowa River for a three-and-a-half-hour relaxing experience. And they also offer kayaking for those who prefer a more thrilling time. Anyone who really enjoys the adventure and wants to spend a few days immersed in the park should consider renting a campsite.
Elk Horn
Elk Horn sits southwest of Eldora and northwest of Winterset in Shelby County. The city dates back to the turn of the century when it was first platted in 1901 and officially incorporated in 1910. It gets its name from the Elk Horn Creek nearby and is a charming little community that preserves Danish-American culture. The Danish Windmill on Main Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The structure dates back to 1848 and is built in the traditional Danish style, which tourists can book a tour of online when they visit. The Museum of Danish America is another site honoring the city's fantastic heritage with several annual celebratory events.
Mount Vernon
Approximately three hours east of Elk Horn is the gorgeous community of Mount Vernon in Linn County, not far from Cedar Rapids City. It traces its roots back to the mid-1800s when a war broke out between settlers and the Black Hawk tribe over territory. As a result, certain tracts of land were lost by the Sac and Fox tribes.
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway passes right through town and is an excellent spot for cycling or sightseeing. This highway passes through 14 states and takes tourists all the way from New York to California. Anyone using this route to see the country should try stopping in Mount Vernon on the way. Downtown is also a great place for travelers to stop in and check out the town's historic charm. Vintage 1891, LLC is a must-see antique shop perfect for collectors hoping to swoop up a piece of America's heritage.
Orange City
Orange City is a welcoming town in northwestern Iowa, situated on the opposite end of the state of Mount Vernon. However, it shares a cultural tie and heritage with Pella, with many of the original settlers coming from its southern sister city. The first European settlers came from Pella in 1869 in search of more land and opportunities to grow and expand.
The Stadscentrum is a cultural gem that exhibits wooden shoe carving demonstrations, where travelers can listen to the classic Orange City's Dutch Organ. Folks should also stop by the Dutch American Heritage Museum to view an authentic recreation of a Dutch schoolhouse and learn about the Sioux Native heritage in the region.
Everyone needs a break from the rush and hecticness of life. Journeying out to the Midwest to experience life at a slower pace, immersed in nature and farmland, is one of the best ways to kick back and relax. The society strives to preserve its heritage, including the native tribes who settled the land long before the arrival of Europeans. In honor of the Black Hawk Tribe, the state still uses its popular nickname, The Hawk-Eye State. Spending a few weeks in Iowa helps people rejuvenate in a beautiful, entertaining culture.
