2024's 9 Most Scenic Iowa Towns

Iowa is often celebrated for its rolling farmlands, but hidden within its landscapes are charming towns that showcase the state’s natural beauty. From lush river valleys to serene lakeshores, these scenic towns offer a perfect blend of tranquil environments and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a place to explore nature, these small towns each have their own unique appeal. From state parks and nature preserves to picturesque river towns to hiking trails and natural caves, these destinations will show you that there’s much more to Iowa than meets the eye.

Decorah

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Iowa, Decorah is known for its lush, rolling hills and beautiful river landscapes. The town is surrounded by limestone bluffs and the scenic Upper Iowa River, which is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The Trout Run Trail, a 12-mile loop that circles the town, offers stunning views of the river, forests, and open meadows, making it a popular spot for cycling and hiking.

Decorah is also home to Dunning’s Spring Park, where visitors can admire a picturesque waterfall cascading down a rocky hillside. Other nearby attractions include Ice Cave Hill Park, which features a unique underground ice cave, and Phelps Park, which provides beautiful overlooks of the valley.

McGregor

Situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, McGregor is a small, historic town known for its scenic river views and charming 19th-century architecture. The town is near Pikes Peak State Park, which offers spectacular overlooks of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, along with several hiking trails that lead through forests and past waterfalls. Visitors can take the Point Ann Trail to a popular overlook with a sweeping view of the river valley, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the park’s natural beauty. McGregor is also close to Effigy Mounds National Monument, where visitors can experience ancient Native American burial mounds while taking in panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley.

Bellevue

Bellevue’s name, meaning 'beautiful view,' is no exaggeration. LikeMcGregor it is also perched along the Mississippi River and offers stunning waterfront views. One of the area’s biggest attractions is the nearby Bellevue State Park. The park is known for its bluffs, wooded trails, and scenic overlooks, where visitors can watch riverboats pass by or spot bald eagles soaring above. The Dyas Unit, an area within the state park, features winding trails through oak-hickory forests, picnic spots, and a butterfly garden that flourishes during the warmer months. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views from the riverfront overlook, especially during sunrise or sunset when the river and bluffs are bathed in soft, warm light.

Spillville

Tucked away in the rolling hills of northeastern Iowa, Spillville is a small, peaceful town that sits along the banks of the Turkey River. The river provides a tranquil setting for fishing, canoeing, and riverside walks. A highlight of the area is the Bily Clocks Museum, housed in a historic building and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Nearby, the Decorah Ice Cave and Malanaphy Springs State Preserve offer unique natural attractions, with limestone caves, clear spring waters, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can also explore the quiet, scenic stretches of the Prairie Farmer Trail, which runs through nearby Calmar and Ridgeway, for a peaceful bike ride or hike. Spillville’s serene atmosphere and natural surroundings make it a lovely retreat for those seeking quiet beauty and a connection to Iowa’s hidden treasures.

Elkader

Elkader is a picturesque town located in the Driftless Area of northeastern Iowa, an unglaciated region known for its rugged terrain and rolling hills. Like Spillville, the town sits along the Turkey River, offering opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Visitors can explore the surrounding limestone bluffs on the scenic Pony Hollow Trail, which passes through dense forests and open meadows, or take a leisurely walk across the historic stone arch bridge that crosses the river in the heart of town.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy exploring the nearby Volga River State Recreation Area, which offers over 5,000 acres of woodlands and trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. It also provides opportunities, along with the Turkey River, to experience the region's wildlife, including deer, eagles, and diverse bird species. Elkader is also home to the Elkader Trail, a scenic walking and biking path that meanders through the town and its lush surroundings, offering stunning views of the river and bluffs.

Winterset

About 30 miles outside Des Moines sits the town of Winterset. Known for its historic covered bridges and rolling countryside, Winterset is a town full of scenic charm. Located in the heart of Madison County, the area is famous for its six covered bridges, including the iconic Roseman Bridge, which can be explored on the self-guided Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. Winterset City Park is home to the Clark Tower, a stone observation tower that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The town is also near Pammel State Park, where visitors can hike through woodlands, cross limestone bluffs, and enjoy the tranquil waters of the Middle River. In the fall, the countryside transforms with the changing colors of the leaves, making it a perfect time to explore the area's parks, bridges, and trails.

Pella

Known as 'Little Holland,' Pella charms visitors with its Dutch-inspired architecture and vibrant floral displays. Like Winterset it is also within road trip distance from Des Moines, making it a great option for a weekend getaway. The town is particularly scenic in spring, when tulip gardens burst into bloom, creating a tapestry of color across parks and pathways.

Pella is surrounded by rolling farmland and near Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics. Visitors can explore the Red Rock Trail system, which winds through woodlands and open fields, offering scenic views of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. Another highlight is the nearby Cordova Park Tower, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside from its 106-foot height.

Clear Lake

Another beautiful lake town option is Clear Lake. As its name suggests, Clear Lake is centered around a stunning, clear freshwater lake, making it one of Iowa’s favorite destinations for water-based activities. The lake’s sandy beaches and calm waters are ideal for swimming, boating, and paddleboarding, while Clear Lake State Park offers campsites, trails, and picnic areas along the shoreline.

Visitors can also take a scenic cruise on the Lady of the Lake, a historic paddlewheel boat that tours the lake, providing views of the water and surrounding wooded areas. During summer, the lake is a hotspot for sailing regattas, while in the fall, vibrant foliage reflects on the calm waters, creating a picture-perfect scene that captures the essence of autumn in Iowa.

Fairfield

Located in southeastern Iowa, Fairfield is surrounded by rolling hills, prairies, and serene parks. The town is known for its artsy, bohemian vibe and dedication to sustainability, but its natural beauty is what truly sets it apart. Nearby Jefferson County Park offers a network of trails through forests, wetlands, and prairies, perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and nature photography.

The Cedar View Trail, which starts in Fairfield, is a peaceful bike trail that meanders through the countryside, crossing wooden bridges and past quiet farms. The town’s green spaces are complemented by nearby natural attractions like Lake Darling State Park, where visitors can fish, kayak, or enjoy a picnic by the lakeshore.

Conclusion

Iowa’s scenic towns may not always be on the typical travel radar, but each offers a unique window into the state’s natural beauty. From the river valleys of the northeast, like those in Decorah and McGregor, to the tranquil lakes and rolling hills found in Clear Lake and Fairfield, these towns showcase a side of Iowa that is rich with outdoor adventure and stunning vistas. Whether you’re exploring state parks in Winterset, hiking along bluffs near Elkader, or simply soaking in the serene landscapes of Bellevue’s Mississippi River views, these nine towns provide perfect getaways to reconnect with nature. For anyone looking to experience the charm and tranquility of Iowa, these scenic spots are definitely worth a visit.