6 Picturesque Towns In Iowa For A Weekend Retreat In 2024

While well-known for its wide open spaces and countless farms, visiting a few of Iowa’s charming small towns is a great way to get to know the “Hawkeye State” a little better. Ideal destinations for those seeking an authentic Midwest weekend retreat, the best of these close-knit communities offer a glimpse into Iowa’s fascinating history as well as its rich cultural heritage.

Each of these towns not only boasts unique attractions, both man-made and natural, but they also offer everything else the curious traveler needs to ensure a great getaway. Fun things to do, both indoors and outdoors? Yes. Shopping and dining experience? Naturally. And great places to stay? Of course! Find out more as we explore these six of the best spots for a memorable weekend retreat in 2024.

Pella

Fancy a taste of old Europe? Then, a visit to Pella could be the perfect “dupe” if you can’t make it to The Netherlands in person. Established in 1847, when 800 immigrants from Holland chose the area as their new home, Pella’s Dutch heritage is everywhere evident. Just a short stroll from pretty Central Park in the town center and you’ll find yourself staring at the town’s 1850s-era Vermeer Windmill, still working and offering tours and superb views over the town. Located just behind the windmill, Pella Historical Village is a must-visit and includes the Scholte House Museum & Gardens dating back to 1847, providing an insightful look into the town's Dutch roots.

Town planners even went so far as to construct the Molengracht Canal, a short replica of a Dutch waterway that’s located in a pleasant pedestrian zone. And although it’s too late to visit the town’s popular Tulip Time Festival for 2024, planning for next May’s event is already well underway and is worth considering if you’re not able to enjoy a Pella getaway this year. For accommodations, the 3-star Amsterdam Hotel provides comfortable stays near the Molengracht Plaza, while the Cheesemaker's Inn, a cozy bed-and-breakfast, is a highly rated option for those seeking a more intimate experience. Both locations offer easy access to Pella’s Dutch bakeries, shops, and gardens, making them ideal for a weekend retreat.

Decorah

Located in the northeast corner of Iowa and only a short drive from the state borders of Wisconsin and Minnesota, Decorah is also known for its strong European influences, this time thanks to Norway. Established in 1849, the town attracted Norwegian immigrants with the publication of the USA’s first Norwegian language newspaper, which continued right up to the 1970s. You can learn more about the paper and the town’s early years at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School, established in 1877 and housing an impressive collection of over 33,000 artifacts.

If a little outdoor adventure is on the cards for your 2024 getaway to Decorah, head to the nearby Ice Cave Hill State Preserve, one of the biggest such sites in the Midwest (and one that’s frozen with ice year-round). Dunning’s Spring, a 200-foot waterfall, is another great spot to visit, especially if you’re planning a fall color getaway. Need somewhere to stay? Check out the attractive old Hotel Winneshiek, located in the heart of downtown and featuring elegant rooms with historic charm, and the Dug Road Inn, a fun family-owned B&B.

Amana Colonies

Although not so much a town but rather a group of seven historic villages, no list of great weekend retreats in Iowa would be complete without including the Amana Colonies. Established in 1855 by settlers from Germany, these quaint villages are now a National Historic Landmark and are a delight to explore. Highlights include everything from artisan shops and art galleries to interesting museums that showcase the colonies' craftsmanship and history. One of the best, the Amana Heritage Society Museum, offers insights into the communal lifestyle of the original settlers (tours are available). An original woolen mill and furniture shop dating back to the mid-19th century are worth seeing and are still in operation today.

For a weekend stay, Zuber’s Homestead Hotel offers plenty of rustic charm, while Die Heimat Country Inn provides cozy B&B-style accommodations. Both offer easy access to the colonies' famous restaurants, including the Ox Yoke Inn with its hearty German cuisine.

Winterset

Winterset, located in central Iowa and a 45-minute drive southwest of the state capital of Des Moines, certainly has a lot to offer those seeking a great weekend retreat. Famous for its historic covered bridges, must-sees include the Cedar Bridge, built in 1883 and one of six remaining covered bridges of Madison County. Ring a bell? It should, as these classic old bridges were immortalized in the novel and film The Bridges of Madison County and will also be the subject of the popular Covered Bridge Festival in October 2024.

Winterset is also the birthplace of famed actor John Wayne, perhaps America’s greatest film cowboy. Plan a visit to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum to learn more about the actor’s early life and career. Two comfortable accommodations in Winterset worth considering for your weekend away include the Covered Bridge Inn, offering modern amenities with a nod to the town’s history, and the Cobblestone Inn & Suites.

Mount Vernon

Only 18 miles east of Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon is known for its art scene and historic downtown district. A visit should start in the town's uptown area with its wonderfully restored 19th-century buildings housing art galleries and studios, antique shops, as well as several cafés and restaurants. Cornell College, established in 1853, adds to the town's historic appeal, with several campus buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places easy to spot as you explore.

For accommodations, book a stay at the historic Sleepy Hollow Bed & Breakfast, located in a restored 1850s mansion, or the more modern Mount Vernon Grand Hotel, both of which offer comfortable lodgings.

Elkader

Set along the Turkey River in northeastern Iowa, Elkader offers a peaceful riverside retreat with a touch of French charm thanks to its namesake, Algerian freedom fighter Abd al-Qadir. The town's historic Opera House dates back to 1903 and is still in operation, hosting performances throughout the year (check their website for details of shows while you’re here). Elkader’s main street is a delight for a weekend wander with its boutiques and cafés.

And be sure to allocate time to visit the nearby Motor Mill Historic Site, established in 1869 and an idyllic spot that offers guided tours. Elkader offers two charming lodging options: The Jailhouse Inn, located in a former jail and open to visiting “inmates”; and the centrally located Elkader Mill on Main with its three spacious suites.

The Final Word

Each of these quaint small towns in Iowa offers a window into this fascinating Midwest state. Whether you're drawn to the Dutch architecture of Pella, the attractive scenery of Decorah and Elkader, or the artistic allure of Mount Vernon, each of these charming small towns provides a memorable escape from the everyday. Add to this their top-notch accommodations, and these six picturesque towns in Iowa are perfect for a weekend retreat before 2024 is over.