7 Best Small Towns in Iowa to Visit in 2024
When folks picture the lovely Midwestern state of Iowa, visions of gently rolling plains and miles and miles of cornfields most likely come to mind. The pretty state offers much more, however, including its rich Native American and farming history, beautiful bodies of water and wild spaces, and arts and culture. Iowa's small, charming towns are the ideal places to call home for a few days or weeks while you explore all the state has to offer, and the following are just some of the best to visit.
Winterset
Quaint Winterset may be the quintessential Midwestern small town, but it is internationally known as the inspiration and setting for the popular book and movie The Bridges of Madison County. The charming town is on the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, and you can take a self-guided tour of the historic structures for a day or two. Winterset is also the hometown of film icon John Wayne and features the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum, the only museum dedicated to the Western actor.
Explore the region's exciting history by checking out the 25-acre Madison County Historical Complex, home to the 1856 Bevington Mansion and 12 additional buildings. If you're a quilter or appreciate the art of quilting, don't miss the Iowa Quilt Museum, a unique attraction that offers dynamic, ever-changing exhibits such as Threads of Life, Portraits, and Pets Woven in Fabric.
Pella
Pretty Pella is another must-see small town when you're visiting Iowa, as it was founded by immigrants from the Netherlands in 1847 and still retains its charming Dutch feel today. Nicknamed "Little Holland," Pella claims the country's most giant functioning grain windmill. The town also has an authentic Dutch town square set on a scenic canal, which is the perfect place to take walks or enjoy an alfresco meal or cup of coffee. Downtown Pella also hosts the Tulip Time Festival, which draws in visitors from all over each May.
Get in touch with nature and take in local wildlife at Big Rock Park, which offers walking and biking paths and picnic areas. Brinkhoff Park is also worth exploring, as it offers vibrant blooming flowers in the spring and summer months, as well as a small windmill to set the scene. Golfers won't want to miss a trip to the Nederlanders Tap and Golf or the Bos Landen Golf Club.
Clear Lake
Situated on a refreshing spring-fed lake in the state's northern region, cute Clear Lake is conveniently located right off of I-35, halfway between Des Moines and Minneapolis. The town is a nature-lover's playground, with many parks and other natural areas. Clear Lake is a waterfront retreat with a swimming beach, a marina, and local shops offering boat rentals to fully experience lake life.
If you're enthusiastic about music history, check out the Surf Ballroom and Museum, a legendary rock and roll landmark. The Central Gardens of North Iowa is another place worth spending time at, featuring three acres of themed gardens, waterfalls, and babbling brooks. If you're visiting town during the warm summer months, book a cruise around Clear Lake on the Lady of the Lake, a double-decker boat with an open-air deck.
LeClaire
Situated along Iowa's Great River Road on the mighty Mississippi River, unique and historic LeClaire is ideal for a relaxing getaway, a girls' weekend, or a week-long family vacation. Historic sites, abundant natural beauty, a plethora of shopping opportunities, and plenty of outdoor recreational fun combine to make LeClaire a one-of-a-kind small town.
Start your visit by strolling around the Cody Road Historic District, a picturesque nine-block stretch filled with about 60 structures of historical significance and locally owned shops and eateries. LeClaire's "Libation Lane" is home to a brewery, winery, and distillery that uses regional ingredients to create craft beverages. History enthusiasts will delight in the Buffalo Bill Museum and the Old Mill Guest House, built in 1851.
Decorah
The dynamic small town of Decorah is set in the country's Driftless Area, a region that glaciers failed to penetrate, resulting in steep hillsides, rivers, narrow valleys, and beautiful bluffs today. Nature lovers from all over are drawn to Decorah due to its unique topography and rich Norwegian culture. Decorah's downtown is home to more than 100 boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and local restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two.
Check out the Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, which features 33,000 artifacts, including traditional costumes, wood carvings, woven tapestries, and a 25-foot wooden sailboat. If you want to explore local wildlife, visit Dunning's Spring Park, a nature preserve featuring a spring-fed waterfall flowing all year. Visitors can also walk along Decorah's 11-mile-long Trout Run Trail.
Orange City
Conveniently situated on Highway 60, which connects Minneapolis and Omaha, the welcoming small town of Orange City beckons visitors with its charming Dutch heritage, which is still alive and well today. The town celebrates its culture with its historic Dutch architecture, annual Tulip Festival, and traditional eateries with delicious Dutch delicacies.
To appreciate the town and learn all about its history, spend a few hours at the Dutch American Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to showcasing and preserving Northwest Iowa's unique Dutch immigrant culture. Enjoy the outdoors at Windmill Park, which features an interesting collection of windmills, a colorful flower garden, and a Dutch canal bridge. When you work up an appetite from all of the sightseeing, enjoy a meal or snack at either Woodstra Meat Market or Brad's Breads and Bakery, two popular options.
If you find yourself in Iowa at any point in 2024, take some time to explore the state's quaint small towns that celebrate local history and nature, delight visitors with local cuisine and locally produced beverages, and know-how to entertain with festivals and farmers markets. Whether you crave a peaceful waterfront retreat or an exciting, action-packed adventure, you'll find it in Iowa's hometowns!
