7 Iowa Towns That Rival Europe's Best

Do you think you need a passport to experience Europe? Think again. Scattered across Iowa’s hills, riverbanks, and historic districts, some towns capture the essence of European villages and storybook retreats. Iowa’s towns and historic districts transport visitors to Old World Europe—without leaving the heartland. Whether you stroll through a Danish town, explore a cobblestone district, or take in scenic river views, these seven cities bring the magic of Europe. Pack your bags and experience the essence of Europe right here in Iowa.

Decorah

Founded in 1857 by Norwegian immigrants, Decorah became a center for Scandinavian culture in the Midwest. Norwegians chose this region for its rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and winding rivers, reminiscent of Norway’s fjords. Until 1972, the town was home to The Decorah-Posten, a Norwegian-language newspaper founded in 1874 by Brynild Anundsen, making it one of the largest in the U.S.

The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum showcases Norwegian culture with Viking-style boats, hand-carved furniture, and textiles. Palisades Park features Upper Iowa River vistas similar to those of fjord country. At Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, set on a 160-year-old homestead, locals craft fruit wines enjoyed by visitors. Decorians celebrate the town each summer during the Nordic Nirvana Festival and the Nordic Fest, bringing Norwegian music, dance, and authentic food.

Elk Horn

Settled by Danish immigrants in the mid-1800s, Elk Horn became one of the nation's most authentic Danish-American enclaves. Its strong culture gained international recognition, leading to the documentary Denmark on the Prairie (2013), its 2014 sequel, and a feature on the Danish television cooking show Spise med Price.

The Danish Windmill, an operating windmill from the year 1848, was shipped from Nørre Snede, Denmark, and rebuilt by 300 volunteers during the year 1976. The Museum of Danish America is the repository for the town's history, including Viking artifacts, folk costumes, and hand-crafted furniture, and the Genealogy Center helps guests discover their Dane heritage through historical documents. Tivoli Fest takes over the streets with Danish music, dancing, and open-faced sandwiches. Julefest brings holiday cheer with hot spiced glögg and beautifully decorated trees, and Danish Countryside Vines & Wines, only 2.9 miles from town, serves local wines amidst the ambiance of Europe.

Guttenberg

Founded in the 1840s by German settlers, the town of Guttenberg was modeled after the Danube River villages of Bavaria, complete with structures made from limestone, cobblestone streets, and scenic river vistas. In 2010, its charm caught the attention of Forbes, naming the town one of America’s Prettiest Towns.

The Guttenberg Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has landmarks like the Albertus Building (1879) showcasing classic stonework architecture from the 19th century. The Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center showcases the region's unique geology and history of German settlement. Each fall, GermanFest fills the streets with live polka music, bratwurst, and beer gardens, celebrating its Bavarian roots. The Guttenberg German Band, a festival favorite, excites crowds at Oktoberfest and carnivals. In the Guttenberg Public Library, visitors can view a facsimile of the very rare Gutenberg Bible, purchased from the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany.

Pella

Founded in 1847 by Dutch settlers, Pella is named after the biblical city sanctuary, which symbolizes beginning anew. Pella preserves its Dutch culture through windmills, canals, and festivals, bringing the Netherlands experience to Iowa.

The Vermeer Mill, the tallest working Dutch-style windmill in the US grinds grain. Molengracht Plaza features a canal and drawbridge, encircled by Dutch-themed shops like Jaarsma Bakery, where stroopwafels and almond pastry can be bought. In May, the city is filled during the Tulip Time Festival with parades, tulip gardens, and traditional attire. A clock tower like those seen in the Netherlands, the Klokkenspel, features lively productions about the history of Pella. Performances year-round can also be observed at the Pella Opera House, built in 1900, through its stained-glass windows and tin ceiling.

Amana Colonies

In 1855, German settlers arrived in Iowa seeking religious freedom and communalism. Following a moving testimony, the village nearly became known as "Bleibtreu" (remain faithful) but instead adopted "Amana," taken from Song of Solomon 4:8, "remain true." This National Historic Landmark now maintains Old World customs throughout its seven villages, echoing the style of the 19th-century German village.

The Amana Heritage Museum delves into the settlers' collective lifestyle through historical exhibits and artifacts. Ox Yoke Inn features authentic Wiener Schnitzel and sauerbraten from traditional recipes. Guests can sample fruit wines made by old German processes at one of Iowa's oldest wineries, Ackerman Winery. Since the mid-19th century, the Amana Woolen Mill has continued manufacturing high-grade woolen products using historic looms. Annual Maifest and Oktoberfest celebrations fill the villages with German music, dancing, and artisan crafts.

St. Donatus

Founded in the mid-19th century by settlers from Luxembourg, St. Donatus was modeled after Luxembourg’s villages, featuring limestone buildings and rolling hills that create an Old World atmosphere. Saint Donatus is named after Saint Donatus of Muenstereifel, the patron saint of the country.

Built in 1858, St. Donatus Church reflects Luxembourgian architecture, while the Outdoor Way of the Cross features hillside stations for a classic pilgrimage experience. The Gehlen House Inn, constructed by Luxembourg immigrant Peter Gehlen in 1855, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and is now a historic bed and breakfast. Family-run for over 160 years, Kalmes Restaurant serves Luxembourgian favorites like Wiener Schnitzel Veal and Luxembourg Ground Steak. Each year, Luxembourg Heritage Days fill the town with traditional music, dance, and authentic cuisine, celebrating its European roots.

Orange City

Founded in 1870 by Dutch settlers, Orange City was named after the Royal Dutch House of Orange, symbolizing the community’s deep connection to the Netherlands. Early settlers prioritized education, constructing a schoolhouse and later establishing the Northwestern Classical Academy to preserve their cultural and religious traditions.

By 1936, locals sought to further celebrate their heritage by launching the Tulip Festival, now one of the region’s largest events, attracting visitors from Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Held during the third weekend of May, the festival blankets the town with music, food, and entertainment from the Netherlands. The Stadscentrum Building, an authentic replica of a Dutch village square, features boutique shops and traditional architecture. Windmill Park showcases a Dutch windmill surrounded by vibrant tulips. Visitors can stay overnight at the Dutch Inn and Suites for a cultural experience and shop for authentic groceries at the Dutchmart Food Center.

A European Vacation in the Heartland of Iowa

Iowa may be in the heartland of America, but these seven cities bring the magic of Europe into the heartland. From the Norwegian culture of Decorah to the echoes of Bavaria in Guttenberg, each city has its unique connection to the Old World. Elk Horn’s Danish windmills and St. Donatus’ Luxembourgian culture transport travelers across the Atlantic, while the architecture of the Dutch Pella and the Orange City Tulip Festival bring travelers into the Netherlands. Historic Amana Colony craftsmanship rounds out this European-infused experience, where each city maintains its history through festivals, landmarks, and culture. Whether you appreciate centuries-old buildings, dine on genuine European cuisine, or party during one of the many festivals, these Iowa towns prove you don’t need a passport to experience the magic of Europe.