7 Most Beautiful College Towns In Iowa
College towns offer something a little different from the usual small-town getaway, and Iowa’s are no exception. These vibrant communities aren’t just educational and artistic hubs, they’re also places of outstanding natural beauty and historic value. Hike the trails through geological wonders, see the country’s tallest working windmill, tour a home of one of America’s most beloved authors, or simply spend the day at a local winery. Adventure, art, and academia all come together in these inviting destinations.
Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is the hometown of the University of Northern Iowa. It’s also a pretty town in the scenic Cedar Valley with plenty of outdoor recreation and a rich history. The town has a stunning natural playground on its doorstep. See the best of the landscape from the Cedar Valley Trail Network, which contains more than 100 miles of paved walkways that are open year-round. Visitors can also wander the woods at the beautiful Hartman Reserve Nature Center.
One of Cedar Falls’ earliest industries was ice harvesting on the Cedar River. Learn about this fascinating era in the town’s history at the Ice House Museum, the only ice-house-turned-museum in the country. Another must-see for history fans is the Victorian House Museum, a stately 1862 Italianate home with many original furnishings and antiques.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is home to "the Hilltop," the nickname for the campus of Cornell College, a private liberal arts institution ranked among the best in the country. The campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as is Mount Vernon’s picturesque downtown. The town can trace its history back to 1837 and that rich heritage is easily seen in its 19th-century and grand Victorian homes.
Strolling around downtown, you’ll see quirky antique shops and eclectic local businesses. Call into Vintage 1891 to find unique gifts and browse their collection of rare antiques and collectibles. Just a few doors down is the Abbe Creek Gallery which showcases the work of local and regional artists, from painters to sculptors and photographers to potters.
Heading out of town, don’t miss the American Gothic Barn. A local landmark, the privately-owned barn was painted by a Mount Vernon art teacher who recreated the infamous American Gothic painting in a large mural that covers the barn’s entire frontage.
Also on the outskirts of town, you can take a break from the city’s buzz at Palisades-Kepler State Park, a natural oasis on the banks of the Cedar River. The park contains 5 miles of hiking trails, picnic shelters, campsites, and some prime fishing spots.
Grinnell
Grinnell College was founded in Davenport, Iowa, in 1846 and, after relocating to Grinnell, the town and its educational institution have grown together. Grinnell is now frequently ranked as one of the top college towns in America thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, vibrant community, and quaint streets.
One of the most notable sights on those quaint streets is the Merchants National Bank, designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan. Completed in 1914, the bank is one of only a handful of ‘jewel box’ style banks Sullivan created and is open for tours during the week.
To explore the stunning scenery around Grinnell head to nearby Rock Creek State Park where you’ll find waterfront and wooded trails, picnic sites, scenic viewpoints, and a marina. If you’re visiting in summer, stop by the town’s Central Park where you’ll find live music concerts on Thursdays and a lively Farmer’s Market on Thursdays and Sundays.
Decorah
Tucked away in northern Iowa, Decorah was founded in 1849 by immigrant Norwegian farmers but really began to grow when Luther College was established in 1861. Today this pretty European-influenced town is a true hidden gem in some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery.
Visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School to learn more about Decorah’s European origins and see their 12 historic buildings and 33,000 artifacts. Another nearby museum commemorates one of America’s best loved authors, Laura Ingalls Wilder. "The Little House on the Prairie" writer lived in the area in 1876 and one of her family's former homes is just north of Decorah in the Burr Oak community; it's now a museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Decorah lies in the heart of some stunning natural attractions including Dunning's Spring Park, where you can see what Visit Northeast Iowa's website claims is a 200-feet-tall waterfall. Closer to town, the Decorah Community Prairie and Butterfly Garden is a tranquil 105 acre preserve with a network of walking paths through wildflower-covered prairie habitats.
Pella
East of Des Moines lies one of Iowa’s most striking college towns, Pella which is home to Central College, a private liberal arts school.
Founded by Dutch immigrants, Pella has retained its European heritage with some unusual architecture and attractions. Visit the Pella Historical Village to see how early European settlers lived in the mid-1800s and check out the Vermeer Windmill, one of the tallest working windmills in the United States.
Even the entertainment in Pella is historically significant. The Pella Opera House is a restored 1900 building with a 1928 theater organ and a decorative tin ceiling. Self-guided tours are available during the day before catching a show in the evenings.
To soak up the scenery, enjoy a peaceful stroll through Sunken Garden Park, which features a pond in the shape of a wooden shoe surrounded by tulips, or head out to nearby Red Rock Lake, Iowa’s largest lake which offers campgrounds, hiking trails, and boating.
Storm Lake
Buena Vista University was founded in the waterfront town of Storm Lake in 1891 and has been a vital part of this pretty lakeside community ever since. The town lies on the shores of Storm Lake, Iowa’s fourth largest glacial lake. Known as a premier fishing destination, the lake also boasts six beaches, nine parks, and several miles of trails.
The Storm Lake community itself is a cozy small town with a resort feel, especially in summer when the beaches and marinas are packed with visitors. Cool off at the King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort, a family-friendly waterpark with slides and rides or take a leisurely wander downtown to browse quaint boutiques including Celia’s Antiques, an emporium of gifts and collectibles, and the Storm Lake Bakery where you can pick up a freshly made treat.
For a unique look at Storm Lake’s natural history, visit the Living Heritage Tree Museum, one of the largest tree museums in the United States. This one-of-a-kind park documents seedlings and trees associated with famous figures and events.
Oskaloosa
The storybook streets of Oskaloosa in southeastern Iowa are home to the William Penn University campus. See the town at its best from the Oskaloosa City Square which contains the oldest continuously operating municipal bandstand in the country and often hosts local musicians and concerts.
Also downtown, you’ll find the iconic Iowa Building which was built in 1896 and housed the National Bank, and the Chief Mahaska Statue, which honors a local Native American chief. See more of the region’s history come alive at the Nelson Pioneer Farm, an outdoor museum consisting of an 1850s home and barn, log cabin, Quaker meeting house, schoolhouse, other historic buildings, and a nature trail.
Take your camera to Lake Keomah State Park to get some stunning scenic shots of the 84-acre lake and its surrounding woodlands and meadows. The park has a 3-mile walking path that winds around the water as well as a swimming beach and fishing jetty.
Iowa’s Charming and Scenic College Towns
Blending local traditions and attractions with youthful energy, Iowa’s beautiful college towns are more than just a great place to study. Close-knit neighborhoods buzzing with life, these towns offer something for everyone whether you’re a student, visiting family, looking for a weekend getaway, or planning a road trip through the Hawkeye State. See the best of Iowa in its diverse college communities where residents, visitors, and students mingle to enjoy stunning recreation areas, historic sights, and local cultural events.
