7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Iowa

Admitted to the Union in 1846, the “Hawkeye State” of Iowa continues to be an important economic and cultural center of the Midwestern United States. With a population of just over three million inhabitants, Iowa is full of beautiful natural features, fascinating stories of American history, and loads of cultural charm. These remain most evident in the State’s smaller towns, where a laid-back atmosphere can be experienced, and a genuine sample of Americana is on hand. There is a veritable treasure trove of beauty to be found in Iowa’s wonderful towns, so take to the road and come see the delight that is the “Hawkeye State”!

Orange City

The seat of Sioux County in northwestern Iowa, the beautiful Orange City can trace its modern history to the 1870s when it was founded by Dutch pioneers. Named in honor of King William of Orange, today, this very cultural community maintains a special European character, and it is home to a humble population of just over 6,200 inhabitants. Discover a number of Western European-style edifices and landmarks in town that bring one directly to the streets of the Netherlands. Including the Vogel Old Mill, the County Courthouse, and the charming Windmill Park, there is never a shortage of picturesque cultural outings to be had here.

For authentic Dutch food, make sure to stop by the Woudstra Meat Market. At the same time, an afternoon at the Dutch American Heritage Museum is a fascinating way to learn more about the settlers in this area and their contribution to America’s cultural mosaic. Finally, if you are visiting Orange City in the spring, be sure not to miss the annual Tulip Festival. Here, dazzling colors of flowers, informative cultural exhibits, live entertainment, and food vendors are all on display to honor both the Netherlands and life in the Midwestern US.

Eldora

Established in the 1850s, the town of Eldora serves as the seat of Hardin County, and today, just over 2,600 call it home. Located near the beautiful Pine Lake State Park and the Iowa River, those who love the outdoors can appreciate Eldora’s scenic opportunities for fun in nature. Enjoying time spent on the water swimming and boating while admiring local wildlife and plant life is a true photogenic delight.

Meanwhile, the town’s historic character is not hard to spot, and an afternoon spent at the Eldora Historic District brings guests back to the mid-19th century. Featuring many landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places (like the First Congregational Church built in 1894), a real feeling of the past is palpable here. Add in cute diners like the Sunshine Café or the Firehouse Saloon and Grill, and the small-town allure of Eldora will prove to be hard to beat.

Okoboji

Near the border with Minnesota, the small community of Okoboji boasts a most humble population of just under 800 permanent residents. Situated within the Iowa Great Lakes Region and along West Okoboji Lake, the town is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, lay back, and relax. As a popular summer tourist destination, visitors can enjoy fun opportunities to sail, swim, and sunbathe in a warm climate. When not chilling by the lakeside, the whole family will not want to miss a fun day at the nearby Arnold’s Park Amusement Park. Including thrilling rides and tasty food vendors, this is a splendid way to spend an afternoon with friends and family.

Pella

Like Orange City, the town of Pella was also founded by Dutch settlers in the mid-1800s, where today, nearly 10,500 inhabitants reside. Marion County’s largest town, a very special Dutch heritage, is lovingly maintained in Pella, and guests can experience a number of special landmarks and fun festivals that celebrate Holland. Stroll along the charming Molengracht Canal and visit the 1850s-style Vermeer Windmill while a cute assortment of diners specializing in Dutch American food serves as a real culinary treat.

The springtime Tulip Festival cannot be forgotten. It features exciting parade floats, folk dances, cultural programs, delicious food, and, loads of colorful flowers. It is a great outing that solo travelers and traveling families alike can enjoy, all within the charm of Iowa.

Decorah

Established in the 1850s and named after a prominent Native American leader, the town of Decorah serves as the seat of Winneshiek County, where nearly 7,600 people reside today. Situated near the Minnesota border, Decorah is known for its sizeable Norwegian community, and guests will certainly encounter a little slice of Norway. Explore a number of landmarks, museums, and festivals dedicated to this ethnic group which creates a lovely atmosphere the whole family can enjoy.

Among the sites of interest include the Vesterheim Norwegian Museum, which chronicles the role of Scandinavian immigrants in the growth of the region, and the ever-popular summer Nordic Festival. Up to 50,000 guests descend on Decorah for this delightful celebration, where great food, cultural exhibits, and live entertainment make for a most special experience in the heart of the US Midwest.

Winterset

A part of the Des Moines metropolitan area, Winterset is a welcoming town filled with wonderful Midwestern charm and scenic beauty. The seat of the famed Madison County, just over 5,000 inhabitants call the town home, which can trace its modern history to the mid-1800s. Known for its great assortment of covered bridges, this unique cultural and architectural treasure creates wonderful photographic memories for everyone. Amongst the bridges of note include the Roseman Bridge (1883), while at the October Madison County Covered Bridge Festival, guests are invited to explore the region’s bridges while vendors, food, and other live entertainment are organized in a central location.

In addition, Winterset is a laid-back place to simply enjoy the outdoors, and time spent at Winterset City Park is a nice way to enjoy scenic views of the Middle River Valley. And with hot summers and cool winters, exploring this part of Iowa is an inviting proposition no matter the time of year. Finally, for those who love cinema, visiting Winterset would not be complete without experiencing the John Wayne Birthplace Museum and its immersive look at the early life of the silver screen legend.

Le Claire

Located in Scott County near the border with Illinois, the town of Le Claire also forms part of the famed Quad Cities region. Founded in the 1850s and today home to a modest population of just under 5,000 inhabitants, LeClaire remains a splendid place to discover American history and enjoy natural beauty. Known for its natural population of bald eagles, those who visit the nearby Mississippi River and its locks will be treated to awesome views of the animals from December to March, while cool winters and warm summers are typical of the climate.

Meanwhile, for historical attractions, be sure to visit the Cody Road Historic District and its array of well-preserved 19th-century buildings. From there, head on over to the Buffalo Bill Museum, which honors the same named frontiersman who was born in the town in 1846. Featuring interactive exhibits, 19th-century artifacts, and fascinating stories of life along the Mississippi River, this is one museum that cannot be missed.

From the ethnic centers of Orange City, Pella, and Decorah to beautiful river communities like LeClaire and Eldora, the charming and laid-back small towns of Iowa are veritable treasures waiting to be discovered. A central component of the Midwestern United States, Iowa, or the “Hawkeye State,” is a place of great cultural allure and natural beauty, and its small towns reflect some of the very best in America. So, when planning one’s next road trip in this part of the nation, do not forget about Iowa, where fun for the traveling family and solo traveler alike can be found in these awesome and memorable small towns!