7 Towns In Iowa That Transport You To The Past

What do Danish windmills, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s childhood home, Victorian steamboat cruises, and traditional Amish communities have in common? They’re all part of the rich history and diverse heritage you can explore in Iowa. Since settlers began arriving in the area during the early 19th century, it has flourished with diverse cultures and communities, leaving behind a trail full of fascinating stories. A visit to the following seven towns offers more than just history—it’s an opportunity to step back in time and experience Iowa’s past firsthand.

LeClaire

With European settlements dating back to the 1830s, LeClaire has centuries of history, much of which is preserved in its historic district. The Cody Road Historic District, named after Buffalo Bill’s birth name, features more than 60 districts and stretches nine blocks. It also lies along the Mississippi River, promising beautiful riverside views to visitors. The historic district, however, has more than just buildings. It is also home to multiple antique and vintage shops, such as Antique Archaeology, Decades, and Mississippi Cottage Antiques, making for an appropriate and unique souvenir.

Venturing off of dry land, travelers can also take a river cruise down the Mississippi River in the Twighlight Riverboat. This replica Victorian-era steamboat is steered by an experienced captain who has many stories to share.

Dyersville

Settled in 1846 by a group of Bavarian farmers, Dyersville has become known nationwide for its farm toy industry and as the filming location of Field of Dreams. Fred Ertl Sr. began making model farm tractors in 1945, an interest that grew into a family business and eventually became the Ertl Company, known for its popular toy tractors and farm equipment. To learn more about this story and about the history of tractors, visitors can visit the National Farm Toy Museum, which has exhibits that the entire family will enjoy.

Film fanatics can tour the Field of Dreams Farmhouse and movie site, allowing them to step straight into the movie scene. The town’s interesting history sites does not end there. Basilica of St. Francis Xavier is one of only two bascilicas in the state, incorporating Ruskinian Gothic Revival architecture, arched ceilings, and 64 stained glass windows.

Bentonsport

With historic cottages, bed and breakfasts, bountiful antique stores, and skilled artisans, Bentonsport has a charming history that appeals even to those not usually drawn to the past. The Mason House Inn in Bentonsport, originally built in 1846 as a steamboat river inn, offers an immersive historic experience. Adding to the nostalgia, each room even includes a cookie jar! The Bentonsport Historic District has an annual Spring Flea Market and Craft Show, where visitors can witness various cultural demonstrations, including a local blacksmith. There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides, Amish baked goods, local fudge, pottery, quilts, and wine tastings courtesy of Wooden Wheel Vineyards.

Blending nature with history, the Historic Hills Scenic Byway makes for a great drive, as a 105-mile route that passes by dense forests, rolling hills, and traditional communities such as the Old Order Amish and Mennonites.

Winterset

Winterset, home to roughly 5,400 residents, has become most notably known over the years for its location along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. Upon arriving in town, visitors can set off on a self-guided tour of Madison County's 82 miles of covered bridges, made famous by The Bridges of Madison County novel, movie, and musical.

In Winterset’s downtown square, visitors can admire the limestone courthouse, designed by French architect Piquenard in 1876, featuring Greek-inspired architecture and crowned by an octagonal dome. The Mountain County Historical Complex is another historic marvel, an 1856 Bevington Mansion with a 25-acre museum on the premises. After exploring Winterset’s history, adventurous visitors can head to the Middle River Water Trail for a canoe or kayak journey, passing beneath several more covered bridges along the way.

Elk Horn

Danish immigrants began settling in the Elk Horn area in the 1870s, drawn to the landscape's resemblance to their homeland. Although centuries have passed since their arrival, many landmarks in Elk Horn remain as a reminder of its Danish past. One notable site is Bedstemor's House, or 'Grandmother's House,' built in 1908 by a Danish immigrant, today reflects the lifestyle of immigrants from that era.

Other sites include the 1951 Danish Morning Star Chapel, which is the tiniest chapel in Iowa, VikingHjem (Viking Smithy's Home), and the Museum of Danish America. Elk Horn also has a fascinating prairie ecosystem, which travelers can immerse themselves in by visiting Prairie Rose State Park, which has several miles of trails and places to boat, swim, and camp.

Pella

Similar to Elk Horn, Pella is rich with centuries of Danish heritage, home to a historic district that transports visitors back in time. The Pella Historical Village features traditional architecture from the period, including a general store, log cabin, and the Vermeer Windmill, one of the continent’s tallest working windmills. Just a short distance away, Sunken Garden Park is one of Pella’s most impressive natural attractions, featuring over 15,000 tulips, a windmill, historic-style light poles, and an ice skating rink during the winter. The perfect way to end the day after exploring the historic district and park is with a cocktail and homestyle appetizer at de Kelder Speakeasy, an intimate basement bar.

Decorah

Founded in the mid-19th century, Decorah quickly flourished as settlers harnessed the power of Dunning Spring and other local water sources to build mills and dams, driving the town's rapid growth. It is also famous for hosting one of Laura Ingalls Wilder's childhood homes, where visitors can tour the house and museum, which is still located on its original site and is open seasonally. Other prominent museums in Decorah include the Porter House Museum, which celebrates the life of Adelbert Field Porter, a naturalist, photographer, and butterfly collector, and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which showcases the Norwegian-immigrant journey as it took place in American history.

There are plenty of natural parks around Decorah as well. The Decorah Community Prairie & Butterfly Garden is a great one to visit. It features 34 acres of prairie ecosystem, 70 species of native prairie plants, thousands of wildflowers, and a butterfly garden.

Final Thoughts

While settlers arrived in Iowa later than in many other U.S. states, the state still boasts a fascinating history that makes it an excellent destination for a trip or vacation. In fact, many of these sites may be unknown even to Iowa residents despite being right in their own backyard. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Iowa's rich history offers a unique opportunity to explore hidden gems that reflect its diverse heritage.