7 Towns in Iowa With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
Iowa is a state in the American Midwest that is most well known for cornfields...and not much else. This assessment is unfair, however, and if you know where to look, you will uncover a plethora of things to do and see in this quaint corner of the country.
Outside of the bigger cities of Des Moines and Cedar Rapids are a number of delightful small towns that make for excellent pit stops for any trip throughout the state. From towns centered around ice cream production to pristine urban parks and beyond, these 7 downtowns are definitely worth checking out in the Hawkeye State.
Decorah
Decorah is located in the picturesque Driftless Region of northeastern Iowa, an area that saw little to no glaciation during the last ice age, giving it a unique landscape of deep valleys and rugged hills. Known for its strong Norwegian heritage, Decorah’s downtown is lined with a number of unique restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School, is a central cultural destination in downtown Decorah. It features exhibits and classes that celebrate the area's Scandinavian roots. Moreover, the Porter House Museum is located in the former home of naturalist A.F. Porter and contains his various collections and photographs.
To get a better view of the town, head out to the Trout Run Trail, a 12-mile loop that has lookout points over Decorah, the Upper Iowa River, and surrounding bluffs.
Pella
Another town with a strong connection to a European heritage, Pella sticks to its Dutch roots while also being a great example of rural Iowa's laid-back vibe. This town is famous for its tulip festivals, windmills, and Dutch-inspired architecture. The Molengracht Plaza, a centerpiece of downtown Pella, features a working canal, drawbridge, and traditional Dutch-style buildings, offering you a taste of the Netherlands in the heart of America.
Downtown Pella is home to a variety of specialty shops, bakeries, and cafes, many of which showcase Dutch-inspired goods and treats. Jaarsma Bakery, a local favorite, is renowned for its Dutch letters and other pastries, drawing visitors from near and far. The Vermeer Mill, a fully functioning Dutch windmill, is another highlight of downtown. You can partake in a tour of this iconic structure to get an understanding of its history and significance. Pella’s Central Park is a popular outdoor gathering spot with well-manicured gardens and a historic fountain.
Fairfield
Fairfield is a small town of about 9,500 residents in southeastern Iowa. It is best known for its eclectic downtown area that blends creativity, culture, and community. The town’s central square is anchored by the historic Jefferson County Courthouse, a beautiful building that is worth taking a couple of photos of.
Mount Vernon
Nestled on a hilltop along the historic Lincoln Highway just outside of Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon’s downtown area is a designated National Historic District, known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. A very walkable town, it is a good idea to stroll along its streets if spotting these old yet well-preserved buildings interests you.
In its historic downtown core, there is a healthy selection of amenities to complement your visit. The Palisades Café, a local favorite, serves farm-to-table dishes, while the First Street Community Center hosts arts events, theater productions, and markets, all with upcoming dates scheduled for the year. The Cornell College campus, located just a couple blocks away, is also worth a visit, with beautiful grounds and a web of paths that make for a leisurely walk at any time of the day.
Several annual festivals also take place in Mount Vernon, from a celebration of chocolate to a chili cook-off, this might be the place to fill your stomach on your next road trip in 2024.
Winterset
Located a short drive south of Iowa's capitol of Des Moines, Winterset is maybe best known as the birthplace of famous actor John Wayne. For the film buffs out there, check out the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, a must-visit for fans of the legendary actor. The museum features memorabilia, exhibits, and even a replica of the family home where Wayne was born, making it a central attraction in the town.
Another notable attraction is the 1876 Madison County Courthouse, a stunning example of Italianate architecture. The downtown area is also famous for its association with the iconic covered bridges of Madison County, immortalized in the novel and film. You can see these famous bridges for yourself, dotted at various locations just a short drive from downtown.
Le Mars
Looking for a tasty treat on a hot summer day? You're in luck in Iowa, as the town of Le Mars is considered the “Ice Cream Capital of the World." Le Mars is home to Wells Enterprises, the makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, which plays a central role in the town’s identity.
The downtown core of Le Mars is centered on none other than Central Avenue, where you can find the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor, a must-visit destination. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the parlor offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors, sundaes, and shakes, along with a museum that showcases the history of ice cream production in the town. The parlor is a local landmark and a favorite spot for families and visitors alike.
It is no surprise that this town also hosts annual events like the Ice Cream Days festival, which celebrates its sweet legacy with parades, live music, and, of course, plenty of ice cream.
McGregor
Sitting along the Mississippi River on the border of Wisconsin is the town of McGregor, with a population of barely over 730. Surrounded by bluffs and forested land near the mighty waterway, McGregor is an idyllic escape from the big city.
McGregor’s downtown serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures, with Pikes Peak State Park just a short drive away. This park has a variety of hiking trails, most of which offer panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding landscape. The Effigy Mounds National Monument is just north of the town too. This nationally protected landmark is an archeological containing a treasure trove of native American artifacts. Learn more about this site on the 14 miles of trails strewn throughout it or through a ranger-led tour.
The actual downtown area of McGregor has a number of amenities for your stay, including hotels, restaurants, and the McGregor Historical Museum along its main strip.
See These Wonderful Small Towns in Iowa in 2024
From the Dutch-inspired streets of Pella to the artsy vibe of Fairfield, these towns provide inviting spaces where rural tradition meets modern living. Whether exploring historic sites in Winterset, enjoying a scoop of ice cream in Le Mars, or immersing in the outdoor atmosphere of McGregor, each downtown area on this list brings something special to an otherwise overlooked state. These towns exemplify the unique character that makes Iowa’s downtowns truly worth exploring in 2024.
