7 Towns In Iowa With Vibrant Downtown Areas

Iowa may be famed for its cornfields, but it's the vibrant downtown areas of its towns that capture the spirit of the state. These amazing towns prove Iowa is not a flyover state! Quite the opposite- with a rich history, amazing views, and unique attractions, you’ll never want to leave. From the Dutch influence of Pella to the small-town charm of Spirit Lake, Iowa has so much to discover. These hidden gems are perfect for a weekend getaway to recharge your batteries. So pack your bags and get ready to earn a newfound appreciation for Iowa with these hidden gems.

Fairfield

Fairfield isn’t your run-of-the-mill Midwestern town. With a mix of historical and modern eclectic buildings in its downtown district, there’s no shortage of things to discover. Fairfield has a thriving and diverse arts scene, with a host of unique galleries and art shows. However, the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center serves as the heart of this charming town, offering public events and live performances.

The food in Fairfield is also well worth the trip! The restaurants in the downtown area have a heavy focus on organic and fresh farm-to-table cuisine. The Hungry Camel or Due South are two charming restaurants that blend a cozy atmosphere with amazing food! If you’re looking to unwind and relax, Fairfield is a hub for wellness retreats, thanks to the influence of Maharishi International University (MIU). Head to The Raj offers amazing accommodations and provides Ayurvedic treatments, Panchakarma retreats, and meditation and wellness programs.

Oskaloosa

The town of Oskaloosa is like something right out of a postcard. It’s the perfect marriage of modern amenities and historical charm. Head to the heart of the town, Oskaloosa City Square, to blend in with the locals. The square hosts the oldest continuously operating municipal bandstand in the United States and is where you can catch a live performance by Oskaloosa’s municipal band.

For more music, be sure to head to the George Daily Community Auditorium. It provides live musical and theatrical performances as well as art exhibits and galleries. Admire Oskaloosa’s rich history by checking out the Iowa Building and the Chief Mahaska Statue. The statue, located in the heart of the town, honors the Native American chief and the town's rich Native American heritage. While you’re in town, make sure to catch the Southern Iowa Fair, which brings the whole community together.

Grinnell

Grinnell is a small town with a big heart. The local college, Grinnell College, plays a big role in shaping Grinell’s modern scene while honoring its rich history. The downtown area hosts a variety of local shops and cafes in well-preserved 19th and 20th-century buildings. Grinnell’s Central Park is the community hub and hosts annual events like the Grinnell Farmer’s Market. Visitors also have to check out the Faulconer Gallery, which displays both local and international art.

History buffs will fall in love with the historic buildings and architecture of the town. Many of the buildings in town were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor, Louis Sullivan. A great example of Sullivan’s work includes the stunning Jewel Box Bank. To learn a little more about Grinnell’s architectural heritage, be sure to stop by the Grinnell Historical Museum.

Le Mars

Who’s ready for some ice cream? Le Mars, aka the Ice Cream Capital of the World, is a must-see for those who can’t get enough ice cream! Le Mars is home to Blue Bunny Ice Cream one of the largest ice cream producers. Before grabbing a cone at one of the many ice cream shops in town, stop by the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor and Museum. It offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at Blue Bunny’s history and (of course) offers a variety of ice cream flavors to try!

But ice cream isn’t the only attraction in Le Mars. The historical downtown district offers a wide variety of locally owned shops and cafes to spend an afternoon. The Plymouth County Historical Museum is a must-see for history buffs and provides a little background into the history of Le Mars. If you want to relax and unwind, head to the beautifully maintained Cleveland Park in the heart of town.

Spirit Lake

If you want a perfect blend of natural scenery and a vibrant downtown district, look no further than Spirit Lake! Its downtown district, known as Olde Town, offers visitors an eclectic array of locally owned shops, boutiques, and cafes. Spirit Lake is also home to the Great Lakes Mall. To learn more about this charming town, head to the Dickinson County Museum. It showcases exhibits dedicated to Native Americans and the area’s early settlers.

Nestled on East Okoboji Lake, Spirit Lake offers great views and plenty of outdoor recreation. Make a stop at the Tuttle Lake Recreation Area for camping, hiking, or just soak in the beautiful views. For even more adventure, make the short 12-minute drive to Arnolds Park Amusement Park. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States and guarantees a day of fun with coasters, sweeping lake views, and live entertainment.

Pella

Walking the streets of Pella feels like being transported to Europe. Its rich Dutch heritage influences every corner of the town. The charming downtown district boasts beautiful Dutch-inspired architecture and windmills. Walk the peaceful streets of Pella to discover amazing shops, boutiques, and local restaurants and bakeries. No trip to Pella is complete without grabbing a traditional Dutch treat from one of their fantastic bakeries like Dutch Letters or Jaarsma Bakery. To truly admire the architecture of Pella, visitors have to stop by the Pella Opera House for a live performance.

If you plan your visit to Pella just right, you can even catch the annual Tulip Time Festival. It celebrates Pella’s rich Dutch heritage with parades, tulip displays, and cultural performances. If you miss the festival, you can learn more about Pella's past by stopping by Pella Historical Village or the iconic Vermeer Windmill.

Decorah

Decorah is one of those charming Midwestern towns with a blend of old-world charm and friendly locals. Spend the day exploring the downtown district’s charming shops and cafes, and make sure to stop by The Landing Market! It’s a popular hub for both locals and visitors that offers specialty foods and hand-crafted goods with seasonal offerings and events. Situated in the heart of downtown Decorah, it’s a must-stop for visitors!

To learn a little more about this charming down, make sure to stop by the Decorah History Center or the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in the heart of downtown. The Winneshiek County Courthouse is an architectural marvel and one of Decorah’s most important landmarks. After a day of exploring everything has to offer, take a scenic hike along Decorah Trout Run Trail.

Get Ready For Adventure In Iowa

Have you fallen in love with Iowa yet? These small hidden gems prove that the Hawkeye state is so much more than corn and state fairs. Step outside the bigger cities like Des Monies and Sioux City and step inside some of the most charming and vibrant towns the state has to offer. Shop for fresh produce and local goods at the Grinnell Farmer’s Market, or grab an ice cream cone in the Ice Cream Capital of the World in Le Mars! These towns provide a perfect blend of history, culture, and community spirit, sans the traffic!