7 Undiscovered Small Towns In Iowa

When people think of Iowa, miles of cornfields, famous covered bridges, and the bustling cities of Cedar Rapids and Des Moines most likely come to mind. The Hawkeye State has much more to offer, however, and its small, undiscovered towns are the perfect places to call "home" for a few days, weeks, or more. Both the scenic and navigable Missouri and Mississippi Rivers run through the state, giving many of the quaint towns a unique waterfront ambiance. Their historic downtowns make visitors feel welcome, as well as provide ample opportunities to shop and sample local fare. Here are seven of Iowa's underrated small towns to put on your "must-see" list.

LeClaire

Situated directly across the mighty Mississippi River from Illinois, lovely LeClaire is the perfect place to spend a relaxing getaway. The quaint river town is home to the Riverboat Twilight, which offers a 90-minute sightseeing cruise and a 2-day trip to Dubuque, Iowa, depending on how much time you have to spend. If guided cruises aren't your thing, you can take your own boat out on the river or rent one from a local outfitter, such as the Captain's Quarters.

LeClaire is best known for being the birthplace of the 1800's Wild West outlaw William Frederic Cody, who was famously called "Buffalo Bill during his heyday. Visitors can learn about his life, along with the role he played in America's Old West history, at the Buffalo Bill Museum. The attraction showcases items from his "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" show, which dates back to the 1880s, as well as personal items.

Pella

Pretty Pella, less than one hour away from Des Moines, was founded in the mid-1800s by Dutch immigrants. Today, their culture and charm live on through the town's historic buildings, which feature beautiful Dutch architectural details. The Klokkenspel is a clock tower that showcases eight 4-foot mechanical figures that portray important moments from the town's history. Local eateries, such as the popular Jaarsma Bakery, treat locals and visitors alike to authentic Dutch pastries and other culinary delights.

While you're visiting this charming small town, don't miss the Vermeer Windmill, which was constructed in the 1850s in the Netherlands, and shipped to Pella in the early 2000s. The windmill was originally built as a grain mill, as is currently the tallest working windmill in the country. The eye-catching windmill is located in Pella's Hilstorical Village, and is open daily for guided tours. History lovers can also check out the Scholte House Museum & Gardens while in the area.

Elk Horn

Another welcoming, underrated Midwestern town, tiny Elk Horn, has a population of just under 700. The town's claim to fame is the authentic Danish Windmill, which was built in 1848 and brought to Elk Horn from Denmark in 1976. The 60-foot-tall attraction is the only working Danish windmill in the country and is also open for guided daily tours. After arriving in town, stop by the Danish Windmill & Welcome Center to get acquainted with the area and all that it has to offer.

Explore the Museum of Danish America, which preserves the town's Danish heritage by showcasing local memorabilia and artifacts. Another must-visit attraction is the Bedstemor's House, a fully restored early 1900s Danish immigrant's home. The house gives visitors an authentic look into the daily life of early Danish settlers. If you're visiting Elk Horn during Memorial Day Weekend, you'll be lucky enough to experience the Tivoli Fest, which features an outdoor market filled with locally made goods, a festive parade, and a Danish pancake-eating contest.

Decorah

Located in what is known as the Driftless region of the United States, the part of the country that was missed by the glaciers, scenic Decorah boasts unique limestone cliffs that attract visitors from all over. Decorah and the surrounding Winneshiek County is the perfect place for nature lovers to relax, go hiking, biking, and kayaking, and soak up all that small-town Iowa has to offer.

If you're looking for a place to go shopping and dine on fresh, local fare, head over to Decorah's eclectic Water Street, which is situated on the pretty Upper Iowa River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. Craft breweries such as the Pulpit Rock and Toppling Goliath line the street, as do a mix of both casual and gourmet restaurants. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum showcases a large collection of regional artifacts, much to the delight of history lovers.

Eldon

The storied town of Eldon is home to the American Gothic House Center, which is the inspiration behind artist Grant Wood's famous American Gothic painting. Arts and culture lovers can visit the museum to gain insight into the painter and his connection to the region. There are many other things that set this charming Midwestern town apart from the rest, however.

Nature lovers can spend some time exploring Eldon's Chippewa Creek Trail, where you can also enjoy a few rounds of disc golf on the Chippewa Creek Disc Golf Course. Stop by the Eldon Depot Museum, a historic site showcasing a train engine, a flat car, and a refurbished Chicago Central & Pacific caboose. The unique museum is open to visitors from May through September.

Le Mars

Sweet Le Mars is best known for being the location of Wells Enterprises, one of the world's biggest ice cream producers. You'll know you're in Le Mars, which was dubbed the "Ice Cream Capital of the World," when you see the 6-foot-tall ice cream cone sculptures, which were designed by local artists and are located throughout downtown. After touring the life-sized artwork, treat yourself to some frozen dessert at the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor and Museum.

If you're visiting the town during June, you can attend Ice Cream Days, which celebrates the sweet treat with live entertainment, family-friendly fun, and, of course, no shortage of delicious, locally-made ice cream.

Dyersville

Quaint Dyersville is steeped in rich history and tradition and is best known as the "Farm Toy Capital of the World," as it's home to the Ertl Company, a manufacturer of nostalgic mini farm toys. Surround yourself with all things Dyersville by visiting the National Farm Toy Museum, where you can learn about the life and career of Fred Ertl, Sr. via a collection of his personal effects and vintage farm toys. You can also stop by the Dyer Botsford House, a one-of-a-kind doll museum showcased in an impressive Victorian-style home.

The well-known Hollywood film Field of Dreams was shot on location in Dyersville, and movie lovers from all over come to check out the filming site, which regularly hosts Major League Baseball games and tournaments. Movie buffs can also check out the Field of Dreams Farm House and even spend the night for an immersive experience. As if all of that isn't reason enough to visit this small town, it's also home to the historic Browns Music Theater, which shows Broadway-style musicals throughout the year.

No matter what time of year you visit Iowa or how much time you have to spend there, you'll find no shortage of charming small towns to explore and discover. Whether you want to relax and recharge on a riverfront or throw yourself into local history, arts, and culture, this Midwestern state is the place to do it. Not only do these largely undiscovered destinations offer excitement, but they'll also make you feel welcome with their hometown appeal.