7 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Iowa

Iowa, the Hawkeye State, is no stranger to beautiful landscapes, forests, lakes, and plenty of cool and unique spots that go under the radar simply because Iowa is typically not a popular tourist destination—for that reason, there is much that is unappreciated, and many of its small towns that are relatively untouched and undisturbed, despite all they may have to offer. Whether it is the John Wayne Birthplace Museum in Winterset or the scenic beach in Clear Lake, there is something for everyone. Deserving much more attention, here are seven of Iowa's best-undisturbed towns to visit.

Winterset

With a population of just under 5,500, Winterset is an under-the-radar town with more than a few key points of interest for proof of its specialty. For one, the town is the legendary birthplace of John Wayne, an old American icon who helped pioneer the direction of the film industry. It'd only make sense that the John Wayne Birthplace Museum is a must-see for any fan of his or older cinema history. For those who love the outside, the tall, imposing, but also sublime Clark Tower greets all who enter Winterset. This 98-year-old tower of grey stone was built to celebrate the county's founding and has, in time, become a beacon for the county and Winterset itself. More history is palpable at the 1868 Madison County Courthouse, a prime example of Rennaissance Revival architecture

Decorah

A town shrouded in trees and surrounded by freshwater ponds and running water, Decorah is the premier small town built with red bricks and some refreshing forms of entertainment. A trip to Decorah is never complete until one visits the most singular and prized area it harbors: Dunning's Springs Park. The park is known among locals for its large spring waterfall, which is open to all and free.

Meanwhile, the nearby Ice Cave Hill offers free admission and open exploration of an ancient ice cave whose walls are made of either thicker or thinner ice, depending on the season. This "enter at your own risk" attraction is for the seasoned and adventurous. While the farthest reaches of the cave are blocked off for safety, there is much to see and appreciate in this earth-made wonder before reaching its end. After the outdoor fun, head back to town for some urban attractions. Hungry tourists can walk along Water Street for delicious joints like T Bock’s and Impact Coffee, serving everything from daft beers and steak to coffee and waffles.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is that cozy American town with a few tricks up its sleeves. On the surface, it seems average and run-of-the-mill, but the town wouldn't make the list if it had no other flavor. One of the saving graces of this town is Palisades-Kepler State Park—a large park spanning multiple biomes, rivers, and lakes. What's especially impressive are the old structures and buildings scattered throughout the park, structures leftover from the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 30s. Cabins suitable for long-term visits are available, and alongside the crisp, clean atmosphere of the park, no season is ever ugly—and in the winter, the entire park usually freezes over and is blanketed by mounds of pure, white snow.

For those more artistic folk, however, a barn in Mount Vernon may look familiar. Grant Wood's most famous painting, American Gothic, pictures two farmers, what seems to be a husband and a wife, staring at the viewer in traditional attire, and through the stare's allure, it has made it a legendary subject matter and painting. A barn in Mount Vernon replicates American Gothic on all sides and rivals that of Grant Wood's masterpiece itself. Out of place, odd, and underappreciated, the American Gothic Barn stands tall and beautiful. Meanwhile, the town is also a hub for community vibes, with plenty of events like the Magical Night in December featuring music, food, and fun.

Coralville

Modern in its look, Coralville is a fairly large town by Iowa's standards, runs no shortlist of unique spots, is also undisturbed by crowds, and is generally a peaceful area. Though it may not be famous, one of the allures of this area is certainly unique—the Antique Car Museum is a massive museum dedicated to showcasing and telling the history of automobiles, their function, and artistic value. Drawing some of the more serious car aficionados and so far showcasing 80 vehicles spanning from the 1890s to the 1960s, as well as a full original Skelly gas station, the museum itself is a collector's paradise.

For fans of hockey, the ECHL has its very own Coralville team by the name of the Iowa Heartlanders (an affiliate of the NHL team the Minnesota Wild), who play frequently at the Xtreme Arena near the heart of Coralville. Their shows are said to be exciting, and with the occasional glove drop and hockey fight, a night at the Xtream Arena is always recommended and, while exciting, underappreciated. After a game, visitors can walk over to nearby spots like 30Hop Coralville or Tribute Eatery & Bar for a hearty meal.

North Liberty

North Liberty is growing, and growing quite fast, and while it may still be somewhat undisturbed now, the same cannot be said about its future. Regardless, modern amenities bridge nature here, and the very best of North Liberty is composed of both of these fine elements. Colony Acres is one such example, as it's a farm that produces quality products for the purposes of helping the community and turning away from the stricter corporate side of food. Its owners, Dean and Katie, are as enthusiastic as the tastiness of their creations, which include sweets like pies, creams, funnel cakes, and, of course, a plethora of healthier options and produce that are anything but plain.

As a neat bonus, Field Day Brewing Co. specializes in, of course, brewing their own beers for those willing to try something new and refreshing. At the center of downtown, the site also functions as a brewpub, with plenty of notable and recognized food to fill the stomach. Afterwards, perhaps a stroll through the close North Liberty Community Garden is warranted.

Jefferson

Jefferson is anything but a sleepy and reserved town despite its low population of roughly 4,000. Those who know the town know that it harbors a titanic and looming figure; Jefferson is home to the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower, a strange but alluring bell tower of a staggering 168 feet and two inches. Since its historic construction in the 60s, the bell tower has become the county's most cherished building—a revered sight to behold—but means so much more. Residents also celebrate the annual Bell Tower Festival in June with live music, games, vendors, restaurants, and everything under the sun.

But that is the Jefferson of people, the Jefferson of music and art—not the undisturbed Jefferson; that part belongs to its places like Spring Lake Park, a whopping 240 acres of hills, meadows, woods, and a 50-acre lake. Camping, fishing, and hiking are all allowed here, a far shot and sharp distinction from the noisiness of downtown Jefferson.

Clear Lake

As undisturbed as one can get, the town sits on its rather large and colorful body of water, aptly named Clear Lake. This lake provides nearly everything that one can enjoy in the town; it is its lifeblood and those in the know regard Clear Lake (both the lake and the town) as absolutely beautiful.

To begin with the obvious, recreation on the lake is of crucial importance; many enjoy fishing, sailing, swimming, and the multitude of water sports available. Just nearby are the Central Gardens of North Iowa, where variety is the game, as they have nearly 20 different themes and gardens, such as the Victorian Pond and Waterfall and the Wildflower Garden (where flowers are mostly allowed to grow naturally but helped along once grown). And who could forget the Clear Lake State Park beach? Whereas many other areas have too much gravel or are too muddy to enter and swim in the lake properly, the beach has a fine grain, almost fine enough to mimic the ocean's sands.

Why These Towns?

As said above, these towns are vastly underappreciated, and while the entire Hawkeye State is, what makes these places special is a kind of purity and peacefulness, whether that is in the form of the nature surrounding the town or peace kept by low tourist numbers. These towns are as quality and unique as they are unheard of, undisturbed, and unappreciated. Perhaps this will change in the future, but their virtue is not found in their numbers but in their hardy, small-town spirits of varying shades and colors.