8 Darling Small Towns in Iowa
The Hawkeye State of Iowa hawks its many darling small towns to those seeking the simplistic and ephemeral pleasures of the countryside. Where over 13 million acres of cornfields dominate the landscape and where most of the US’ ethanol comes from, you will come across microcosmic representations of European nations as seen in the German-themed village of the Amana Colonies, Pella with its township similar to those in Denmark, and Elk Horn’s many attractions related to the Netherlands. Make merry memories and let your wanderings take you to the darling small towns in Iowa.
Pella
Pella, about 40 miles from the city of Des Moines, welcomes newcomers to all sorts of attractions reminiscent of those in the European country of the Netherlands. From cute Dutch windmills at Brinkhoff Park to the Klokkenspel—a courtyard filled with motifs and mementos of the Dutch immigration from the Old World to the New World—these amenities are sure to satisfy your curiosity about Dutch culture. Naturally, Pella has its own Tulip Time festival from May 2 - 4, in addition to a Lake Red Rock Balloonfest in July and Klompen Classic 5K Run/Walk every May. When it comes to exploration, visitors can always take leisurely strolls along Lake Red Rock, which boasts amazing coastal vibes that are sure to entice. And if you ever feel exhausted from all the traveling, then settle down at either the Amsterdam Hotel or The Dwelling Place.
McGregor
“The Pocket City” of McGregor is a quaint small town on the Mississippi River. Travelers can appreciate the many indigenous communities that have made Iowa their home at the Effigy Mounds National Monument. Meanwhile, those enthusiastic to explore Iowa’s scenic landscapes can head to the Driftless Area and Pikes Peak State Park. These outdoor areas boast tons of hiking trails, forests, and wildlife, which are ideal for a natural experience.
Back in town, the McGregor Historical Museum highlights the importance of the Mississippi River for McGregor’s industrial development, just as interesting articles and artifacts like Emma Big Bear’s baskets, Andrew Clemens’ sand bottles, and Margery Goergen’s hand-colored photographs each embody McGregor’s quotidian and compelling attitudes. There is much to uncover and experience in this pocket of man-made wonders in Iowa’s vast natural sceneries, so you should definitely consider booking a room at either the Backwoods Hotel or Little Switzerland, both known for their rustic appeal and affordable rooms.
West Bend
Journey to the “Eighth Wonder of the World” in the town of West Bend. Here, one can undertake a pilgrimage to the Grotto of the Redemption, “a miracle of stone” built by Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein in the year 1912 to capture nine different miracles performed by Jesus Christ. Made out of various rocks, minerals, fossils, and hand-carved Italian Carrara marble, the Grotto of the Redemption is certainly a tourist pilgrimage destination for outsiders and locals of West Bend alike. Those more curious about West Bend’s pioneering past can tour the Prairie Sod House or see the artifacts and exhibits of the West Bend Historical Museum. So come on down to West Bend and stay a while in fine hostels such as the Park View Inn & Suites for a luxury stay or Grotto Campground to become one with nature.
The Amana Colonies
Approximately half an hour from the big cities of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, the quaint abodes of the Amana Colonies entreat visitors to a mirror image of Germany. Composed of several Germanic villages such as Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, and Homestead, the Amana Colonies has built its foundations on German and Pietist traditions as noted by the Amana Heritage Society. The Homestead Church further embodies the pious attitudes of the Amana Colonies, offering an authentic experience of the region’s past.
From November to December, partake in the Tannenbaum Forest for some excellent opportunities in the Amana Colonies. You can also attend the Maifest in May, Oktoberfest in October, and Winterfest in December. Since the Amana Colonies is a German-themed community, there is naturally a Wurst Festival in June for you to taste the best of the wurst. No need to worry about accommodations, not when you are staying at the Hotel Millwright, Crest Country Inn, or Zuber’s Homestead Hotel.
Winterset
Venture into Winterset, the town where famed actor John Wayne spent much of his childhood and whose life and career can be learned at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum. More history, specifically that of Winterset and its founding members, can be reviewed at either the Madison County Historical Complex or the Iowa Quilt Museum. On a similar yet different note, history enthusiasts can visit one or all of the six famous covered bridges of Winterset, which inspired the love story known as The Bridges of Madison County. Should you wish to see more of this darling small town in Iowa, then you ought to seek accommodations first at the Judge Lewis House or Cobblestone Inn & Suites, known for their homely approach.
Decorah
Drive, bike, hike, or walk towards the lovely town of Decorah. Its location in the Driftless Area was made by glaciers from the last ice age, and many landmarks and landscapes have endured such as the Ice Cave, Malanaphy Springs, and Dunning’s Spring. There are also several parks and recreational areas for you to enjoy such as Phelps Park, Palisades Park, and Van Peenen Memorial Park. Whether it is sightseeing in underground caverns or walking along tranquil trails, these sites have got you covered.
The most stunning attraction in Decorah is definitely the Pentecopterus decorahensis, Decorah’s giant scorpions, which were all found in the Decorah Impact Crater (465 million-year-old and 3.5 miles wide). Decorah is also renowned for its arts and culture, as seen in the ArtHaus and the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, the latter containing many artifacts representative of Norway.
Elk Horn
For travelers eager to step into the nation of Denmark in the middle of America, you should definitely go 80 miles out of Des Moines and into the small Danish town of Elk Horn. From the recognizable 60-foot-tall Danish windmill close to Elkhorn Creek to the Ebeltoft Village—a replica of a village in Denmark also called Ebeltoft—Elk Horn’s attractions are tastes and tidbits from Europe itself. Get to know all about what a Danish Viking from the year 900 CE used to live in the VikingHjem, or learn all about the Danish immigration to America from the Museum of Danish America. Whatever you intend to accomplish, you should definitely visit Elk Horn either from May 24 - 25 or November 24 - 25 for the Tivoli Fest and the Julefest, respectively.
Dyersville
Dyersville’s vast fields of corn, barley, and other crops may make it appear like any ordinary farming community in Iowa. But it was from this humble site that the iconic movie, The Field of Dreams, was filmed. In honor of the film’s most iconic line—“If you build it, they will come”—the townsfolk have erected dozens of monuments and attractive landmarks that reference The Field of Dreams. The most obvious example is the immense corn fields and baseball plots that gave the film its memorable setting.
However, outside the movie references, travelers can tour the National Farm Toy Museum, where they can admire scale-model farm tractors from the Ertl Company. The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier can accommodate over 1,000 individuals for communion. Since Dyersville is only 70 miles north of Iowa City, you can stay a long while in one of the town’s grand lodgings like Comfort Inn Dyersville or Colonial Inn Dyersville.
Conclusion
In a state flanked by the Missouri River and the Mississippi River, Iowa is truly a heavenly, dreamy place that the movie Field of Dreams depicted (specifically in the small town of Dyersville). Venture into the Driftless Area for Decorah’s prehistoric wonders and surprises. Admire the Grotto of the Redemption from West Bend’s welcoming and amicable atmosphere. Drift aimlessly in the Driftless Area where Decorah lies. Step into the different countries of Europe from the small American towns of Elk Horn, Pella, and the Amana Colonies. Lastly, cook some corn to make popcorn or eat it fresh from the sublime cornfields of Iowa.
