8 Most Unconventional Towns In Iowa

Iowa is home to an intriguing selection of quirky towns that provide an alternative holiday experience. The curious communities go against the grain by luring travelers with unusual points of interest and eccentric local traditions that showcase the vibrant spirit of the Hawkeye State. From towns celebrating festivals to those featuring whimsical architecture and captivating art installations, these destinations offer a refreshing departure from the typical travel itinerary.

Whether celebrating Dutch traditions in the quaint village of Pella or admiring historic covered bridges in Winterset, each location invites you to delve into the unexpected and embrace the charm of Iowa's lesser-known treasures. Prepare for a journey filled with surprises, laughter, and unforgettable memories as you uncover the most unconventional towns in Iowa.

Dyersville

This tiny village on the east of Delaware County has a knack for attracting baseball fans and recreating a classic movie scene. Dyersville was the filming location of "The Field of Dreams." and maintains the set as it was at the Field of Dreams Movie Site. The venue is a popular stop for pop culture enthusiasts who tour to relive iconic moments from the film.

But that's not all; Dyersville hosts a fair share of museums, including the National Farm Toy Museum. The facility preserves a curious collection of scale models, toys, and replicas of farming equipment from the Ertl Company. Additionally, the Dyer-Botsford Doll Museum intrigues guests with a whimsical collection of over 2,000 dolls from around the world, alongside vintage wedding dresses and antique furniture.

Pella

Visiting this delightful community in Marion County feels like being dropped in the middle of a rural village in the Netherlands. Founded by Dutch immigrants, Pella maintains its European roots through festivals, cuisine, and architecture. This all comes to a head during the Tulip Time Festival as townsfolk gather to mark a long-held tradition with folk songs, fancy costumes, and family-friendly fun. The Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Windmill best represent the town's architecture. It features 22 19th-century buildings depicting a historical Dutch village, with the highlight being an imposing windmill, which is also the tallest in North America.

Meanwhile, the Scholte House Museum & Gardens presents a look into Pella during its formative years. Constructed by Hendrik Peter Scholte in 1848, it tells the fascinating story of how a group of Dutch immigrants decided to make Pella their forever home.

Winterset

This close-knit community, forty minutes southwest of Des Moines, demonstrates an impressive sense of pride in its precious covered bridges. It harbors six historic covered bridges, a rarity in the Hawkeye State, with the highlight being the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge. This postcard-worthy landmark was constructed in 1870 and stretches 79 feet across the North River. Winterset even honors its vintage gems with the Covered Bridge Festival, drawing festival-goers to indulge in craft demos, live music, food carts, and child-friendly activities.

But beyond the bridges, Winterset preserves the culture of American quilt-making at the Iowa Quilt Museum. The venue exhibits dozens of traditional quilts, some dating back over two centuries, and is recognized on the NRHP.

Elk Horn

Elk Horn's allure lies in the quaint Danish community that calls the town home. It is an excellent destination to learn about Danish ethnicity in Iowa, with an opportunity to explore windmill architecture and fascinating heritage sites. You can't miss the stately Danish Windmill, which was built in Denmark in 1848 and was moved to Elk Horn, Iowa, in 1976. Elsewhere, the Museum of Danish America celebrates Danish roots in Elk Horn and invites visitors to explore them by browsing documents, archives, and related customs.

After an absorbing cultural experience, tourists can take a break by visiting the Elk Horn Creek Recreation Area. This lovely oasis provides a tranquil natural setting with lush greenery and various recreational opportunities for campers and picnickers.

Burlington

Burlington features among the most atypical towns in Iowa because it is home to arguably the "crookedest street in the world." The oddly designed Snake Alley dates back to 1894 and features five half-curves and two quarter-curves over a 275-foot stretch that drops 58 feet. Interestingly, the unusual street draws curious enthusiasts keen to test their driving and bicycling skills. Burlington invites newcomers for a journey through time at the Garrett-Phelps House Museum. The historic home exhibits Victorian artifacts and period furnishings from the mid-19th century.

Tourists also visit Burlington for its annual Steamboat Days Festival. Ranked among the most anticipated festivals in the state, locals and tourists alike converge in thousands to indulge in parades, talent shows, live performances, and other fun activities.

Amana

About 30 minutes from Cedar Rapids, this quirky Iowa County village is known for the Amana Colonies, a collection of seven villages established by German Pietists in the mid-1800s. The complex is designated a National Historic Landmark and offers a unique perspective of the utopian community inspired by a verse in the Song of Solomon. You can peruse period craft shops and eateries and watch reenactors bring the village back to life. Amana is known for its vibrant wine culture, which is evident from the various wineries you bump into at every corner of the town.

Those craving to sample its award-winning wines can visit Fireside Winery in the Village in the undulating hills of eastern Iowa. The property provides a serene setting to relax and enjoy a sweet-tasting glass of wine.

West Bend

West Bend's crowning jewel is the Grotto of Redemption, the world's largest man-made grotto. Droves of religious tourists and casual enthusiasts flock to the shrine to explore what some consider the "eighth wonder of the world." The site houses a series of grottos portraying different scenes from the life and times of Jesus Christ. Additionally, consider stopping by the West Bend Historical Society to glimpse local history. Several interactive artifacts and archives tell the town's captivating story.

When you develop an appetite from hours of exploration, grab a quick meal at the Wagon Wheel Cafe. This friendly eatery with a warm atmosphere serves delicious comfort dishes, with burgers and ribeyes on the menu.

Decorah

Decorah is famous for introducing vacationers to the Norwegian heritage in America. It is home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, whose world-class collection includes a dozen historic buildings, over 30,000 artifacts, and archives chronicling Norwegian culture. The community takes pride in a vibrant brewing culture, with several breweries across the town. Visit the Pulpit Rock Brewing Company to taste flavorful crafts in a welcoming atmosphere.

Decorah's location in the Driftless Area places it within rich natural surroundings with plenty of park spaces. If you gravitate towards the open areas, head to Dunning’s Spring Park to discover picturesque scenery, highlighted by a stunning 200-foot waterfall.

Uncover Iowa's Most Fascinating Small Towns

The next time you visit Iowa, consider stepping off the beaten path to explore these towns to discover a delightful blend of quirky attractions and rich local culture. Each destination invites you to something unique, from whimsical festivals in Winterset to fascinating historical sites in West Bend. Whether you're a fan of unusual landmarks or simply looking for a fun adventure, these towns in Iowa promise memorable encounters and stories to share from the United States.