8 of the Most Walkable Towns in Iowa
Iowa might be famed for its thriving agricultural industry, but there is more to the Hawkeye State worth exploring. There is no better place to do this than the smaller towns in the backcountry, which truly harbor the heart and soul of the state. Friendly and down-to-earth, hospitable residents make visitors feel at home. Moreover, many charming locales can be easily explored simply by going for a stroll.
A stroll through some of Iowa's best hometowns for pedestrians introduces you to grand community parks, charming main streets lined with historic buildings, and residents always ready to initiate a friendly conversation. Overlooking flowing rivers or nestled amidst rolling farmland, these walkable towns in Iowa showcase a more relaxed rhythm of life while giving visitors ample opportunity for casual exploration.
Burlington
This charming community of Des Moines County, about 75 miles from Davenport, welcomes visitors to discover its pedestrian-friendly town at an easygoing pace. With several nature trails winding through its quaint downtown district, the relaxed environment encourages navigating the neighborhood on foot. Burlington is known for hosting Snake Alley, a historic cobble street from the 19th century that stands out for being unbelievably crooked. Walking along the iconic route is a rare experience exploring a famous downtown landmark.
The Port of Burlington Welcome Center is the perfect stop for newcomers to the town, providing an opportunity to gather crucial information about the area and all its major attractions. Notable among these is the Burlington Capitol Theater along 3rd Street, a short 2-minute walk away. A local art and culture hub, this historic venue attracts tourists and residents who come to watch classic films and exciting theatrical performances in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Decorah
Decorah is a bustling college town along U.S. Route 52 with a deep Nordic heritage that promises visitors a unique cultural experience when exploring its walkable downtown. The town hosted several Norwegian settlements in the mid-19th century, maintaining strong cultural influences to date, which first-timers can learn more about by touring Vesterheim, The National Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School. This Water Street gem preserves the town's Norwegian roots by showcasing a dozen historic structures and over 33,000 historical and cultural artifacts.
A few blocks south on Broadway Street, the Porter House Museum is a National Register of Historic Places entry that offers a window into the 19th century through. The same avenue offers a hint of local arts and culture with ArtHaus. This community-based center hosts visual art exhibitions and stages various theater shows, helping to promote and support local and regional creatives.
Jefferson
Jefferson's quaint population of 4,200 allows visitors to explore the town leisurely without worrying about rowdy crowds. This town’s quiet downtown is scattered with remarkable life-size sculptures, which add to the experience of navigating on foot. The Mahanay Bell Tower is an unmissable sight in Jefferson. Rising above the downtown skyline, it beckons tourists with lovely photo ops and the chance to climb 14 stories for sweeping town views.
Other notable stops in the area include History Boy Theater on Wilson Avenue, which often hosts various performance art shows, including musicals, plays, and concerts. Around the block on E State Street, the Sierra Community Theater is where residents go to catch the latest Hollywood productions. This quaint venue offers guests a delightful movie experience featuring classic and new showtime film screenings. After all the fun, visitors can take a few long strides to reach Doc’s Stadium, a delicious restaurant known for its grilled food.
Marshalltown
Beautiful history gradually comes to life as you walk the quiet streets of this charming village in Marshall County. Founded in the mid-1850s, Marshalltown harbors a rich heritage evidenced by a cluster of historic buildings across its walker-friendly downtown. The grandiose Marshall County Courthouse is a conspicuous structure dominating the downtown skyline. Its imposing facade and gorgeous architecture make it the perfect background for an epic photo. Further along, you'll come across the Historical Society of Marshall County, which provides a detailed account of the town's rich past.
Navigating the neighborhood allows you to discover some of its antique treasures, especially the Glick-Sower Historical House on State Street. This lovely Gothic Revival-style home was built in 1859 and houses original furnishings and artifacts depicting life during the period. Those looking for an outdoor experience can walk east along State Street to reach the Linn Creek Greenbelt Recreation Trail. It is perfect for bikers and walkers, offering eight miles of waterside views, thick marshes, and beautiful prairie grasses.
Fairfield
Numerous art galleries and a bustling restaurant scene make this tiny community south of Iowa City one of the most exciting destinations in the state. This results in a vibrant downtown corridor with clustered points of interest within walking distance of one another, which is perfect for those planning to explore on foot. There are enough attractions along Main Street to fill your itinerary for the day, starting with Fairfield Arts & Convention Center. A world-class entertainment complex, this is where the community gathers to celebrate local arts and culture. A short walk down the road brings you to Icon Gallery, an excellent spot for those looking to admire the work of local artists.
A trip to Fairfield is incomplete if you fail to sample the delectable dining scene. Locals claim that there are more restaurants per capita than in larger cities like San Francisco, serving exotic flavors from around the globe. Cafe Paradiso is a prominent breakfast joint along the main drag, whereas Sweet 'n Saucy BBQ serves the most sumptuous ribs and steaks in town.
Sheldon
Small-town charm meets a vibrant downtown district in this tiny village along the Floyd River. Most major attractions and businesses are centered around the busy main drag, making it easy to hop from one point of interest to another when exploring Sheldon. This is precisely the atmosphere you get inside Langer's Bar & Grill, an excellent option for those who follow live sports. A short walk away, J&B Bar serves some of the best burgers in a family-friendly space on 9th Street.
Bars aside, Sheldon also invites newcomers to discover its exciting past at the Sheldon Prairie Museum. This quaint landmark on 10th Street preserves the town's cultural and historical heritage through a curious collection of artifacts. Meanwhile, those interested in the outdoors can head over to the Sheldon Recreational Trail, a scenic walking/biking route full of restrooms, picnic areas, riverside views, and lovely wildlife.
Elk Horn
Despite its small size, Elk Horn packs a punch of exciting attractions, promising first-timers an immersive cultural experience when discovering its minute territory. This quintessential Danish village in Shelby County hosts various downtown delights hinting at its rich European connection. You can start your tour at the Museum of Danish America, which celebrates Danish heritage in the United States through traditional artifacts and cultural exhibits. A 15-minute walk away, the Danish Windmill along Main Street stands out as a symbol of local identity, representing the town's Scandinavian roots.
Switching to College Street, there is more history to discover at Bedstemor's House, a historic homestead from the early 20th century listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, souvenir collectors will fancy leaving with an antique treasure by visiting the Egg Krate.
Grinnell
This historic college town in Poweshiek County charms visitors with its quaint historical markers and vibrant art scene. A youthful vibrance across its downtown core invites laid-back exploration on foot, with promises of meaningful interactions and incredible discoveries. The Grinnell College Museum of Art is a must-visit on Park Street, exhibiting a world-class collection of over 5,000 exhibits. Walking further down the street lets you explore local history at the rustic Hotel Grinnell. Built in 1921, the historic building continues hosting guests and delivering a unique accommodation experience.
Numerous entertainment opportunities in Grinnell invite tourists to mingle with the youthful student population and sample refreshing craft beers at Grinnell Craft Brewhouse. This popular Main Street spot is always flocked with patrons craving to taste its ciders, ales, and sours.
The Takeaway
Travelers searching for quintessential small-town experiences in Iowa need to look at these charming, walkable communities. They allow visitors to soak up local heritage among friendly faces on relaxing strolls around picturesque downtown squares, riverfront promenades, and tree-lined college campuses. Taking the time to explore these towns in Iowa on foot also allows the opportunity to pop into shops, art galleries, and cafes, showcasing independent local flair. Overall, meandering through the heart of these destinations is the perfect way to feel the rhythms of life in the laidback Hawkeye State.
