8 Secluded Towns in Iowa

Iowa’s well-known cities, like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, are lively hubs of culture, history, and regional cuisine. Yet, many people overlook the fact that the state’s small towns are brimming with hidden treasures and local character, each radiating the warmth only a small town can bring. In Okoboji, you’ll find serene lakes and a vibrant summer resort vibe, while Peosta invites visitors with its peaceful rural landscape and welcoming community spirit. And with Iowa’s countryside sprinkled with quaint towns, each trip reveals a new hidden gem, where the landscapes are as inviting as the local hospitality.

Saylorville

Saylorville is a small, scenic community along the Des Moines River in central Iowa, named after the nearby Saylorville Lake. This man-made reservoir was created in 1977 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control and water supply and has since become a beloved spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy Saylorville Lake’s serene waters, perfect for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The Neal Smith Trail, a 26-mile paved path popular among cyclists, connects Saylorville to Des Moines, offering beautiful views along the way.

Nearby, Jester Park includes miles of hiking trails, equestrian paths, and picnic areas, perfect for a family outing. Just a short drive away, Margo Frankel Woods State Park unfolds with peaceful wooded trails, creating a quiet escape for birdwatching and picnicking. Another highlight is the High Trestle Trail, a 25-mile path showcasing the iconic High Trestle Bridge, where illuminated decorative structures create a stunning display, especially at night.

Elkader

Elkader, in northeastern Iowa, is a quaint town known for its picturesque setting along the Turkey River. Established in the mid-1800s, Elkader has retained its historical character while serving as a gateway to both outdoor and cultural attractions. The town is named after Abd el-Kader, an Algerian leader, and features a variety of scenic and historic sites.

While in town, explore the peaceful Elkader City Park, where you can enjoy quiet walks or picnic by the river. The iconic Keystone Bridge, a historic structure over the Turkey River, reveals stunning views and insight into the town’s past. The Elkader Depot Museum highlights local history, and nearby, the Motor Mill Historic Site lets visitors experience its preserved 19th-century buildings. Travelers with a love for culture and history will be captivated by the Victorian-era Elkader Opera House, where live performances evoke a sense of old-world elegance, and by the Turkey River Mall, a former hotel that now houses an inviting selection of antique stores.

Clear Lake

Clear Lake, in northern Iowa, was established in the mid-19th century and has long been a favorite spot for outdoor recreation. Tucked away from bustling city life, this peaceful town’s namesake, Clear Lake, is a sparkling natural lake that draws visitors year-round for boating, fishing, and swimming. With its central location, Clear Lake has become a lively hub, blending scenic beauty with a welcoming community atmosphere.

Clear Lake State Park on the southeastern shore, where you’ll find a beautiful beach, scenic trails, and campgrounds that create a peaceful lakeside escape. Venture to the north shore, and you’ll discover McIntosh Woods State Park, another local gem known for its ideal picnic spots and hiking paths. McIntosh Woods even delivers a unique overnight experience in one of Iowa’s only yurts, adding a touch of adventure to your stay. Art lovers can round out their visit with a stop at the Clear Lake Arts Center, where local talent shines through rotating exhibits and lively events like Hanson Gallery Exhibit: Changing Seasons by Tom Christopher and Scribble Saturdays - Youth held throughout the year.

Okoboji

Okoboji is in the Iowa Great Lakes region, known for its scenic, glacier-carved lakes spanning approximately 15,000 acres, including Spirit Lake, Iowa’s largest natural lake. At the heart of the region is spring-fed West Lake Okoboji, the crown jewel among the five interconnected lakes. Okoboji and its neighboring towns offer a year-round heaven, with summer activities like boating, swimming, and fishing, and cold-weather adventures such as snowmobiling and ice fishing.

For family fun, Arnolds Park Amusement Park brings together classic rides, games, and lakeside views, making it a favorite destination for visitors of all ages. Additionally, visitors can explore Gull Point State Park, where hiking trails and picnic areas encourage relaxation by the water. East Okoboji Lake, another popular spot, boasts excellent fishing and peaceful paddling opportunities.

Dyersville

Dyersville is a thriving yet tucked-away farming town with deep roots in agricultural history. Known as "The Farm Toy Capital of the World," Dyersville celebrates its distinct heritage with the National Farm Toy Show each November. The town is also the longtime home of the Ertl Company, a well-known maker of die-cast farm toys, which has further cemented Dyersville’s place in the world of miniature farming.

Visitors to this secluded gem can explore the National Farm Toy Museum, displaying an impressive collection of farm toy models and memorabilia that reveal the town’s unique connection to farming and its miniature representations. Another significant landmark is the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, one of the few minor basilicas in the United States, admired for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and serene interior. Nearby, New Wine Park offers winding trails and scenic picnic spots.

Decorah

Decorah, resting quietly in northeastern Iowa, feels like a step into a different pace of life, where history and nature intertwine in peaceful surroundings. About 470 million years ago, a meteorite as big as a city block crashed into what is now Decorah, leaving its mark and hinting at cosmic events that shaped the early Earth. Removed from the rush of major cities, Decorah has grown into a community proud of its natural beauty and deep Norwegian roots.

Each July, Decorah comes alive with Nordic Fest, a celebration of Norwegian heritage that invites visitors to enjoy traditional music, dancing, and local cuisine. At the heart of town, the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School, the largest Norwegian museum in the United States, brings to life the stories and art of Scandinavian settlers. Nature lovers can find a quiet retreat in Dunnings Spring Park, where waterfalls cascade through serene trails, or along the Trout Run Trail, perfect for a scenic bike ride through Iowa’s rolling landscape.

Peosta

Peosta, in Dubuque County, has seen a quiet transformation over the years. For most of its history, and even as recently as 1990, Peosta was a small rural town of about 100 people. Today, it retains a peaceful, close-knit feel, even as it has grown to 1,900 residents.

One of Peosta's highlights is Sundown Mountain Resort, where winter activities like skiing and snowboarding unfold against scenic hillside views. Swiss Valley Nature Preserve and Nature Center are nearby, where trails wind through wooded areas, providing a great spot to observe Iowa's native wildlife. Swiss Valley Park, with its picnic areas and tranquil paths, is a relaxing retreat for anyone wanting to connect with the outdoors. For those who enjoy cycling or hiking, the Heritage Trail stretches over 26 miles through fields and woodlands, making it a popular route for outdoor exploration.

Webster City

Webster City, along the Boone River in central Iowa, has maintained its small-town character and community-oriented spirit. With eleven parks, two golf courses, and more than seven miles of walking trails, Webster City invites residents and visitors to enjoy its green spaces and recreational amenities. For those who enjoy golfing, Briggs Woods Golf Course, an 18-hole public course just south of town, provides a scenic setting amid rolling hills. The Webster City Links Golf Course, a nine-hole course along the Boone River, adds to the town’s golfing options, tracing its roots back to its days as the private Webster City Country Club. Nearby parks like Kendall Young Park, Twin Parks, and Briggs Woods Park feature trails, camping, and picnic areas, making them popular destinations for outdoor gatherings.

Webster City also hosts the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, where the annual county fair takes place each July. In June, the town comes alive with the Boone Bash River Dash, an annual community celebration that includes the popular cardboard regatta, adding a festive touch to this welcoming, riverside town. and the Historic Hamilton County Speedway showcases local motorsports.

Discover Iowa’s Secluded Gems

Each of these secluded towns in Iowa offers a peaceful escape, blending small-town warmth with a taste of the state’s natural beauty, history, and culture. From tranquil lakes and scenic rivers to vibrant festivals and local landmarks, these towns reveal a quieter side of Iowa that’s rich in character. Whether you’re exploring local trails, visiting historical sites, or simply enjoying the unique rhythm of small-town life, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway. Discovering Iowa's hidden corners can be a rewarding experience, where every town feels like its own little world waiting to be explored.