9 Cutest Small Towns In Iowa For 2025

The Hawkeye State is a fascinating destination in the Midwest, bordered by the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and famous for its thriving agricultural industry, with about 85% of its land used for agriculture. These features are just a few reasons why the state is home to some of the cutest towns in the US, where impressive natural scenery and a slower pace of life help locals and visitors unwind. These beautiful Iowa towns are also surprisingly historic and endowed with downtowns bustling with commercial activities, proving they have something for everyone. Many discoveries await to be made in these best small towns in Iowa. One town, for instance, hides a site full of prehistoric mounds built by pre-Columbian cultures, while another preserves a flooded cavern. So, even though they offer relaxation, do not forget to bring comfortable boots while visiting these cutest towns in Iowa in 2025.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is a cute little town characterized by tree-lined streets, expansive green spaces, and a bustling main street full of fun establishments. Take a stroll through this town’s main street and be treated to gorgeous scenery and access to attractions like Vintage 1891 Antiques & Collectibles for gift and antique shopping. While strolling, stop at the Abbe Creek Gallery to admire artworks and enjoy some nice barbecue at the homely Big’s BBQ and Brew Pub. Afterward, spend some time outdoors at the nearby Palisades-Kepler State Park, which overlaps the Cedar River and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and canoeing. In addition, the park has five miles of hiking trails and well-equipped cabins and campsites for longer stays.

Winterset

Winterset is one of the most charming small towns in Iowa, renowned for its covered bridges. Visit this town and take a tour of these covered bridges, particularly the historic Roseman Bridge, which is featured in the novel and movie The Bridges of Madison County. Alternatively, spend time at the City Park to see another covered bridge and ascend the 25-foot Clark Tower for scenic views of the town's natural surroundings, including the Middle River Valley. Next, visit the Covered Bridges Winery to enjoy local wine and occasional events, or stop at the Speckled Hen Farms to purchase some fresh vegetables and baked goods.

Meanwhile, Winterset welcomes all to its Iowa Quilt Museum, where exhibits and information about American quilt history are displayed. For adventurers, Middle River Park is near Winterset and offers activities such as fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and canoeing or rafting on the Middle River.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is a tiny town conveniently positioned on the Mississippi River, which is surrounded by natural beauty. This town is one of the best destinations in America for a relaxing retreat. First off, it has several marinas offering easy access to the second-longest river in the US for boating and fishing adventures. Nearby, the Effigy Mounds National Monument is a must-visit for every history or archaeology enthusiast. This site is home to over 200 prehistoric mounds, including 30 effigies, spanning 2,500 acres of forest lands. These mounds are said to have been built by pre-Columbian cultures between 500 BCE and 1300 CE and used for ceremonial and burial purposes. Thankfully, the park has 14 miles of trail offering access to the mysterious and scenic mounds, and there is also a visitors center for more information about the prehistoric mounds and the pre-Columbian cultures that created them.

Visitors will also find the 8,500-acre Yellow River State Forest nearby, which is an excellent place for a tranquil nature retreat. This pristine forest is characterized by unsullied woodlands cut through by the Yellow River and streams stocked with trout. Over 50 miles of trails wind through the forest, and campsites are available for extended stays in the forest paradise.

Okoboji

On the eastern shores of West Okoboji Lake lies the community of Okoboji, one of the cutest towns in the US. Here, you can easily lose track of time fishing, kayaking, and boating on West Okoboji Lake, but that is just scratching the surface. Several trails in the area enhance the town’s outdoor scene, particularly the Spine Trail, stretching 14 miles through wooded areas, lakes, quiet communities, and farms. Okoboji also has the 75-acre Kenue Park, which is awesome for scenic hikes through prairie, wetlands, and oak trees.

Away from natural endeavors, Okoboji Lake augments its appeal with cultural attractions like the Pearson Lakes Art Center, which has five galleries and a theater for year-round entertainment. Notably, the Higgins Museum of National Bank Notes in town houses the largest collection of national bank notes on permanent exhibit in the US. This museum also houses classical teller machines, several banknote artifacts, and reference materials that date back to the National Bank Note issuance era.

Pella

Pella’s charms extend past its history as a town founded by immigrants from the Netherlands in the 1840s. This town is also just gorgeous, especially as it has several well-maintained parks and nature areas full of natural endowments. From the pictures, it is no secret that Pella is home to Brinkhoff Park, which is adorned by beautiful flowers and a small windmill. Just relaxing on one of the park’s picnic tables and soaking in all that scenery is enough to ease a troubled mind, but there is more. One can even find similar sights of flowers and windmills at the Sunken Garden Park, where a pond complements the scenery. Every year, during the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of May, this town hosts the Tulip Time Festival to celebrate its Dutch heritage and also showcase the beauty of its blooming Tulips.

Besides the flowers, Pella invites visitors to hike three miles of trails, picnic, and see local fauna and flora at Big Rock Park. Golfing enthusiasts can head to the 18-hole public course at Bos Landen Golf Club for a fun time. If more adventure sounds appealing, Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake, is just 10 minutes from Pella and is a perfect stop for boating and fishing.

Bellevue

Bellevue is a French word that translates in English as “Beautiful Views,” and that is exactly what this lovely town is about. Located on the Mississippi River and surrounded by greenery, it is a feast for the eyes here, particularly at Bellevue State Park, the town’s highlight attraction. This park has two units, both with more than three miles of trails leading to scenic overlooks of the town and the river. Dozens of campsites, picnic areas, a butterfly garden, and a nature center are also within the park. More scenic adventures can be enjoyed at the town’s Felderman Park, which features a walking trail along Mill Creek, picnic spots, and a disc golf course.

LeClaire

LeClaire is a tranquil town along the mighty Mississippi River in Iowa, perfect for a vacation, full of natural adventures and historical discoveries. Typical of riverfront towns, the Mississippi River is a natural draw, and Leclaire offers many cruises to explore the waters. Along the river, find the Buffalo Bill Museum, an excellent place to learn about regional history and the life of Buffalo Bill, one of America’s first superstars. For a unique shopping experience, Leclaire’s Antique Archaeology is just the right place to visit, as it offers vintage items, rare home decor, collectibles, and custom gifts. Notably, this shop is the home base for the show on History Channel, American Pickers. As for wine lovers, the Wide River Winery Tasting Room is a must-visit to enjoy quality locally-produced wines in a beautiful outdoor setting.

McGregor

McGregor is a small town of around 800 people that punches above its weight in tourism. Located in the Driftless region along the Mississippi River, this town appeals with its impressive natural beauty, best savored from the nearby Pikes Peak State Park. This park has 11 miles of trails, including the four-mile Point Ann trail with scenic views of the town and the river. The park also features a half-mile trail boardwalk that leads to the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls and campsites with full hookups.

Nearby, the flooded Spooky Cave is a fascinating attraction to explore on a quick boat tour and learn about the discovery of the formations. Around the cave, campsites and cabins offer extended stays amidst the surrounding greenery, and there is even a fishing lake and waterfall in the area for more fun. Back in town, history buffs are always welcome to the McGregor Historical Museum to dive into the area’s history, including its early settlers, railroad boom, and steamboat era.

Decorah

Decorah is a small town on the upper Iowa River with irresistible natural beauty. No traveler will be blamed for staying longer than planned in this cute town, especially with its numerous natural gems like Dunning Springs Park. This park boasts walking trails, a stone bridge, picnic spots, and a picturesque 200-foot waterfall, all designed to help visitors unwind in nature. Similarly, Twin Springs Park has trails, picnic tables, and a trout stream beckoning for indulgence.

Another worthy mention for nature lovers in Decorah is the Will Baker and Pulpit Rock Park, which has a one-mile loop trail leading to a strange-looking restoration known as Pulpit Rock. Visitors can climb atop this rock for expansive views of Decorah and its surroundings. Beyond nature, Decorah is culturally endearing, being home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, one of the best of its kind in the world with over 33,000 Norwegian-American artifacts.

Thanks to Iowa’s vast forest areas, the Mississippi River, and lakes, these towns look like pages ripped out of fantasy novels. From McGregor to Harpers Ferry, visit these cute towns in 2025 and enjoy the warmth, laid-back vibes, natural scenery, and exciting adventures Iowa has to offer. For those visiting these cute towns in Iowa between May and October, come armed with bug spray to incur the hatred of mosquitoes and enjoy a more pleasant experience.