9 Most Scenic Iowa Towns
An important center of the upper Midwestern United States, Iowa is undoubtedly a beautiful place of natural beauty and cultural intrigue. Known as the “Hawkeye State,” the picturesque surroundings that define many of Iowa’s towns are a continuous reminder of why this is such a great land to discover firsthand. From historic allure to stunning natural landscapes and loads of welcoming charm, Iowa’s scenic towns are indeed treasures that visitors of any age will be sure to come to love and appreciate.
Decorah
Named for a Native American warrior, the town of Decorah was founded in the mid-19th century and today is the home of just under 7,600 residents. The seat of Winneshiek County, Decorah, lies near the border with Minnesota and is known locally for its charming small-town atmosphere and special Norwegian heritage. With a sizeable immigrant class from Norway, descendants continue to maintain their ethnic ties through festivals, museums, and eateries found around town.
Enjoy the summer Nordic Festival and its embrace of all things Scandinavian, where upwards of 50,000 people visit each year! Meanwhile, at the Vesterheim Norwegian Museum, a moving and informative insight into the early immigrant experience is highlighted. And, of course, a casual stroll along Dunning’s Spring is always a great way to enjoy the sights of nature in a calm and tranquil ambiance.
LeClaire
LeClaire forms part of the famous Quad Cities region that shares its border with the State of Illinois. LeClaire was officially founded in the 1850s, and visitors will be sure to find plenty of cultural allure, historical intrigue, and natural beauty. Spend time at the nearby Mississippi River and its locks, where nesting bald eagles often settle. Indeed, from December to March, the area offers some of the best views of America’s national bird in a natural and raw setting. Back in town, history lovers will not want to miss the Cody Road Historic District and its range of wonderful 19th-century buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And as the birthplace of famed frontiersman Buffalo Bill, a visit to the eponymous museum will surely inform and delight.
Pella
For a true taste of the Dutch culture in America, the charming town of Pella is indeed the place to be. Established by immigrants from the Netherlands in the 1840s, this largest town of Marion County is full of wonderful heritage and unique landmarks, which make for quite the scenic visit. Take a relaxing stroll along the Molengracht Canal, visit the Vermeer Windmill (constructed in the 1850s; it remains the tallest working windmill in the nation), or take in the always splendid Tulip Time Festival. Here, a “Touch of Holland” is sure to be experienced where, besides the famous flowers, tasty traditional food, colorful folk costumes, dances, parades, and live music all fill out the day’s activities for when in Pella, a visual and cultural treat is never far away.
Ida Grove
Just over 2,000 inhabitants call the town of Ida Grove home, which was formally established in the 1870s. The seat of Ida County, Ida Grove, is also known as the “Castle Town,” where tourists will never be in short supply of castle-like structures to view. Scattered around town, these castles make for quite the scenic trip and create opportunities for many wonderful photographs. At the nearby Lake LaJune, in addition to enjoying quiet time near the water, the special pirate ship docked in its waters creates one of the most unique tourist sightings of any Iowa town. At the Stagecoach Inn and the Moorehead House Museum, a further immersive insight into 19th-century life will surely delight the young and old.
Okoboji
The town of Okoboji is located right along the eastern shores of West Okoboji Lake, where tourists from across the Midwest come for fun opportunities for sailing, sunbathing, and swimming. Home to a population of just under 800 permanent residents, Okoboji is a scenic and quiet community perfect for relaxation. Near the border with Minnesota, in addition to fun on the lake, guests can also take in the sights at the nearby Arnold’s Park Amusement Park, which is true fun for both the young and the young at heart. Including the famed wooden track roller coaster, “Legend,” this entertaining place will be sure to satisfy all who visit. And, of course, as with any small town, loads of welcoming hospitality and Midwestern charm permeate the atmosphere, ensuring that all guests leave with pleasing memories.
Bonaparte
The town of Bonaparte (so named after the French Emperor Napoleon) lies on the beautiful banks of the Des Moines River. With a history dating to the 1830s, this community of under 400 residents remains a most charming and welcoming place ideal for those looking for a genuine slice of small-town USA. Indeed, when not enjoying time along the waterfront, Bonaparte’s historic allure will surely create lasting memories, and several landmarks here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
These include the Riverfront District and the Pottery Archeological District, as well as several 19th-century edifices. While learning about the town’s history as part of the Mormon Trail is a treat for any student of the past. And if traveling by car, do not forget the beautiful Historic Hills Scenic Byway and its rolling hills and forested ambiance.
Winterset
The seat of the famed Madison County, the town of Winterset is a charming community where welcoming hospitality and cultural allure create quite the scenic ambiance. Filled with several beloved covered bridges well-known in the region (including the Roseman Bridge from 1883), visitors can even enjoy the annual Covered Bridge Festival in October, honoring this unique American landmark. The scenic Winterset City Park offers excellent views of the Middle River Valley and even contains another covered bridge and a special castle tower lookout, constructed in the 1920s. As the birthplace of film legend John Wayne, movie fans will not want to miss his Birthplace Museum and its great interactive look at the star’s life and special career.
McGregor
The town of McGregor is beautifully situated along the Mississippi River and was once an important shipping port in the region. Established in the 1840s, today, a very modest population of just under 800 residents call McGregor home, where guests and inhabitants alike can always enjoy the area’s scenic wonders. Spend time on the river or at the nearby Pike’s Peak State Park, the Effigy Mounds, or the Driftless Area, where opportunities for cycling, hiking, and boating are always popular activities. Meanwhile, in the downtown commercial Historic District, an assortment of preserved 19th-century buildings bring tourists back in time some 170 years.
Elkader
Just a short 30 minutes south of McGregor, the town of Elkader serves as the seat of Clayton County. Founded in the 1840s, Elkader lies along the banks of the Turkey River and is surrounded by beautiful tracts of farmland, small streams, and lush wooded hills, making for the most scenic ambiance. Cross the Elkader Keystone Bridge (constructed in 1889; it is one of the country’s largest stone arch structures) or stroll through the downtown historic district, where several landmarks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Opera House (1903) and the Carter House Museum (1850). And with its small community charm as a bonus, the cultural and natural sights of Elkader are indeed one of the best things to discover for anyone traveling the “Hawkeye State.”
A stop in Iowa is a must for any traveler passing through the Midwestern United States. Filled with wonderfully scenic towns with beautiful natural surroundings, fascinating American history, and loads of cultural allure, the “Hawkeye State” towns are gems waiting to be discovered. From the covered bridges of Winterset to the unique Dutch flavor of Pella and beyond, these and other wonderful Iowa towns are great reminders that outside of the bigger cities, sometimes the greatest treasures to be found are in the smaller, quieter communities. So pack your belongings, hit the road, and see why Iowa’s towns are calling!
