The Best Small Towns in Iowa to Chill Out In 2024
Where golden fields bloom in most of the seasons and where dreams bring thousands of people from all over, Iowa is a scenic US state perfect for chilling out. Astray from the urban hustle and bustle, nestled between the state’s 13 million acres of corn are unique and quirky towns like the German-style village of the Amana Colonies, the Dutch-themed dwellings of Pella, or a spitting image of the Netherlands in Elk Horn. In film-suitable towns like Dyersville or nature-surrounded pockets like McGregor, you will be amazed and astounded by the best small towns in Iowa to chill out in 2024.
The Amana Colonies
Want to chill out in a destination reminiscent of Germany? All you need to do is travel 30 minutes from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City to the lovely Amana Colonies. As the name implies, the Amana Colonies is not technically a town, but a series of German-style villages, including Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, and Homestead. This conjoined "town" is deeply rooted in German and Pietist culture, as best seen in the Amana Heritage Society.
One can preach their faith at the Amana Communal Church or see the masterful woodwork of renowned carpenter Henry Moore at the Mini-Americana Barn Museum. The latter showcases over 200 miniature barns, with everything from unique windowpanes to attached windmills. The Amana Colonies also share several yearly celebrations, like Tannenbaum Forest from November to December, Maifest in May, Oktoberfest in October, Winterfest in December, and the Wurst Festival in June. So feel relaxed and at ease in the Amana Colonies, especially in magnificent lodgings like the Hotel Millwright, Crest Country Inn, or Zuber’s Homestead Hotel.
Dyersville
Dyersville is an Iowa town that many will find memorable, as it was the filming site of the iconic movie The Field of Dreams. Today, the town is just as vibrant, with many monumental and attractive landmarks for all to explore. Visitors can tour the National Farm Toy Museum to see the Ertl Company’s renowned scale-modeled farm tractors and other agricultural toys. Or, opt for the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, a massive structure that can hold over 1,000 individuals for Catholic communions. And naturally, you can tour familiar, well-preserved buildings and vast acres of golden corn fields that harken to The Field of Dreams. After all the cultural charm, your dreams will be blissful and neat while sleeping in Comfort Inn Dyersville or Colonial Inn Dyersville.
McGregor
Known as “The Pocket City” since it is a pocket of civilization in Iowa’s natural landscape, the town of McGregor will keep visitors tucked in nicely in the many nature-gifted beauties of Iowa. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak along the Mississippi River, roam through the vast Driftless Area, or set up camp at the tranquil Pikes Peak State Park. For a bit of history on the side, opt to learn about the region's indigenous cultures at the famous Effigy Mounds National Monument.
In the town's bustling streets, tourists love to spend time at the McGregor Historical Museum to learn how McGregor developed from a simple ferry boat port to a central shipping depot. Those interested in exploring this little pocket of civilization in a sea of nature can seek accommodations at the American House Inn or Little Switzerland Inn.
Pella
Experience a taste of the Netherlands in the town of Pella. Founded by 800 Dutch immigrants in the 1840s, the town exudes heritage, making it an amazing vacation destination. To this end, most people head straight to The Klokkenspel, a courtyard portraying the Dutch migration from the Old World to the New World. From May 2 - 4, Pella celebrates Tulip Time, when beautiful tulip gardens are in full bloom, with the townsfolk garbed in traditional Dutch costumes to dance and sing in honor of their heritage. Consider watching or participating in the Lake Red Rock Balloonfest in July and the Klompen Classic 5K Run/Walk every May.
With its location next to Iowa’s largest lake, Lake Red Rock, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in a soothing environment. You can also roam around Big Rock Park and admire the adorable Dutch windmills of Brinkhoff Park. As night falls, let the Amsterdam Hotel or the Dwelling Place meet your accommodation needs in Pella.
West Bend
Bend to the west in the miraculous town of West Bend. It is one of the most holy places in Iowa due to the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Grotto of the Redemption. In 1912, Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein created "a miracle in stone" out of an assortment of rocks, minerals, fossils, and hand-carved Italian Carrara marble. The nine grottos in the Grotto of the Redemption—which covers a city block—naturally showcase specific scenes and miracles performed by Jesus Christ. For those of you who wish to see more than just the Grotto of the Redemption, you can always ogle over a replica of a prairie Sod House, which used to be a temporary dwelling for pioneers. You might also be interested in visiting the West Bend Historical Museum to learn more about West Bend’s humble origins. For pilgrims and curious visitors alike, you will find no better place to stay than in the Park View Inn & Suites or Grotto Campground.
Winterset
Set your calendar for a much-wanted vacation to the joyful village of Winterset, where legendary actor John Wayne was born. Winterset memorializes this American icon by showcasing his memorabilia and contributions to cinema at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum. The Madison County Historical Complex and the Iowa Quilt Museum, on the other hand, discuss Winterset's history from a simple town to a prosperous community in Iowa.
Winterset's many famous covered bridges are another major draw, beckoning tourists with their simplistic allure. Whether the tranquil Roseman Bridge or the bright red Hogback Covered Bridge, these bridges showcase a combination of history and nature. So, in either spring, summer, autumn, or winter, head over to Winterset and book a room at the Judge Lewis House, Covered Bridge Inn, or Cobblestone Inn & Suites.
Elk Horn
Toop your horn for the town of Elk Horn, a laid-back Danish town along Elk Horn Creek. Travelers from all over will get the sense of walking through the European country of Denmark, especially with the iconic 60-foot-tall Danish windmill in the middle of Elk Horn. History enthusiasts are enamored by the Nordic-themed VikingHjem, which offers a glimpse into the 900 AD life of a Danish Viking. The Museum of Danish America provides more insight and information about Danish immigration from Europe to North America. Apart from the static attractions, visitors in 2024 should take advantage of the Tivoli Fest and the Julefest during the last week of November to soak in more cultural delights from Denmark.
Orange City
Orange City—about 48 minutes away from Sioux City—does not necessarily mean that there are baskets full of oranges for you to savor. Rather, similar to the Dutch-themed town of Pella, Orange City was named in honor of the Royal House of Orange since early settlers owed fealty to a Dutch royal family at the time, of which you can know more about at the Dutch American Heritage Museum. As such, the town is filled with iconic Dutch windmills such as the Vogel Old Mill. The townsfolk also celebrate their Dutch heritage during the beloved Tulip Festival, one of the oldest festivals in the region since the 1930s. It includes Dutch folk dancing, a musical night show, and the Tulip Queen and Court for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. So if you want to see more of what Orange City has to offer, seek accommodations the Dutch Inn & Suites or Hampton Inn.
Decorah
At the heart of the Driftless Area lies the decorative town of Decorah. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the untethered joys and beauties of the Driftless Area, such as the Ice Cave, Dunning’s Spring, Malanaphy Springs, and Van Peenen Memorial Park. To this end, hiking, biking, and exploring are commonplace in and around this lovely town. For those with an affinity for the prehistoric, explore the 465-million-year-old, 3.5-mile-long crater known as the Decorah Impact Crater. Along with its massive size, this crater is also the site where fossils of Decorah's giant scorpions (Pentecopterus decorahensis) were unearthed.
Aside from these outdoor wonders, one can admire an exquisite gallery of Norwegian-American artifacts at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. Meanwhile, the ArtHaus showcases the modern artistry of Decorah’s local artists and creators. Should you desire to see more of Decorah’s delightful landmarks, you ought to first book a room at the Fairfield by Marriot Inn & Suites Decorah, Hotel Winneshiek, or Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.
Conclusion
Iowa is truly a majestic state thanks to the endless fields of golden maize that make it seem like you are riding through a heavenly field. But in the heat of the summer day, these small towns in Iowa are ideal to chill out in 2024. Take religious comfort in the Grotto of the Redemption at West Bend. Drift aimlessly in the Driftless Area where Decorah lies. Travel down the Des Moines River to the humble port town of Bentonsport. Last but not least, live your dreams in Dyersville, where The Field of Dreams took place. Many more chill and wonderful towns await in the Hawkeye State of Iowa.
