The Most Picturesque Small Towns in Iowa
Iowa is a Midwestern state in the US with many beautiful small towns noteworthy for tourism. The state is home to some of the prettiest commercial locales and natural and historical landmarks across the region, making it an easy motivator for travelers to get out and explore everything there is to offer. With a humid continental climate and sightseeing splendors all around, these picturesque towns will make anyone happy in Iowa!
Winterset
A small town with 5,529 residents, Winterset is a great destination for historical bridge landmarks and scenic byway stops. At Winterset City Park, tourists can explore the finest Middle River valleys and backwood trails that make for a splendid Madison County itinerary. It is also part of the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, a prominent stop for those seeking natural exposure to scenic driving routes and comfort-driven hikes. The 79-foot-long Cutler-Donahoe Bridge is another viable option for timber trees and hidden shady areas!
For pioneering history and overlooking views, one can check out Clark Tower, with its 18th-century limestone foundation and impressive fall foliage. The Iowa Quilt Museum is a nice option for awesome local and international artistry. At Winterset Dog Park, travelers and locals alike can enjoy walking their dogs along four acres of cozy play areas. For apple cider tasting and fresh flower bouquet gifts, tourists can stop by Winterset Cidery, a frequented locale for alluring greenery and welcoming locals.
Decorah
A town of 7,787 locals at the intersection of State Highway 9 and US Route 52, Decorah is known for its Nordic cultural influence and amazing landmarks. Dunning's Spring Park is a must-see for its spectacular waterfalls and gravel paths with comfy limestone surroundings. Hiking enthusiasts can also check out Phelps Park for relaxing trails and scenic bluffs that make for a pleasant return trip as well! Trout Run Trail is best suited for those who wish to cycle around diverse hills and experience warm and colorful trails!
History lovers may enjoy the Vesterheim Norwegian-American, a folk art museum filled with over 30,000 fascinating relics and artifacts, as well as a cool interior library with European heritage! For an interesting outing in town, one can stop by Decorah Fish Hatchery, a famous native prairie recognized for its rainbow trout feeding sites and sunset splendors. Bistro fans can enjoy La Rana's New American cuisine and welcoming setting, while others can take part in 1890s dining atmospheres at Rubaiyat Restaurant, a commercial and historic diner for tourists to remember for a lifetime.
Mount Vernon
A small town with 4,465 inhabitants, Mount Vernon is equal parts scenic and historic. Palisades-Kepler State Park is a usual first stop for tourists who love to witness 840 acres of dramatic river bluffs and deep ravines along the banks of the Cedar River; it is also where old mammoth tooths were once found! Nature lovers can also enjoy J. Harold Ennis Preserve, a notable trail with 33 acres of hiking loops and timber woods. Abbe Creek School Museum is great for summer visits and guided tours around some of the oldest schoolhouse buildings in the state.
The American Gothic Barn is a special part of town with its famous Grant Wood paintings and private farm scenery right off US Route 30. Kroul Farms offers a mix of natural and cultural enjoyment for outsiders with its seasonal pumpkin farms and fresh produce. At Big's BBQ & Brew Pub, newcomers can enjoy vibrant meats and crowds while taking in the outdoor plaza beauty. Lincoln Wine Bar has everything one needs when it comes to charming atmospheres and Neapolitan-style pizza menus!
Boone
With a population of 12,353 residents, Boone is a nice destination for historical finds and outdoor beauty. The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James. H. Andrew Railroad Museum offers a huge itinerary for railroad thrills, natural forests, and deer habitats around the entire town. Skiiers may love Seven Oaks Recreation, a common site to find locals and newcomers enjoying snow-based activities in central Iowa! Kate Shelley High Bridge offers scenic photography as one of the highest and longest railroad bridges in the entire country!
At the Boone History Center, a marvelous Masonic landmark, one can explore 19th-century antiques and fashion trends going back many decades in time. The Marnie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace is another alternative for history buffs who want to experience yellow architecture, calming flowerbeds, and the origins of a former First Lady in American history. For sports fans and vibrant crowds, tourists can stop by Toby K's Hideaway for spacious patio scenery and fun jukebox nights!
Orange City
A small town of 6,294 locals, Orange City is memorable because of its Dutch traditions and suburban stops. Sioux County Courthouse captures both the historical and natural essence of the town with its Romanesque architecture and 19th-century judicial foundations. Windmill Park has pretty tulip arrangements, Dutch picnic rest stops, and scenic windmills that make for a pleasant stay! For academic environments full of scenic campus sights and university architecture, travelers can make the most of their itinerary while touring Northwestern College.
For commercial thrills and friendly conversations, Stitch Studio has quilting workshops and yarn fabrics that are quite underrated. Hands Around the World makes for an interesting trip with its decorative jewelry products and fair trade chocolate assortments not easily found elsewhere in the state! The Hatchery Restaurant & Lounge has the coolest Dutch artwork and classic homecooked meals that will make anyone want to stay for a long time!
McGregor
A town of just 731 residents located on the Mississippi River, McGregor is full of laidback natural landmarks and commercial hotspots. Pikes Peak State Park is a majestic stop for sightseeing the 500-foot bluffs that overlook the Upper Mississippi region and Wisconsin River, a true motivator for anyone needing scenic boardwalk splendors and riverside memories. Spook Cave & Campground is a serene detour in town with its flooded cave tourism and 1950s boat tours.
At the McGregor Historical Museum, travelers can take in local history knowledge and northeastern frontier upbringing related to the 1930s and later periods. Backwoods Bar & Grill has downtown saloon vibrance and tasty appetizers with an open view of town right outside.
Clear Lake
7,395 inhabitants in Clear Lake can easily agree that there is a lot to absorb and enjoy in this beautiful town. The Central Gardens of North Iowa is a typical stop for anyone who loves lively garden spaces and magical vegetable farms planted on winding paths! The 55-acre Clear Lake State Park also offers natural thrills with its historic campsites, rolling plains with oak trees, and nice spots to witness owls, squirrels, songbirds, and other species.
Lady of the Lake creates a meaningful itinerary with amazing narrated cruise tours that take newcomers around the shoreline! Relaxation can be found at Amaroo Spa, a highly-rated luxury spa. Starboard Market is a recommended stop for anyone in town craving delicious cheesecake desserts while taking in shady lake views out front.
All of these towns are worthwhile for tourists needing a new itinerary full of picturesque towns. With a lot to see and do in the "Hawkeye State," there is no shortage of pleasant and interesting locales and landmarks to take advantage of as a tourist. With all of these options and more, it is easy to feel blessed by the beauty and sights in Iowa!
