Iowa is pretty much the face of small-town America, and we have countless numbers of charming small towns scattered across the state like chicken feed. While each one is delightful and full of character, there are some that shine even brighter than the rest. Here are ten of the cutest, most charming, and overall best small towns in Iowa. Did yours make the list? Check it out!

1. Pella
Pella, IA 50219, USA
Dekkanar/Wikimedia Commons
Pella, population 10,554, is easily one of the cutest towns in the state, perhaps even the country. Spend your day here eating a Dutch letter from Jaarsma Bakery, taking a tour of the Vermeer Windmill, and going for a walk by the Molengracht Canal. We may be small, but we have so much to offer! The town has a proud Dutch heritage, which you can see in its architecture and in its annual Dutch-themed Tulip Festival. Pella is so beautiful in the spring with all the colorful tulips blooming.

Wondering if you should move here? We think yes. Check this short video out to see why!
2. The Amana Colonies
Amana Colonies, 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, USA
Peter Merholz/Flickr
The Amana Colonies are made up of seven villages: Amana (or Main Amana), East Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead. The total population of the villages is about 1,200 people. You can find many neat things at the little German villages of the Amana Colonies, which are known for their handmade items, arts and crafts, and cuisine. While you're there, check out the Woolen Mill, grab a bite to eat at the Ox Yoke Inn, and drink some dandelion wine from Ackerman Winery.
3. Bentonsport
Bentonsport, IA 52565, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
Bentonsport is one of the Villages of Van Buren, which are highly underrated and a real hidden gem in Iowa. There are 12 tiny villages that include Bonaparte, Keosauqua, and Farmington, among others. On your visit, make sure to have some fudge, check out the local shops, and stay in the Mason House Inn, a famously haunted location.
4. Decorah
Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Jonathunder/Wikimedia Commons
Decorah, population 7,747, is a little taste of Norway in Iowa. Decorah is home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which was named one of 15 Best Small-Town Museums in the U.S. by the world-respected travel guide, Fodor’s. When you're done at the museum, go explore the Ice Cave, check out the trout hatchery, and have a glass of wine at the Winneshiek Wildberry Winery.

See why Decorah is one of the hearts and souls of our beautiful state:
5. Orange City
Orange City, IA 51041, USA
Denise Krebs/Flickr
Orange City, population 6,228, is known for its Dutch architecture, beautiful tulip festival, and charming windmills. While you're in the area, check out the Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium and the Sioux County Historical Museum. Don't forget to go back in December to celebrate Sinterklaas Day!

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6. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA
Louis/Flickr
Mount Vernon is a lovely little town of around 4,460 people. While you're in the area, spend a day (or two) at Palisades-Kepler State Park, and when you get hungry, check out Skillet Cafe. Make sure to visit again in early May so you can check out the Chalk the Walk Festival, where artists from all across Iowa gather to create beautiful chalk art on the street.
7. McGregor
McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Justine/Flickr
McGregor is a quaint little river town with a population of around 723 people. While you're there, don't miss checking out Pikes Peak State Park for a day of hiking and breathtaking views. You should also take a riverboat cave tour at Spook Cave. If you want to make a weekend of it, stay at a local bed and breakfast and fuel up at any local eatery - you'll be happy you did.
8. Elk Horn
Elk Horn, IA 51531, USA
Ali Eminov/Flickr
The tiny Danish town of Elk Horn has a population of around 596 people. On your visit, make sure you check out the only working Danish windmill outside of Denmark, as well as the Museum of Danish America. Another fun site is the tiny Morning Star Chapel, a miniature chapel that seats just four. Feeling hungry? The Danish Inn is the place to go for some delicious, cultural cuisine. You'll feel like you stepped into a miniature Copenhagen! The Danish Villages Improvement Organization has information about Elk Horn and the nearby Danish village of Kimballton.

Check out this awesome birds-eye view of beautiful Elk Horn, Iowa:
9. Dyersville
Dyersville, IA, USA
Mike Willis/Flickr
Dyersville, population 4,509, is most famously known as the home of the Field Of Dreams movie site. Of course, you have to make a trip to see that, but afterward, check out the National Farm Toy Museum and the beautiful St. Francis Basilica, then grab a bite to eat at the Palace Saloon. The Dyersville Chamber of Commerce also has lots of ideas for attractions to visit!
10. Eldora
Eldora, IA, USA
RAGBRAI Eldora/Facebook
Eldora is a small town of about 2,639 people. Much of the downtown area is listed on the National Historic Register, and the charming, classic courthouse square is something you don't see much anymore. When you're in town, check out the beautiful Pine Lake State Park, take a tour of the Farm Museum, then head to Ahoy Fountain for a delicious old-fashioned malt. If you're planning to make a weekend of it, stay at Rock and Row Adventures and take a tubing trip down the river, then spend the night rocking out to live music.

Nothing beats these charming small towns in Iowa. Cheap living, no traffic, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet! Did we forget to mention what you think are the best small towns in Iowa? Tell us about it in the comments – we love hearing from you!

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Best Small Towns In Iowa

Lisa Sammons | May 08, 2021

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