These 10 Charming General Stores In Iowa Will Make You Feel Nostalgic

The general store is a rural or small town store, and Iowa does rural and small town better than any other state, in my humble opinion. So it should come as no surprise that there is no shortage of quaint and charming general stores that hearken back to that simpler time. Whether you’re looking for handmade candy or smoked local sausage, home goods or locally made crafts, Iowa’s general stores have got you covered. So check out these 10 general stores to get a sampling of a simpler time.

1. Amana General Store, Amana

Located in The Amana Colonies at 4423 220th Trail, Amana, a settlement of seven villages built by German Pietists, the Amana General Store is chock full of goodness, from gourmet food to gifts to locally made meats, cheeses and sauerkraut.

2. Dutchman’s Store, Cantril

Located at 103 Division St, Cantril, The Dutchman’s store is run by local Mennonites and offers a variety of bulk foods, local produce, kitchenwares, gifts and more.

3. Stone City General Store, Stone City

Located at 12612 Stone City Rd, this historic building made from limestone from local quarries is no longer used as a general store, but it was the town’s former general store. Now, it’s a restaurant and pub that serves food and drinks overlooking the Wapsipinicon River.

4. Kalona General Store, Kalona

The Kalona General Store is located at 121 5th St, Kalona. This store offers handmade Amish goods, bulk food, cheese and curds, local honey, candy and fudge and much more.

5. Amish Country Store, Lamoni

The Amish Store is located at 109 Spruce Dr, Lamoni, with a large selection of general goods, travel information, an Amish bakery and a Maid-Rite.

6. Dutch Country General Store, Bloomfield

Located at 17192 IA-2 in Bloomfield, the Dutch Country General Store is a true Iowa country store. They sell a huge variety of goods, like kitchen supplies, handcrafted wooden toys and clocks and more.

7. Burlingame’s General Merchandise, Froelich

Founded in 1890, Burlingame’s General Merchandise is one of the earliest country’s department stores.

8. Greef General Store, Keosauqua

Located at 21964 Hawk Dr, Keosauqua, the Greef General Store is a lovely store with antiques, rugs, crafts, soaps and lotions and more.

9. Cherokee General Store, Cherokee

The Cherokee General Store is located at 116 E Main St, Cherokee, and carries all kinds of things, from home goods to jewelry to local art.

10. Exline Old Country Store, Exline

Located at 102 E Main St, Exline, the Old Country Store began as a local gathering spot. It is now home to a museum, old-fashioned soda fountain and restaurant.

What’s your favorite Iowa general store? For more of a taste of Iowa’s rural culture, check out these 13 Photos That Prove Rural Iowa Is The Best Place To Live.