Iowa is a melting pot of cultures from across Europe, with many small towns settled by immigrant waves from different countries. From the Norwegian beauty of Decorah to the Dutch wonderland of Pella, all the way to the rustic festivity of the Amana Colonies, it’s possible to go on a European getaway without ever leaving the Hawkeye State. But did you know you can find an Irish village in Iowa? The small town of Emmetsburg, population 3,700, is located in the northern area of Iowa and was first settled during the Great Famine of Ireland in the 1840s and early 1850s. Those first immigrants brought their culture with them, and it can still be felt today – with a unique gift shop, an Irish pub, and of course, one heck of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration every year!

Emmetsburg is a charming small town best known as Iowa's hub of Irish culture.
David Morris/Wikipedia
The centerpiece of the town's Irish culture is the St. Patrick's Association, which arranges events around town and also runs an Irish gift shop.
Jason Munn/Google Local
Inside, you'll find authentic Irish items, religious artifacts, and plenty of green items to show off your Irish pride!
St Patrick Association & Irish Gift Shop, 1001 Broadway St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA
Jason Munn/Google Local
The town's best restaurant is Kirby's Cafe, a casual diner-style family restaurant serving hearty portions of diner-style fare.
Miles Raymond/Google Local

Related Stories

Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Marquette and Guttenberg, Iowa

Get Off The Freeway And Onto This Scenic Back Road Between Marquette and Guttenberg, Iowa

 Explore 366 Acres Of Trails, Waterfront, Flora, and Fauna At Iowa's Otherworldly Lake Keomah State Park

Explore 366 Acres Of Trails, Waterfront, Flora, and Fauna At Iowa's Otherworldly Lake Keomah State Park

 8 Waterfront Retreats In Iowa That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures

8 Waterfront Retreats In Iowa That Are Perfect For Warm Weather Adventures
While the menu is usually all-American, during St. Patrick's Day it often has Irish specialties on the menu, like Bangers and Mash.
Kirby's Cafe, 3101 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA
Kirby's Cafe/Facebook
Of course, it wouldn't be an Irish town without an Irish pub, and the West End Pub is exactly the kind of dive where everyone knows the old regulars' names.
West End Pub, Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA
Miles Raymond/Google Local
But it's not just businesses that make this town what it is - we also think this town has some of the most beautiful parks and lakes around the state.
David Morris/Wikipedia
Emmetsburg is an amazing place to visit any time of the year - but odds are you'll find a great party if you visit around St. Pat's Day!
St. Pat's Association/Facebook

Have you visited this Irish village in Iowa? Tell us about your visit to the town of Emmetsburg in the comments section! You can find out more about Emmetsburg on the official town website, and the Facebook pages of the St. Patrick’s Association and Kirby’s Cafe have all the details you’ll need on events and specials.

If you’re visiting Emmetsburg around the holiday season, you may be able to check into a unique Christmas Airbnb. If you’re looking for a hotel instead, the America’s Best Value Inn in Emmetsburg is highly rated and reasonably priced.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA