When you think of a European town hiding right in Iowa, chances are high that your mind drifts right to Pella. While, yes, Pella is Iowa’s most famous Dutch town, or maybe to the Norwegian-inspired town of Decorah. One underrated town right on the river is worth checking out, too, when you are looking to see something a little different. Guttenberg, IA is known as the best German town in Iowa, and you’ll definitely want to pay it a visit.

Guttenberg is a small city in Iowa with a population of just around 1,800 people. It's known as the best little German town outside of Europe.
Facebook / Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce
Guttenberg was settled in the 1800s by German immigrants who decided this slice of heaven on the Mississippi River was right for them.
To this day, you'll find evidence of Guttenberg's German roots in the architecture downtown.
Facebook / Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce
Many of the limestone buildings in Guttenberg's historic downtown district are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. You'll find plaques telling their story scattered throughout the town.
Sodes Perk Central Coffee House and Cafe is a great place to start your day in Guttenberg, IA.
Sodes Perk Central Coffee House and Cafe/Google Local
This humble cafe and general store specializes in comfort food. The menu changes regularly, so keep an eye out for traditional German specialties on the menu.

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The Guttenberg German Band is one of Iowa's top requested festival and carnival acts.
Facebook / Guttenberg German Band
This troupe of polka musicians sure know how to work up a crowd! You'll find them at Oktoberfests and carnivals throughout the state, and right here in Guttenberg during the famous September Germanfest.
During the spring, summer, and fall, the streets of Guttenberg are filled with street fairs and farmers markets.
Facebook / Guttenberg German Fest
The most famous event in town is late September's GermanFest. It's one of the most exciting festivals you'll catch in the Hawkeye State.
Whenever you visit Guttenberg, you'll be delighted to find German beers in local pubs and farmers markets, ready to be sampled.
Facebook / Guttenberg German Fest
The Dam Bar serves up a great pint, as does the Stadium Bar. Be sure to sample a locally brewed ale, or try one imported from Germany.
Before you leave town, stop by the Guttenberg Public Library.
Facebook / Guttenberg Public Library
Here, you'll find a fascimile copy of the rare Gutenberg Bible. This particular copy was purchased from the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany. It survived World War II air attack, and as a result, was damaged by fire and water.

Have you visited Guttenberg, the most German town in Iowa? Let us know about your visit in the comments section! Iowa is a strange state, because You Can Travel The World Without Ever Actually Leaving Iowa just by visiting our hertiage-rich towns. Which little cultural city in Iowa is your favorite?

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns In Iowa

Raymond Goldfield | March 21, 2023

What Are The Most Unique Small Towns In Iowa?

Iowa is known for its unique cultural havens, celebrating the immigrant populations that helped build the Hawkeye State. Here are some of the most unique.

  • Pella is an Iowa landmark, known for its authentic Dutch windmill, its delicious pastries, and its world-famous tulip festival. The town is packed during festivals, but for most of the year it's a charming and sleepy destination that lets you experience the unique way of life of the Netherlands. Its flower fields are also among the most beautiful in the entire midwest.
  • Guttenberg's only rival for the best German town in Iowa, the Amana Colonies often feel like somewhere between a small town and a themed village. The main square of shops has a beloved bakery, a general store, and one of the best butcher shops in all of Iowa. It has several acclaimed restaurants, including the authentic Ox Yoke Inn. Its festivals, including the best Oktoberfest in Iowa, will keep you coming back throughout the year.
  • Decorah is slightly larger than these other small towns, but it still maintains that small-town charm. This town has a heavy Norwegian influence, including Vesterheim - the largest ethnic heritage museum in the United States. The dining scene is top-notch, and one of the best historic hotels in Iowa can be found here. The real crowning jewel of Decorah is its gorgeous natural landscape, including Iowa's only ice cave.
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, St. Donatus is one of the smallest towns in Iowa - and it fits its cultural heritage, because it's Iowa's Little Luxembourg. Featuring a rustic, historic inn to lay your head and some amazing architecture in the local church and cemetery, it's the perfect place for a peaceful getaway. It also features Kalmes, the only Luxembourg-style restaurant in the region.

 

What Are The Best Little-Known Small Towns In Iowa? 

  • Okoboji is close to the bustling summer destination of Arnolds Park, but this tiny town at the junction of the Iowa great lakes has charms all its own. It's adjacent to a huge marina and looks gorgeous all seasons of the year. It's also home to one of the best donut shops in the entire state - the popular Wyman's Spudnutz.
  • Missouri Valley is north of Omaha and is beloved by one group in particular - railroad buffs! This sleepy town was once a massive railroad junction, and today you can relive that past at the Watson Steam Train & Depot - a charming museum dedicated to railroad history with a small train ride attached that the whole family will love.

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