The small towns that make up Iowa’s Villages of Van Buren are throwing a party this fall. The small town of Bonaparte is one place in our gorgeous state that you’ll want to visit this season.

Bonaparte sits in a small valley, with the business district extending three blocks parallel to the river.
Bonaparte Website
The park is along the western edge of town, and was the site of many summer concerts at the band shell throughout the town’s history.
The Scenic Drive Festival, scheduled for October 14 and 15, involves each of the Villages of Van Buren County. It’s a fun weekend full of family-friendly entertainment.
Bonaparte Website
You'll want to spend the day just exploring the area.
Nearby small towns are celebrating, as well.
Villages of Van Buren/Facebook
Food, vendors, crafts, entertainment, and more await.
Housed in an amazingly well-preserved grist mill, the Bonaparte Retreat Restaurant is a great choice for dining in this adorable town.
Bonaparte Website
It’s a casual family dining restaurant with an extensive menu of Midwestern favorites.
Lunch is served every day between 11 am and 1 pm.
Bob P./Yelp
Dinner service begins at 5 pm. If you have more than ten people, please make a reservation.
Built in 1878 at a time when woolen, lumber, and grist mills used the power of the river to power their machinery, this building is a beautiful representation of Iowa’s history.
Larry F./Yelp
It’s right next to the Des Moines river, and the views are breathtaking. You’ll find it at 713 1st St., Bonaparte
During community celebrations, there is often live music in the park's gazebo.
Villages of Van Buren/Facebook
This lively little town is the perfect place to spend an October day.
Bonaparte is full of historic treasures and beautiful Iowa scenery.
Bonaparte Website
Located in the Historic Riverfront Park, this 1920 Band Shell was completely restored in 2012. During the summer months, Bonaparte Main Streets offers movies in the park events.
This amazing building, made by the Works Projects Administration in 1938, is at the Historic Riverfront Park.
Bonaparte Website
Constructed of locally quarried limestone, it's a beautiful representation of this area in Iowa.
While you are in the area, be sure to stop by the Wickfield Pavilion, otherwise known as the Round Barn, at 17451 260th St, Cantril.
Villages of Van Buren/Facebook
It’s just 14 miles from Bentonsport. The barn will be open for tours during the Scenic Drive Fest October 14th and 15th. Take a look around between 10 am and 4 pm on Saturday or between noon and 4 pm on Sunday. During prohibition, it was a speakeasy. The basement has a dining room, kitchen, and fruit cellar. The main floor was a sales barn, and the loft had eight rooms for overnight guests and workers. At the top, the crow’s nest was the social parlor.

Have you seen the area around the Villages of Van Buren? Will you go this fall?

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