Iowa is filled with fantastic small towns that are worth spending a day exploring, but even the most veteran Hawkeye State explorer has those towns they've never visited. This is especially common in the rural parts of the state, where it's easy to just keep driving on the way to a larger city. But a quick stop of a few hours in a small town we've never seen before is one of the best adventures out there - and we found a true gem of a little-known small town in Denison, Iowa. This town of just under 8,400 people is found in the southwest part of the state, around 75-minutes from Council Bluffs, and it's full of great restaurants, charming parks, and even a surprising celebrity tribute. It might be one of the most laid-back small towns in the state, but Denison is well worth a stop from anywhere in Iowa!

Denison's main street feels like it came right out of a 1950s TV show, and that's just part of its charm.

The town is very proud of its most famous citizen - actress Donna Reed, whose name graces the town's performing arts center.

If you're in town at the right time, you can see a show - but if not, you can explore the small attached museum and enjoy a malt at the adjoining soda shop.

For a heartier meal, you can drop into Cronk's Cafe - the historic roadside stop that has been one of Iowa's most iconic restaurants for almost 100 years.

The restaurant closed in 2020, but it was revived by new owners - who have given the classic menu a flavor-packed Mexican twist.

The town is also home to Yellow Smoke Park, a local recreation destination that has been gaining popularity in recent years.

A great spot for fishing, it's also one of the most reasonably-priced camping spots in the area.

Denison is usually pretty laid-back - but that won't be the case in late September, when the annual Tri-City BBQ Fest kicks off.

Have you visited Denison, Iowa, and explored its many destinations before? Let us know about your visit to this charming small town in the comments section! Check out the City of Denison website for more information, and make sure to visit the website of the Donna Reed Theater to see who's playing next! If you want to know more about the unlikely revival of Cronk's Cafe, check out my past coverage of the grand reopening! Denison has a surprising number of hotels in the area, but we recommend the Cobblestone Inn & Suites Denison Majestic Hills, which gets fantastic reviews for its reasonably priced rooms.