Here Are 10 Of The Most Charming Small Towns In Iowa
Iowa is pretty much the face of small-town America, and we have countless numbers of charming small towns scattered across the state like chicken feed. While each one is delightful and full of character, there are some that shine even brighter than the rest. Here are 10 of the cutest, most charming small towns in Iowa.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Pella, population 10,344, is easily one of the cutest towns in the state, perhaps even the country. Spend your day here eating a Dutch letter from Jaarsma Bakery, taking a tour of the Vermeer Windmill, and going for a walk by the Molengracht Canal. We may be small, but we have so much to offer!
The town has a proud Dutch heritage, which you can see in its architecture and in its annual Dutch themed Tulip Festival. Pella is so beautiful in the spring with all the colorful tulips blooming. Check out the city's tourism website for additional ideas of fun activities!
The Amana Colonies are made up of seven villages: Amana (or Main Amana), East Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead. The total population of the villages is about 1,200 people.
You can find many neat things at the little German villages of the Amana Colonies, which are known for their handmade items, arts and crafts, and cuisine. While you're there, check out the Woolen Mill, grab a bite to eat at the Ox Yoke Inn, and drink some dandelion wine from Ackerman Winery. Check out the Convention Center's website for more ideas of fun Amana destinations!
Bentonsport is one of the Villages of Van Buren, which are highly underrated and a real hidden gem in Iowa. There are 12 tiny villages that include Bonaparte, Keosauqua, and Farmington, among others. On your visit, make sure to have some fudge, check out the local shops, and stay in the Mason House Inn, a famously haunted location. You can find out more information on all the Villages of Van Buren on the villages' website.
Decorah, population 8,127, is a little taste of Norway in Iowa. Decorah is home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which was named one of 15 Best Small-Town Museums in the U.S. by the world-respected travel guide, Fodor’s. When you're done at the museum, go explore the Ice Cave, check out the trout hatchery, and have a glass of wine at the Winneshiek Wildberry Winery. For more information, check out the Visit Decorah website.
Orange City, population 5,582, is known for its Dutch architecture, beautiful tulip festival, and charming windmills. While you're in the area, check out the Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium and the Sioux County Historical Museum. Don't forget to go back in December to celebrate Sinterklaas Day! The Orange City website has much more information on destinations there.
Mount Vernon is a lovely little town of around 4,170 people. While you're in the area, spend a day (or two) at Palisades-Kepler State Park, and when you get hungry, check out Skillet Cafe. Make sure to visit again in early May so you can check out the Chalk the Walk Festival, where artists from all across Iowa gather to create beautiful chalk art on the street. The Visit Mount Vernon-Lisbon website has a calendar of events and other information about visiting Mount Vernon and the nearby city of Lisbon.
McGregor is a quaint little river town with a population of around 870 people. While you're there, don't miss checking out Pikes Peak State Park for a day of hiking and breathtaking views. You should also take a riverboat cave tour at Spook Cave. If you want to make a weekend of it, stay at the Stauer House Bed and Breakfast, and fuel up at Cafe McGregor. You can see more pictures of the cute little town at the McGregor, Iowa website.
The tiny Danish town of Elk Horn has a population of around 650 people. On your visit, make sure you check out the only working Danish windmill outside of Denmark, as well as the Museum of Danish America. Another fun site is the tiny Morning Star Chapel, a miniature chapel that seats just four. Feeling hungry? The Danish Inn is the place to go for some delicious, cultural cuisine. You'll feel like you stepped into a miniature Copenhagen! The Danish Villages Improvement Organization website has information about Elk Horn and the nearby Danish village of Kimballton.
Dyersville, population 4,100, is most famously known as the home of the Field Of Dreams movie site. Of course you have to make a trip to see that, but afterwards, check out the National Farm Toy Museum and the beautiful St. Francis Basilica, then grab a bite to eat at the Palace Saloon. The Dyersville Chamber of Commerce website has lots of ideas of attractions to visit.
Eldora is a small town of about 2,700 people. Much of the downtown area is listed on the National Historic Register, and the charming, classic courthouse square is something you don't see much anymore. When you're in town, check out the beautiful Pine Lake State Park, take a tour of the Farm Museum, then head to Ahoy Fountain for a delicious old-fashioned malt. If you're planning to make a weekend of it, stay at Rock and Row Adventures and take a tubing trip down the river, then spend the night rocking out to live music.
Nothing beats these charming small towns in Iowa. Cheap living, no traffic, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet!
Did we forget to mention what you think is the best city in Iowa? Tell us in the comments!
Address: Pella, IA 50219, USA
Address: 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, USA
Address: Bentonsport, Washington, IA 52565, USA
Address: Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Address: Orange City, IA 51041, USA
Address: Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA
Address: McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Address: Elk Horn, IA 51531, USA
Address: Dyersville, IA, USA
Address: Eldora, IA 50627, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Places In Iowa
May 08, 2021
Lisa Sammons
What are some of the best day trips in Iowa?
Iowa has a surprising number of great day trips that visitors can enjoy! Prairie Meadows Race Track in Altoona typically hosts Thoroughbred horse races, but did you know that they actually host camel races on occasion? That’s something you don’t see every day! We also have the only John Wayne Museum in the world in his hometown of Winterset.
What are some of the best cities in Iowa?
We have a lot of really great cities in Iowa, so many that it is tough to narrow it down to just a few. Fairfield is a charming, artsy little town that hosts art walks on First Fridays throughout the summer. If you are looking for somewhere a little larger, Des Moines is one of the most underrated state capitals in the country. If you’re looking for other awesome Iowa towns to check out, take a look at this list of the cheapest and best cities in Iowa.
What are some good restaurants in Iowa?
The idea of combining macaroni and cheese and a burrito sounds absolutely incredible to us, and that’s just what The Cheesy Cow in Bettendorf has done! We know everyone always recommends Fong’s Pizza, but it’s with good reason – it’s delicious. For a list of some other must-visit restaurants in the Hawkeye state, check out this list of famous restaurants that totally deserve the fame.
Address: Pella, IA 50219, USA
Address: 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, USA
Address: Bentonsport, Washington, IA 52565, USA
Address: Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Address: Orange City, IA 51041, USA
Address: Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA
Address: McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Address: Elk Horn, IA 51531, USA
Address: Dyersville, IA, USA
Address: Eldora, IA 50627, USA
Iowa In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
Michaela is a born and raised Iowan. She writes for a newspaper by day, and writes content for websites by night. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book, or just binge watching Netflix.
Love Iowa?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
