When it comes to resort towns, not many people think of Iowa first! Locals know that there are plenty of summertime destinations in the Midwest, though, including the charming tiny town of Clear Lake, Iowa. Read about why you should make a trip here one of your warm weather priorities.
Clear Lake, Iowa is one of the state's best small towns for anyone seeking adventure.
This gorgeous, clean lake is known for being a fishing hot spot. You can catch walleye, bullhead, yellow bass and channel catfish - if you're having a good day!
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!
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Denison's main street feels like it came right out of a 1950s TV show, and that's just part of its charm.
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.
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.
If you're looking for a unique Iowa day trip idea, look no further than Bloomfield, Iowa! Bloomfield, and the surrounding communities, are one of the best destinations for a shopping and dining day out of town. Bloomfield has all the charm of a typical small town (they have a population of less than 3,000), but you may be surprised by what you find when you veer away from the usual Main Street attractions. Come along as we show you why we think it is one of the best small towns in Iowa!
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Bloomfield, Iowa is a charming town on its own - but what's hiding just outside of the downtown area is truly a wonder.
In the communities surrounding Bloomfield, you'll find the largest, most conservative Amish community in Iowa. The Davis County Amish are a storied community, and they welcome visitors into their world. A visit to this community is a fascinating look at a lifestyle that feels completely foreign to us in the contemporary moment.
The Davis County Amish have been here for generations, and the tight-knit group still even speaks German.
While the Amish are generally known to keep to themselves, you can always count on a friendly greeting when you visit Davis County. This welcoming attitude has been a great way for the Amish to educate visitors and the larger community about their way of life.
There are nearly 100 Amish shops and stores open to the public in and around Bloomfield.
The fun part about visiting the Davis County Amish is that you never really need to have a plan. Most stores don't keep regular hours, so you might have to do a little searching to find a few open stores if you visit in the evenings or during the week. One thing is certain - don't visit on a Sunday. Everything will be closed because Sunday is a strict day of rest.
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The Dutch Country General Store is one of the largest stores in the state.
You'll find everything from fabric to toys to fresh and bulk foods here! It's a classic general store experience bringing home the small-town charm hard.
Here, you'll find shoes, boots & clothing, along with handwoven baskets and other homemade goods. It's easy to find an interesting and unique souvenir of your time in Amish country, the real trouble is choosing just one.
If you plan your trip right, you might be able to catch the Southern Iowa Produce Auction!
The auctions usually take place in the fall, often with some landing in November and December, but they can happen year round. Each day you'll find plenty of fruits, veggies, flowers, and more. It's an interesting and unusual way of buying produce and it's bound to be an experience you'll remember for many years to come.
Set aside some time this fall to visit the Davis County Amish community. It may end up being the highlight of your year!
Day trips out to Bloomfield always feel like a step back in time, and you'll love being away from the always-connected busy Iowa life. A few days, or even a few hours, immersed in a simpler time may have a calming effect on you. And you'll develop a whole new respect for Amish people in Iowa.
Have you spent any time out in Iowa Amish Country? Would you agree that it is one of the best day trips in Iowa? Have you been to any Amish stores in Iowa? What are some of your favorite small towns in Iowa? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below. We also invite you to share your best photos of life way out here. We'd love to see them!
