This Charming European-Inspired Village In Iowa Is The Perfect Place For A Day Trip

Iowa is a melting pot of cultures from across Europe, with many small towns settled by immigrant waves from different countries. From the Norwegian beauty of Decorah to the Dutch wonderland of Pella, all the way to the rustic festivity of the Amana Colonies, it's possible to go on a European getaway without ever leaving the Hawkeye State. But did you know you can find an Irish village in Iowa? The small town of Emmetsburg, population 3,700, is located in the northern area of Iowa and was first settled during the Great Famine of Ireland in the 1840s and early 1850s. Those first immigrants brought their culture with them, and it can still be felt today - with a unique gift shop, an Irish pub, and of course, one heck of a St. Patrick's Day celebration every year!

Emmetsburg is a charming small town best known as Iowa's hub of Irish culture.

The centerpiece of the town's Irish culture is the St. Patrick's Association, which arranges events around town and also runs an Irish gift shop.

Inside, you'll find authentic Irish items, religious artifacts, and plenty of green items to show off your Irish pride!

The town's best restaurant is Kirby's Cafe, a casual diner-style family restaurant serving hearty portions of diner-style fare.

While the menu is usually all-American, during St. Patrick's Day it often has Irish specialties on the menu, like Bangers and Mash.

Of course, it wouldn't be an Irish town without an Irish pub, and the West End Pub is exactly the kind of dive where everyone knows the old regulars' names.

But it's not just businesses that make this town what it is - we also think this town has some of the most beautiful parks and lakes around the state.

Emmetsburg is an amazing place to visit any time of the year - but odds are you'll find a great party if you visit around St. Pat's Day!

Have you visited this Irish village in Iowa? Tell us about your visit to the town of Emmetsburg in the comments section! You can find out more about Emmetsburg on the official town website, and the Facebook pages of the St. Patrick's Association and Kirby's Cafe have all the details you'll need on events and specials.

If you're visiting Emmetsburg around the holiday season, you may be able to check into a unique Christmas Airbnb. If you're looking for a hotel instead, the America's Best Value Inn in Emmetsburg is highly rated and reasonably priced.