6 Great Cities to Visit in Iowa

Outside of the hustle and bustle of Iowa’s larger cities like Des Moines or Sioux City, lie some of the Midwest’s most charming and delightful towns. With rich history, friendly locals, unique attractions, and breathtaking views, these hidden gems are worth the drive. Time your visit to coincide with wonderful festivals like Pella’s Tulip Time Festival or Dyersville Downtown Market. If you’re a fan of exploration and adventure, head to Decorah to check out Ice Cave State Preserve and the Driftless Area! These delightful towns have something for everyone to discover.

Pella

The charming town of Pella is also known as “Little Holland” or “America’s Dutch Treasure.” Pella was settled by Dutch immigrants in the late 1800s, and walking the streets of Pella feels like walking the streets of Holland. Much of Pella’s perfectly preserved architecture can be traced back to its Dutch roots. The Vermeer Windmill, the tallest working windmill in the United States, is a must-see for visitors. It is the heart of Pella, located in the center of downtown. Visitors should also stop by The Historical Village, which features original buildings from the early Dutch settlers and gives you a sense of what life was like for Pella’s founders.

Pella’s claim to fame, however, is its annual Tulip Time Festival. In early May, locals decorate the entire town with tulips and celebrate the town’s Dutch heritage with festive parades, dancing, and great Dutch food. It’s so popular that it draws visitors from all over the state. If you’re planning on exploring the quaint town of Pella, make sure to time it to coincide with Tulip Time Festival!

Paintville

The town of Dyersville is so cute it’s a filming location for the movie Field of dreams. Today, the infamous field is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to walk the bases and take tours of the filming location. But there’s much more to Dyersville than just a famous ballpark. Be sure to visit the National Farm Toy Museum or the Dyer-Botsford Doll Museum. When you’re ready to unwind after a day of sightseeing, stop by O So Good Winery for a glass of wine.

Downtown Dyersville is also home to fun local events like the Dyersville Downtown Market (held in the summer) or the Farm Toy Show (held in early November). To enjoy the sights of Dyersville, grab your bike or walking shoes and head to the Heritage Trail. This stunningly beautiful trail offers forest and river views and follows an old railroad line.

Mountain Vernon

Mount Vernon is home to the beautiful Cornell College (not to be confused with Cornell University in New York). The school was founded in 1853 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The locals are friendly, it feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard, and the architecture of the city is breathtaking. For a real treat, make sure to plan your visit for the first weekend in May when they hold their annual Chalk the Walk. Over 200 artists flood downtown with color with their amazing art on the sidewalks and streets.

Mount Vernon is located just outside of historic downtown and is surrounded by great parks with breathtaking views. Travel a short 5 miles west of Mount Vernon to Palisades-Kepler State Park along the Cedar River. Visitors can lace up their hiking boots and explore one of the many forest trails. Or grab a fishing pole and spend the afternoon fishing for bass on the Cedar River.

Decorate

Decorah has a strong Norwegian heritage that is evident in every aspect of the town, from the architecture to the local cuisine. While the history, town center, and style are charming, it is the geological features of the town that make it a must-see. Decorah is home to the Ice Cave State Preserve, one of the largest ice caves in eastern North America! Visitors can take self-guided tours of this geological wonder and learn about how the cave was formed.

Another great geological site to visit in Decorah is the rugged Driftless Area, a place in Iowa that has not been touched by glaciers. This area is unique to Iowa and features steep cliffs, rolling terrain, and beautiful scenery. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the Trout Run Trail, which takes you on a loop around town. It’s a challenging trail, but worth it for the spectacular views.

Winter set

Winterset is home to famed actor Marion Morrison, or as you may know him, John Wayne. Fans of the Hollywood Golden Age actor can head to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum to learn more about John Wayne through memorabilia and exhibits. John Wayne isn’t Winterset’s only claim to Hollywood fame, though. The picturesque covered bridges inspired the novel (which was made into a movie) The Bridges of Madison Countythe province in which Winterset is located.

After exploring Winterset’s tourist attractions, take a stroll through the historic town center to admire the stunning Renaissance Revival style of the Madison County Courthouse. For a better view of Winterset, head to the 25-foot observation tower, also known as Clark Tower. It offers stunning 360-degree views and is a must-see to truly take in the town’s beauty.

Each frame

If you’re looking for scenic views, there’s no better place in Iowa than the sleepy, delightful town of Elkader. Nestled in the heart of the Turkey River Valley, Elkader offers incredible views of the water and woods. For some peace and quiet, stop by Elkader City Park, located in the heart of downtown. It offers incredible views of the Turkey River with places to picnic, stroll, or just sit back and enjoy the water views. Just outside of town is the Motor Mill Trail, which offers wooded walking trails interspersed with historic sites perfect for active history buffs.

The historic downtown area is home to the Elkader Opera House, built in 1903. As the centerpiece of downtown, it hosts live concerts, community events, and live theater performances. Or, head to the Carter House Museum to learn more about the city’s history.

Become a local in these beautiful Iowa cities

The Hawkeye State is so much more than rolling fields and breathtaking sunsets. These delightful small towns in Iowa capture the essence of the Midwest spirit. From the Dutch-inspired town of Pella with its magnificent windmill to the iconic Madison County bridges in Winterset, Iowa is packed with great things to discover. You can spend an afternoon on the Cedar River in Mount Vernon or explore the Ice Caves in Decorah. Whatever your taste, these towns are great for the whole family.