7 Best Small Towns in Iowa to Visit in 2024

When people picture the beautiful Midwestern state of Iowa, visions of gently rolling plains and miles of cornfields likely come to mind. However, there’s so much more to the beautiful state, including its rich Native American and agricultural history, beautiful waters and wild spaces, and arts and culture. Iowa’s small, charming towns are the perfect places to call home for a few days or weeks while you explore all the state has to offer, and the following are just a few of the best to visit.

Winter set

Picturesque Winterset may be your quintessential Midwestern town, but it’s internationally known as the inspiration and setting for the popular book and movie The Bridges of Madison County. The charming town is located on the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway, and you can spend a day or two self-guided touring the historic structures. Winterset is also the birthplace of movie icon John Wayne and is home to the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum, the only museum dedicated to the Western actor.

Discover the region’s exciting history by visiting the 62-acre Madison County Historical Complex, home to the 1856 Bevington Mansion and 12 other buildings. If you’re a quilter or appreciate the art of quilting, don’t miss the Iowa Quilt Museum, a unique attraction that features dynamic, ever-changing exhibits such as Threads of Life, Portraits, and Pets Woven in Fabric.

Pella

Beautiful Pella is another small town that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Iowa, as it was founded in 1847 by immigrants from the Netherlands and still retains its charming Dutch atmosphere. Nicknamed “Little Holland,” Pella claims to have the largest working gristmill in the country. The town also has an authentic Dutch town square along a picturesque canal, which is the perfect place to take a stroll or enjoy an al fresco meal or cup of coffee. Downtown Pella also hosts the Tulip Time Festival, which draws visitors from far and wide every May.

Get in touch with nature and admire the local wildlife at Big Rock Park, which offers hiking and biking trails and picnic areas. Brinkhoff Park is also worth exploring, as it offers vibrant blooming flowers in the spring and summer months, as well as a small windmill to set the scene. Golfers won’t want to miss a trip to the Nederlanders Tap and Golf or the Bos Landen Golf Club.

Clear lake

The lovely Clear Lake is located on a refreshing spring-fed lake in the northern region of the state, conveniently located just off I-35, halfway between Des Moines and Minneapolis. The city is a playground for nature lovers, with many parks and other natural areas. Clear Lake is a waterfront retreat with a swimming beach, a marina, and local shops that rent boats to fully experience life on the lake.

If you’re a music history buff, check out the Surf Ballroom and Museum, a legendary rock ‘n’ roll landmark. The Central Gardens of North Iowa is another place to spend time, with eight acres of themed gardens, waterfalls, and babbling brooks. If you’re visiting during the warm summer months, book a cruise around Clear Lake on the Lady of the Lake, a double-decker boat with an open-air deck.

LeClaire

Situated along Iowa’s Great River Road on the mighty Mississippi River, the unique and historic LeClaire is ideal for a relaxing getaway, a weekend getaway with friends, or a week-long family vacation. Historic sites, abundant natural beauty, an abundance of shopping opportunities, and plenty of outdoor recreational fun make LeClaire a unique town.

Start your visit with a stroll through the Cody Road Historic District, a picturesque nine-block stretch filled with about 60 historic buildings and local shops and eateries. LeClaire’s “Libation Lane” is home to a brewery, winery and distillery that uses regional ingredients to create craft spirits. History buffs will enjoy the Buffalo Bill Museum and the Old Mill Guest House, built in 1851.

Decorate

The dynamic town of Decorah is located in the country’s Driftless Area, a region that glaciers have been unable to penetrate, resulting in steep slopes, rivers, narrow valleys, and beautiful cliffs. Nature lovers from around the world are drawn to Decorah for its unique topography and rich Norwegian culture. Downtown Decorah is home to over 100 boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and local restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two.

Check out Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, featuring 33,000 artifacts including traditional costumes, carvings, woven wall hangings and a 25-foot wooden sailboat. If you’re interested in exploring the local wildlife, visit Dunning’s Spring Park, a nature preserve with a spring-fed, year-round waterfall. Visitors can also hike Decorah’s 11-mile Trout Run Trail.

Orange City

Conveniently located on Highway 60, which connects Minneapolis and Omaha, the welcoming town of Orange City attracts visitors with its charming Dutch heritage, which is still very much alive. The city celebrates its culture with its historic Dutch architecture, annual Tulip Festival and traditional eateries serving delicious Dutch delicacies.

To appreciate the city and learn all about its history, spend a few hours at the Dutch American Heritage Museum, dedicated to showcasing and preserving Northwest Iowa’s unique Dutch immigrant culture. Enjoy the outdoors at Windmill Park, featuring an interesting collection of windmills, a colorful flower garden, and a Dutch canal bridge. When you’ve worked up an appetite from all that sightseeing, enjoy a meal or snack at Woodstra Meat Market or Brad’s Breads and Bakery, two popular options.

If you find yourself in Iowa sometime in 2024, take some time to explore the state’s quaint small towns that celebrate local history and nature, delight visitors with locally sourced food and beverages, and know how to entertain with festivals and farmers markets. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful waterfront getaway or an exciting, action-packed adventure, you’ll find it in Iowa’s hometowns!