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While Iowa is often celebrated for its sprawling farms and bustling cities, there is more to the state beyond its agricultural bounty and urban hubs. The Hawkeye State is awash with underexplored gems that will make your visit more interesting. Most of these are secluded from the busy city scene like Cedar Rapids and provide the ideal scene to unwind while exploring the outdoor scene at a snail's pace. Each comes with distinct charm and attractions to ensure you get a fresh experience everywhere you go.

From quaint hamlets steeped in European heritage like Pella to lakeside retreats like Storm Lake, these off-the-beaten-path towns in Iowa save the everyday rigors of urban life. They allow you to experience the more laid-back side of the state while exposing you to engaging historical heritage and rich cultural landscapes. On your next tour of Iowa, consider the following places for a secluded getaway.

Winterset

This small town in Madison County stands out for its beautiful nature and abundant covered bridges, which hint at its enduring heritage. Each October, the community hosts the Winterset Covered Bridge Festival to celebrate the unique landmarks with a weekend of parades, craft shows, live music, and a range of family-friendly entertainment. The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge is the oldest of them all, with a history dating back to 1871. It straddles about 80 feet, is constructed of timber, and maintains its original structural integrity.

The landmark sits at the entrance of Winterset City Park, a love urban oasis where people go to relax. This lovely oasis covers at least 76 acres of lush greenery and open fields and houses amenities like picnic shelters, play areas, sports fields, and more.

Decorah

Decorah is a vibrant little town in Iowa's Driftless Area known for its beautiful natural scenery and distinct Nordic heritage. It offers a tranquil escape to the outdoors, a credit to cozy spaces like Dunning's Springs Park. This picturesque oasis harbors isolated walking trails that let you discover stunning vistas of rocky bluffs and limestone cliffs, with the highlight being a 200-foot waterfall. Decorah's European heritage is extensively documented at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. Inside, a collection of over 33,000 artifacts relays the experience of the first Norwegian immigrants to settle in Decorah and what became of it.

The local community takes pride in its craft brewery culture, welcoming visitors to partake in its everyday customs at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company. This quaint establishment has produced quality craft beers for decades and boasts a continuous flow of great-tasting beers in its taproom for those looking to sample.

Le Claire

Mississippi River towns don't get more adorable than Le Claire, which has been described by many as a haven for antique lovers and history buffs. A stroll through the historic downtown reveals a chain of antique shops, with the most prominent being Antique Archeology. The venue boasts a 海角社区-class collection of vintage items, primitives, collectibles, and treasures and is featured on the History Channel's American Pickers. The Buffalo Bill Museum showcases Le Claire's maritime heritage through a range of relics, including the iconic Lone Star. Other exhibits further paint a picture of events along the Mississippi River through the years.

Easy access to the iconic waterway allows guests to enjoy relaxing cruises courtesy of the Riverboat Twilight. This triple-decked sightseeing vessel organizes day and overnight excursions to provide an exciting perspective of Le Claire.

Bellevue

Bellevue is a hidden gem on the Mississippi River banks and home to less than 3,000 residents, making it one of the isolated towns in Iowa. Its wide open areas are a haven for nature enthusiasts, and you can revel in the tranquil setting of Bellevue State Park. This sprawling playground offers unmatched vistas of the Mississippi River and opportunities for anglers, birdwatchers, hikers, and other adventurers. A more easygoing alternative for outdoor indulgence involves a nonchalant tee time at the Bellevue Golf Club. The course challenges beginners and intermediaries alike with its nine holes.

Back in the downtown region, an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and local businesses keeps visitors engaged with shopping and dining opportunities. When hungry, pop into La Casa de Pancho for tasty Mexican cuisine, whose dynamic menu features trademarks like tacos and quesadillas.

Eldon

This relaxed village of less than 1,000 takes pride in its strong sense of community and unassuming countryside atmosphere. The town is famous for housing the American Gothic House, which was immortalized in Grant Wood's iconic painting from 1930. Tours of the historical site expose visitors to period costumes and memorabilia, while a neighboring visitor center depicts the artist's life and legacy. Meanwhile, the Rock Island Train Depot offers a glimpse of the region's railroading past, when it served as a crossroads for several passenger and freight lines. Its interactive displays include old train cars and other related relics from the heydays.

The Chippewa Creek Trail presents an opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. It straddles 1.3 miles along Cedar Creek and through the heart of the city before ending at the American Gothic House.

Guttenberg

This riverside beauty of Clayton County isolates you from civilization and places you in a raw, natural setting framed by expansive parks and the calm waters of the Mississippi River. Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to quiet getaways like Big Springs Nature Area, which delights with shaded picnic areas, nature trails, and a series of small cascades along the Mississippi. Tourists also take advantage of Guttenberg's soothing setting to enjoy sweet-tasting wines at PromiseLand Winery. This family-run establishment has a delightful location in the southern hills of the town, perfect for sipping its finely crafted varietals.

Budding artists and aspiring creatives access valuable lessons and inspiration at the Guttenberg Gallery & the Creativity Center. This local hub exhibits jewelry, glass, pottery, and other art forms by local artists and hosts classes open to the public.

McGregor

McGregor is set on the Mississippi River, across from Prairie du Chien, and welcomes visitors to immerse in outdoor exploration. Its impressive network of nature areas includes the sprawling Pikes Peak State Park, which lies along a national scenic byway at the Mississippi-Wisconsin River confluence. 11 miles of trails weave through the reserve, adorned with dramatic bluffs and verdant valleys for your viewing pleasure. McGregor's modest urban core houses a selection of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that are easily navigable on foot.

While strolling through the neighborhood, stop by the Left Bank Shop & Gallery to hunt for a cute handmade souvenir by a local artist, or pop into Backwoods Bar & Grill to tame your hunger with delicious smokehouse sandwiches in a romantic outdoor setting.

Elk Horn

Elk Horn is the largest Danish settlement in rural America and charms visitors with its rich Nordic culture. Hints of the town's European origins dominate the community, including the photogenic Danish Windmill. It is the country's sole authentic working Danish windmill, built in Denmark, and features a small museum showcasing Scandinavian traditions and customs. There is more to uncover at the Museum of Danish America, where a series of exhibits and artifacts pay tribute to Danish culture and the immigrant experience.

In addition to the cultural experience, vacationers can find outdoor pleasure at the over 100-acre Elk Horn Creek Recreation Area. This beautiful sanctuary provides amenities for a fun day in the open, including picnic tables, modern campsites, and RV areas in a serene natural environment.

Pella

Unique Dutch culture meets small-town charm in this delightful village of Marion County, under 45 miles from Des Moines. Pella invites newcomers to acquaint themselves with its European identity at the Pella Historical Village. The complex consists of almost 20 historic buildings depicting a traditional 19th-century Dutch settlement, with interactive displays of Dutch costumes, tools, and related artifacts. Next to the site, the Vermeer Windmill stands as the largest functioning windmill in the nation. Besides being a visual delight, it demonstrates the superior craftsmanship of European windmill design and architecture.

You can check out another beautiful windmill at the Sunken Gardens Park, which boasts a serene setting with colorful tulip gardens and a pristine pond in the middle. Naturally, people come to unwind and let down their hair on its grassy lawns.

Storm Lake

This picturesque waterfront town in Buena Vista County is recognized for its idyllic natural scenery and ice fishing opportunities. During winter, the fish are hungry and readily grab at the bait, drawing droves of anglers to the frozen waters of Storm Lake. Newcomers have every reason to get outside and take in the views, especially those waiting at Sunset Park. This secluded nature space overlooks the shiny waters of the lake and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the horizon.

Aspiring artists can seek inspiration at the Witter Gallery, an intimate venue in the middle of downtown that exhibits works by local and regional creatives. Finally, the historically inclined will have a blast discovering Storm Lake's captivating past at Buena Vista County Historical Museum.

Sometimes, the best tourist experiences result from isolation and avoiding the crowds. While it is practically impossible in the big cities of the United States, the off-the-beaten-path towns in Iowa provide the perfect atmosphere to make lasting memories. Despite being overlooked, they promise a colorful array of fun activities and encounters regardless of your preferences. From attending a Dutch-themed festival in Pella to casually sailing down the Mississippi on a cozy riverboat in Le Claire, they are all worth skipping the famous cities for.