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Iowa is a land of rolling hills, caves, and picturesque farmland, with a sprinkling of charming towns and cities throughout the state. The hidden gems in the heart of the Midwest offer the best of the local hospitality, vibrant culture, and Mississippi views amid vast natural areas. Choose one of the scenically charged, and charmingly historic towns to explore on your next getaway.

These eleven charming towns in the Hawkeye state offer a glimpse into Iowa's rich history along streetscapes and ventures into the great outdoors for a respite from the suffocating city. Despite touristic growth, the hotspots retain a small-town appeal with outdoor-loving locals that you can join in active pursuits or relaxation along the scenic banks.

Bentonsport

The popular steamboat town from its heyday in the mid-1800s is now a tourist destination for history and nature, and a National Historic District. Visit this charming Van Buren County village along the Des Moines River in southeast Iowa with astounding natural scenery all around. Venture outdoors to the Des Moines River or woodlands with hiking and canoeing, and wander through the stunning Rose Garden.

You will find vibrant history on display throughout the streets, lined with historic shops and beautiful old homes. Stroll the streetscape amid stunning architecture and historical sites and stop by Tony Sanders’ Indian Artifact Museum. It features over 4,000 arrowheads that Sanders has collected since he was little and that are now displayed beautifully in handmade inlaid wood panels. Find a cozy place to stay like Bentonsport B&B to explore more about this former thriving steamboat port for travelers from near and far.

Cedar Rapids

This charming town sits spliced through the heart by the Cedar River in east-central Iowa. Cedar Rapids is a hotspot for outdoor tourism with tons of natural beauty. The surrounding parks and nature areas are your "oyster," from relaxing strolls and recreational opportunities to hikes of any duration, backpacking, and camping. Despite recent growth and urbanization, Cedar Rapids retains a small-town feel with Midwestern charm and hospitality. Its health-conscious locals continue to hold outdoor lifestyles in the highest regard.

Cedar Rapids is an idyllic base for nature ventures, with modern amenities and a balance of attractions for all other interests. Enjoy plenty of opportunities for recreation right in town, like park picnics, strolls along the scenic banks, or perusing through the wealth of interesting cultural institutions. Find regional historical sights at the Cedar Rapids Museum and immerse yourself in art at the Paramount Theater. There is also plenty of shopping, eating, and even nighttime entertainment along the vibrant downtown.

Decorah

Decorah has a deep Norwegian heritage and rich diversity in the surrounding landscape, like stunning bluffs, valleys, and rivers. This charming town sees regular tourists looking to unwind. Wander through the architecture-laden streetscape with incredible buildings housing galleries, unique shops, and museums. Stroll along charming Water Street with floral basket decorations and stop by the Porter House Museum, veiling a wonderful collection of history, art, and nature behind its Italianate villa facade.

Have a filling lunch at one of the great waterfront restaurants before hitting the outdoors on a hike, a bike, or on skis. You will find adventures for all groups, levels, and tastes to discover the heart of Iowa's Driftless Region. Immerse yourself in nature through fresh air pursuits or a relaxing picnic to soak in the scenery and the sun's rays. Visit during one of the annual music festivals or stop by Decorah's largest antique show in the state. Decora meets its high demand warmly with several B&Bs, inns, and hotels.

Dubuque

The historic river town with a fitting moniker as the "Masterpiece on the Mississippi" spreads overlooking the stunning views of the Mississippi River. Dubuque is a renowned tourist destination for history, culture, and the arts, along with recreation and water pursuits at Mud Lake Park. Stroll through the artsy streetscape and immerse yourself in regional culture at its four intriguing museums before diving into the great outdoors.

In 1804, the town served as a major stopping point for steamboats carrying travelers along the Mississippi River. Take a historically scenic ride through the past with Water Street Tours. This evening boat cruise departs at the perfect time to watch the sun setting behind the glittering water's edge and offers insights and spectacular views.

Elkader

Find this charming town along the scenic banks of the Turkey River in northeast Iowa. Elkader sits surrounded by a verdant landscape of wooded hills, farmland, and many rivers and streams. Choose your perfect outlet into nature among other outdoor enthusiasts seeking respite from the suffocating walls and mundane sights of the city.

Visitors also love the plenty of options for a balanced vacation, with cultural attractions and historical sites. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint downtown area and stop by the interesting Carter House Museum which displays artifacts from life in the area during the late 1800s. Sightsee the notable 346-foot-long Keystone Bridge, a glorious, historic landmark made out of locally quarried limestone in 1889.

Le Claire

The lovely Le Claire was once home to pilots who navigated the river vessels amidst the dangerous Upper Rapids. Today, the picturesque town along the upper Mississippi River is a destination for a scenic change and a respite from the city within the real great outdoors along many hiking trails. The must-visit Lock and Dam No. 14 is a wonderful hike to an area for nature lovers with bald eagles and pelicans. Le Claire's charming hospitality and modern services will give you a good night's rest and recharge you for every day's adventures.

Some also know Le Claire as the renowned home to the American Pickers, with a real antiquing scene throughout the streetscape. Start along the Cody Road Historic District, on a stroll amid the many businesses and homes built in the mid-to late-19th century that used to house river pilots living in the area. Stop by the insightful Buffalo Bill Museum for more history about their adventures. You will find plenty of dining and shopping along the main thoroughfare for a whole afternoon of wandering before taking a scenic riverboat ride into the sunset.

McGregor

The small town of McGregor is a renowned destination to experience the real great outdoors with pursuits like hiking, boating, and biking. Find this charming community in between the vast Mississippi River and northeast Iowa’s sandstone bluffs, and you will see why it is so popular among tourists. Revel in the diversity of scenic nature around you, from the Driftless Area to Effigy Mounds, and seek an outdoor escape at the nearby Pikes Peak State Park. Take on one of the water trails with a kayak, or take in the sights from the comfort of your seat, any season, via a drive along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

Stroll through the historically charming downtown, replete with antique shops, boutiques, and unique shops veiled behind the 19th-century building facades. The former esteemed shipping port is home to a stunning waterfront for a place to dine along the waters with 360-degree views around. Visit at the right time for the town's vibrant annual celebrations for all tastes, like the Arts and Crafts Festival or the Lazy River Beer and Wine Fest.

Muscatine

First settled as Bloomington in 1836 as a trading post, the town was renamed after the Mascoutin Indians, meaning "burning island" or "fiery nation." Some of them lived on the nearby Muscatine Island, while America's beloved writer Mark Twain also lived in the town briefly in 1854. The town thrived as a pearl button industry, making jewelry out of mussel shells from the Mississippi, with samples still at the Pearl Button Museum. Iowa State University operates Muscatine Island as an experimental farm with melons and vegetables.

Muscatine is a historic and fun-loving town that offers nature right on its doorstep. Find the town in Muscatine County of eastern Iowa, along the scenic Mississippi River, 30 miles southwest of Davenport. Outdoor fans can get their fix of nature at Wildcat Den State Park, just 10 miles east along the Mississippi. Marvel at the Edwardian-style mansion from 1908, housing a wonderful Muscatine Art Center. There are also plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options downtown to diversify a weekend visit or a whole vacation in town.

Okoboji

The resort town in northwest Iowa is an outdoor paradise and lake destination for water sports fans looking for one-of-a-kind natural scenery. Find the charming town with a quizzical name along the shores of West Lake Okoboji. This stunning glacier-carved lake, part of the Iowa Great Lakes, is a summertime hotspot for tourism with water pursuits, relaxing strolls, and recreational activities along the shores like picnicking and sunbathing.

Take in different sights along the vibrant downtown with cultural venues like the particularly interesting Higgins Museum with national bank notes. Visit the Okoboji Summer Theatre for summertime plays and performances. Set base in Okoboji and explore more resort towns around on a day trip to try other cultural activities, restaurants, and shopping scenes.

Sioux City

This small city along the banks of the Missouri River was founded in 1854. Sioux City, veiled in historic charm, has thrived quickly with eco-tourism. Sioux City is a perfect base with modern amenities for a getaway into the nearby national forests, a real adventurer's playground. Learn insights about this former quaint town at several interesting museums and historic sites.

Explore nature's bounty on a hike via the meandering trails or head to the enchanting riverfront for more sights, biking, casino games, and sunset views. Visit the Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Visitors Center, along with multiple art galleries that depict many of the area's natural wonders that you can see in real life.

Winterset

Winterset is the renowned hotspot for the breathtaking "Bridges of Madison County." Tour some of these feats of architecture, like the must-see Roseman Bridge, the setting for the namesake movie with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. Enjoy the vast sights along the rolling hills surrounding Winterset, with many trails to reinvigorate the body and reset the mind. Hike to the nearby Winterset Cidery for a sparkling treat amid the scenery.

Stroll along the lively town square and visit interesting shops that hide behind stunning architecture, as well as the historic courthouse from 1876. Stop by the historic Madison County Courthouse, which houses the 1st Avenue Collective artist co-op. The lovely town of Winterset is also John Wayne's birthplace, commemorated through the John Wayne Birthplace Museum.

These eleven charming towns and cities are an idyllic base for nature ventures, with modern amenities and a balance of attractions for all other interests. Discover the beating heart of the Midwest along the streetscape, or hit a few along the lovely Mississippi River. Enjoy the many parks and recreational areas, or hit the downtown with a wealth of interesting cultural sights. You will find rustic charm amid modern amenities, with discoveries at every corner that will leave vibrant impressions and lasting memories.