7 Best Small Towns to Visit in Iowa
One of the most beautiful states to visit in the Midwestern US, Iowa offers stunning natural surroundings, fascinating history, and plenty of cultural diversity. Iowa鈥檚 main cities, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids often attract the most attention, but the 鈥淗awkeye State鈥檚鈥� small towns also have much to offer. With charming history and quaint beauty, these are the best small towns to visit in Iowa.
Bonaparte
Founded in 1837 and named after the French Emperor听Napoleon, the small town of听Bonaparte听has a population of 359 residents. Located along the banks of the听Des Moines River,听Bonaparte is rich in charm and historic interest. This town is situated along the famous听Mormon Trail, and several sites here are listed on the听National Register of Historic Places, including the Riverfront District and the Bonaparte Pottery Archaeological District. In addition to experiencing an authentic slice of 19th-century life, visitors can enjoy delicious meals and browse charming souvenir shops, making Bonaparte a delightful place to explore.
Okoboji
Okoboji is a charming small town located on the shores of听West Okoboji Lake听in the Iowa Great Lakes Region.听With a population of just under 800 residents, it is a popular summer destination. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, sailing, or simply sunbathing by the stunning blue waters of the lake. Nearby, Arnold's Park Amusement Park offers fun activities for the whole family. Don't miss the chance to ride the "Legend," a wooden roller coaster that is sure to elicit some screams!
Decorah
Decorah is the seat of Winneshiek County, located just south of the Minnesota border. With a population of 7,587, the town was founded in the 1850s and is renowned for the Decorah Crater, which was created nearly 470 million years ago by a meteor strike. In addition to its geological significance, Decorah is celebrated for its听Norwegian heritage, brought over by immigrants from Norway in the mid-19th century. Tourists can visit the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum, which offers a poignant glimpse into the immigrant experience. During the summer, be sure to check out the Nordic Festival, a lively event that celebrates all things Scandinavian. This small Iowa town attracts around 50,000 visitors during the festival alone!
LeClaire
Located in the Quad Cities region along the Illinois border, the small town of LeClaire was founded in 1855 and has a population of just under 5,000 residents. Rich in historic charm and natural beauty, LeClaire offers visitors a memorable experience. You can explore the Cody Road Historic District, which features impressive 19th-century buildings, or spend an afternoon at the Buffalo Bill Museum. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby locks on the听Mississippi River provide excellent opportunities to observe majestic bald eagles. Additionally, a visit to the Mississippi River Distilling Company is highly recommended, where you can sample and purchase locally crafted spirits from one of the top distilleries in the United States.
Winterset
Founded in the 1840s, Winterset is the seat of Madison County and is located just a 40-minute drive from听Des Moines. With a population of 5,353 residents, this charming small town is notable for being the birthplace of Hollywood icon John Wayne in 1907. Visitors can stop by the John Wayne Birthplace Museum to learn more about the actor鈥檚 early years in this quaint community.听
Winterset is also famous for its covered bridges that enhance the picturesque landscape. Each October, tourists can enjoy the Covered Bridge Festival, which celebrates these unique architectural structures and takes place at Winterset City Park. Additionally, a visit to Clark Tower, a castle-like lookout built in 1926, and the Madison County Courthouse, constructed in 1876, offers great opportunities for memorable photos.
Bentonsport
Bentonsport is a historic village situated along the Des Moines River. Founded in 1839, it was an important steamboat port town for much of the 19th century. Today, it functions mostly as a tourist attraction, where you can view and enjoy numerous bed and breakfasts and historically preserved buildings. With 16 blocks of historic importance, tourists can visit authentic 19th-century style businesses, blacksmith shops, restaurants, and protestant churches. A great place for antique collectors, shoppers in Bentonsport have quite the selection to choose from, and bringing home a piece of old America has never been easier.
Pella
Established by Dutch immigrants in 1847, the town of Pella is home to almost 10,500 citizens. Retaining a special Dutch heritage, tourists can expect to find a variety of festivals and unique landmarks that celebrate this ethnic group. Take a stroll along the Molengracht Canal, visit the Vermeer Windmill, and enjoy the day at the annual Tulip Time Festival. Here the beautiful sights and smells of the flowers are not the only things to remember. Traditional Dutch food, folk dances, and regional costumes are all on the menu, making this one of the most alluring events and towns to explore in all of Iowa.
Iowa is a land filled with great attractions and natural beauty. Any visitor to the "Hawkeye State", would be remiss for overlooking its stunning small towns. Though the state's large urban centers require their share of attention, Iowa's small towns offer charming and fascinating histories. From the Dutch town of Pella to the lakeside shores of Okoboji, these small towns await exploration.
