IowaAttractions|Small Towns
By dpaulson
|Updated on September 16, 2022(Originally published September 11, 2022)
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You might say that Iowa’s small towns really are the heart and soul of the state. They’re known for their welcoming atmospheres, quaint Main Streets, and the friendly, hard-working people who live in them. While we have no shortage of towns to choose from, here are 11 small towns in rural Iowathat are downright delightful.
Le Claire, IA 52753, USA
Le Claire is a charming small town of 3,765 people that was put on the map by the popular TV show, "American Pickers." The show’s hosts set up their shop, Antique Archaeology in Le Claire. When you visit, make sure to check out the shop, as well as the Cody Road Historic District (shown above). You’ll also want to check out the Buffalo Bill Museum and sample the "Iowish Whiskey" at the Mississippi River Distilling Company.
Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Decorah, also known as Iowa’s "Little Norway," has a population of 8,127 and is located amongst the scenic bluffs of Northeastern Iowa. Decorah is home to the amazing Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, named one of the 15 Best Small-Town Museums in the U.S. by Fodor’s. Other notable places to visit include Dunning’s Springs, the Ice Cave, and Seed Savers, a beautiful farm dedicated to preserving America’s endangered seeds and plants.
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Saint Donatus, St Donatus, IA, USA
St. Donatus is an authentic Luxembourger village, right here in Iowa. With only a population of only 135, it may one of the smallest towns in Iowa, but it’s big on charm. The town is surrounded by incredible natural beauty and is filled with historic architecture and Luxembourg heritage. Make sure to sample some Luxembourg dishes at Kalmes Restaurant while you’re there, and pay a visit to the St. Donatus Catholic Church.
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Pella, IA 50219, USA
Pella, with a population of 10,344, is an incredibly quaint and charming town in Iowa, with a rich Dutch heritage and architecture. While you’re there, make sure to pay a visit to the Vermeer Windmill, and visit the Dutch town square, featuring the Molengracht Canal. The town’s main event is the annual Tulip Festival, a must-see.
Mount Vernon, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA
One of the best towns to live in rural Iowa, Mount Vernon is a beautiful little college town of around 4,506 people. Mount Vernon is home to Cornell College, the only college in the country with its entire campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While you’re there, make sure to peruse the charming shops along Main Street, and stop in for some coffee at Fuel or some delicious wood-fired pizza and a glass of wine at the Lincoln Wine Bar.
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Amana Colonies, 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, USA
The total population for the Amana Colonies is around 1,200, although the colonies are made up of seven villages: Amana (or Main Amana), East Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead. There’s plenty to explore in these charming villages, from the General Store to a variety of shops featuring local, handcrafted items, to the Woolen Mill, ensuring you'll never run out of things to do. For some authentic German fare, make sure to stop in at the Ox Yoke Inn.
Bentonsport, IA 52565, USA
Bentonsport is one of the Villages of VanBuren and is home to about 500 people. It is full of amazing shops and local charm and is one of the most beautiful small towns in Iowa. Make sure to check out the Greef General Store, take an Amish buggy ride, and sample some homemade fudge at Forever Sweet Creations. If you’re staying overnight, make sure to book your stay at the historic Mason House Inn, a famously haunted Iowa spot.
Winterset, IA 50273, USA
Winterset is a rural Iowa town with a population of 5,190. The town has many charms, most famously, of course, are the covered Bridges of Madison County. You’ll also want to check out the city park, with its hedge maze and the amazing overlook at Clark Tower. Make sure to visit John Wayne's birthplace, as well.
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McGregor, IA 52157, USA
McGregor has about 870 people and incredible scenery, as it’s situated between the Northeast Iowa bluffs and the Mississippi River. Nearby attractions that are a must-see are Pikes Peak State Park and Spook Cave. Also, just wander around the town and explore the shops, take in the scenery, and marvel at the interesting buildings.
Elk Horn, IA 51531, USA
Elk Horn is a tiny Danish town in Iowa with a population of 650. On your visit, make sure to see the only working Danish windmill outside of Denmark, as well as the Museum of Danish America. Elk Horn is also home to Morning Star Chapel, a miniature chapel that seats four and is one of the smallest churches in America.
Dyersville, IA, USA
Dyersville is a rural Iowa town that has a population of 4,100 and is most well known for being the home of the "Field Of Dreams" movie site. Other must-visit spots in Dyersville include the St. Francis Basilica and the National Farm Toy Museum.
Do you live in or have you visited any of these delightful towns? What did you think? For more of Iowa’s small-town charm, these 10 Iowa towns have the most charming town squares you’ll ever see.
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More to Explore
Small towns in Iowa
Jackie Ann|September 16, 2022
What is the oldest town in Iowa?
Located right on the Mighty Mississippi, Dubuque is the oldest town in Iowa. The town was incorporated in 1833 and was one of the first settlements west of the Mississippi River. Today, this Iowa town is home to roughly 60,000 people and is full of charm, history, and endless outdoor attractions. Right behind Dubuque in the timeline is the charming town of Burlington, which was also incorporated in 1833. Once a major port city, today Burlington is one of the most historic towns in Iowa where you can check out historic attractions like the Hawkeye Log Cabin Museum and the Heritage Hill Historic District.
What is the most naturally beautiful town in Iowa?
Iowa is full of naturally beautiful towns, but few can compare to the scenic town of Guttenberg. With incredible views of both the Mississippi River and the iconic Iowa landscape, you’ll find nothing but peace and quiet in this quaint town in Iowa. While you’re there, be sure to visit Inglewood Park where you can take the two-mile-long riverwalk trail so you can get even better views of the town.
Which town in Iowa has the best restaurants?
No matter where you go in the country, you’ll often find that some of the best meals are located in small towns. That’s certainly the case in Iowa, where small-town life equals incredible, homestyle meals. If you’re looking for the best pizza in Iowa, look no further than Marshalltown, a small city overflowing with yummy pizzerias. For the best German food in Iowa, make your way to Amana where you can feast on the best schnitzel and sausages outside of Germany.
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