11 Charming Small Towns in Iowa That Most Travelers Miss Completely

Best Small Towns in Iowa

When someone mentions “Iowa getaway,” your first thought probably isn’t “hell yeah!” But between those rural landscapes lie a seriously underrated collection of small towns. Here are 11 Iowa small towns worth building an entire road trip around in 2025.

Pella

Founded by immigrants from the Netherlands in 1847, this is a slice of Dutch culture in the Hawkeye State.

You can see it everywhere, from the windmill called Vermeer Mill and those addictive Dutch letters (almond-filled pastry that’ll ruin you for all other baked goods).

This year, time your visit for the 90th anniversary of the town’s Tulip Time Festival in May 2025.

Decorah

They say a meteorite landed here approximately 470 million years ago, creating a crater that’s almost four miles wide under the town. 

The Norwegian vibe runs deep here, and you can get a taste of it at the Vesterheim Museum. For a first-hand look, come by in July when Decorah hosts their annual Nordic Fest.

But one of the town’s biggest claim to fame is the Toppling Goliath, a brewery whose IPAs have cult-like status among beer geeks nationwide.

Amana Colonies

Imagine seven villages frozen in time, where German communal living practiced since the 1850s until 1932 created a legacy of incredible craftsmanship and food that’ll keep your tummy happy. 

Woodworkers, blacksmiths, and weavers still practice old-world techniques in stone workshops. Come hungry for family-style meals where the table practically groans under platters of schnitzel, sauerkraut, and homemade bread.

Le Claire

Perched on the Mississippi River, Le Claire rocketed to fame as the birth place of Buffalo Bill Cody and the home base for the American Pickers TV show. But there’s more here than just the Antique Archaeology store (though yes, you should totally stop by). 

The town was named after Antoine Le Claire, a Métis interpreter who played a crucial role in early American-Indian relations in the region.

During your stay, sample small-batch spirits at Mississippi River Distilling Company, where they turn local grains into exceptional whiskeys and vodkas. Then hit the water yourself on a dinner cruise aboard the Celebration Belle. 

Mount Vernon

Built around historic Cornell College, this place balances small-town charm with a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. The brick main street is packed with indie boutiques, galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants.

During the annual Chalk the Walk festival, the sidewalks transform into canvases for mind-blowing temporary art. It will also celebrate the 175th anniversary of Cornell College with a series of academic symposiums, concerts, and community events throughout the year in 2025.

Spillville

Tiny but mighty, Spillville’s claim to fame is musical royalty after composer Antonín Dvořák spent the summer of 1893 here, writing some of his most famous works while homesick for his native Bohemia. 

The Czech heritage remains strong, especially at the Bily Clocks Museum, housing jaw-dropping hand-carved timepieces made by two bachelor farmer brothers.

St. Wenceslaus Church still conducts services in the oldest Czech Catholic church in America, and the surrounding countryside offers kayaking on the Turkey River with limestone bluff views.

Bentonsport

This National Historic District on the Des Moines River looks eerily similar to how it did in the 1840s, when it was a bustling port town. 

Cross the 1882 iron bridge (now pedestrian-only) for killer river views, then explore studios where modern artisans practice traditional blacksmithing, pottery making, and other crafts in historic buildings. 

Ghost hunters take note: The Mason House Inn has enough reported paranormal activity to land it on several “most haunted” lists, and they’re more than happy to book you an overnight stay.

Bonaparte

Named after the French military leader, Bonaparte delivers on small-town charm with its preserved mill town aesthetic. 

The annual Festival of Lights sends hundreds of paper lanterns down the Des Moines River. Another must-stop is the Bonaparte Retreat Restaurant that occupies a converted 1878 flour mill in the best possible way.

Serious pottery enthusiasts make pilgrimages to Bonaparte Pottery, where artisans still use local clay to create distinctive pieces using techniques passed down since the 1800s. 

Winterset

You’ve probably seen Winterset on screen even if you’ve never heard of it. This is Madison County, home to those covered bridges Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood made famous, plus the birthplace of John Wayne. 

The six covered bridges dot the surrounding countryside, each with its own personality and photo opportunities (the Roseman Bridge from the movie should top your list). The town square could win awards for its pristine 1876 courthouse surrounded by locally-owned shops and cafes.

Cap off your visit at Winterset Cidery, where they turn local apples into hard ciders that’ll make you rethink beer altogether.

Kalona

Iowa’s largest Amish settlement has places that still uses horse-drawn buggies and farms without electricity, creating a fascinating contrast with modern life. 

The twice-weekly auctions are the real deal – not staged for tourists – where you can score handcrafted furniture and quilts direct from the makers. The Kalona Cheese Factory (famously making squeaky cheese curds) lets you watch the cheesemaking process the old-school way. 

Pro tip: respect the no-photos rule around Amish residents, but feel free to ask questions – they’re generally happy to share their lifestyle with respectful visitors.