10 Most Eccentric Towns in Iowa
The most eccentric towns in Iowa stand out not only for their photogenic landscapes and natural amusements, but for the stories they tell amidst shimmering fields of gold. From the brick roads of Burlington to the storybook bridges of Winterset, these towns encourage explorations and reconnection with the humble outdoors. Whether you are chasing river views along the Mississippi River, stepping into Old World traditions, or wandering through historic villages that seem frozen in time, Iowa delivers quirky distractions for you to savor as the year comes to a close.
Burlington
Burlington is a small town that will sweep you off your feet. One of its quirkiest and most whimsical attraction is the famously winding Snake Alley, available to pedestrians and cyclists, its brick curves still celebrated by Ripley’s Believe It or Not and brought to life each Memorial Day during the Snake Alley Criterium.
Meanwhile, along the Mississippi River thrives the Heritage Hill Historic District, which preserves grand 19th-century homes and former civic buildings that reflect Burlington’s early role as Iowa’s territorial capital. You can also deepen your knowledge at the Des Moines County Heritage Center, where rotating exhibits and preserved artifacts highlight river commerce and community life. Finally, the Art Center of Burlington adds a creative spark, hosting regional exhibitions and the annual Snake Alley Art Fair to make your experience more eccentric by the minute.
Dyersville
Set amidst rolling farmlands in eastern Iowa, Dyersville is where cinematic legends and small-town charisma get together to play ball. The town’s most iconic site, the "Field of Dreams" movie location, remains one of the best places for fans of the movie to stroll the legendary baseball diamond, tour the farmhouse, and even play catch on the field that made movie history.
Just a short walk away, the National Farm Toy Museum showcases over 30,000 meticulously crafted farming replicas, celebrating Iowa’s agricultural legacy with both nostalgia and craftsmanship. Rising above the town, the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier continues to awe visitors with its Gothic Revival design and richly restored interior, making it one of the most striking churches in the Midwest. Last but not least, for treasure hunters, the Plaza Antique Mall offers hundreds of vendor booths filled with collectibles and curiosities.
Decorah
The town of Decorah thrives at the intersection of natural beauty, wondrous history, and cultural aspirations to appreciate this winter. The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is a grand spot to immerse yourself in insightful exhibits and a Heritage Park featuring historic buildings that illustrate the lives of Norwegian immigrants who shaped the region.
Nearby, the preserved Painter-Bernatz Mill, often called the Old Stone Mill, provides context and narratives on the early industrial and agricultural practices along the Upper Iowa River. Those of you who love architecture will definitely adore the Norris Miller House, relocated to museum grounds and notable for its rare stovewood construction technique. Beyond human history, Decorah’s setting atop the ancient Decorah Impact Crater adds a fascinating geological eccentricity to the town, linking the place to the discovery of the prehistoric sea scorpion Pentecopterus decorahensis.
Pella
Pella perfectly mimics the Netherlands in many ways. Towering above the town, the Vermeer Windmill continues to operate as one of the tallest working windmills in North America, offering guided tours and panoramic views that preserve Pella’s Old World identity. Surrounding the Dutch windmill is the Pella Historical Museums, where more than 20 preserved buildings — including the Scholte House — showcases the 19th-century Dutch immigrant lifestyle.
In the heart of the downtown, the beautifully restored Pella Opera House hosts yearly performances beneath ornate tin ceilings and stained glass. Lastly, the Lake Red Rock provides a scenic counterpoint, inviting boating and shoreline relaxation at Iowa’s largest reservoir.
McGregor
McGregor continues to be a peaceful gateway to some of Iowa’s most striking landscapes. One will find the historic Effigy Mounds National Monument to the north, preserving more than 200 ancient earthen mounds shaped like animals and offering hiking trails with magnificent views of the Mississippi River. Those of you who head south will find Pikes Peak State Park, which continues to impress visitors with dramatic overlooks, the Bridal Veil Falls boardwalk, and access to rugged Driftless terrain.
Within town, McGregor’s historic downtown features well-preserved 19th-century storefronts housing cafés, galleries, and antique shops that reward leisurely exploration. Best of all, the nearby Bloody Run Wildlife Management Area is a good destination to venture on quiet trails and through diverse habitats provide opportunities for wildlife observation.
Le Claire
When it comes to being eccentric, Le Claire gives you plenty of pop-culture intrigue to satisfy your curiosity. The Buffalo Bill Museum interprets William F. Cody’s early life alongside exhibits on steamboat history and river navigation. Adjacent to the museum, the preserved Lone Star steamboat — a rare surviving wooden-hulled river vessel — illustrates the role of 19th-century commercial navigation on the Mississippi River.
Fans of Americana can browse Antique Archaeology, the well-known shop from "American Pickers," which continues to draw visitors with its eclectic mix of antiques and curiosities. For a more scenic experience, the Riverboat Twilight operates seasonal cruises, providing leisurely views of the Mississippi’s islands and bluffs.
Winterset
Winterset is a lovable and affable hometown where one can enjoy the simple splendors of Iowa’s countryside. Its most famous landmarks, the Covered Bridges of Madison County, remain accessible via scenic drives and trails, offering photogenic reminders of the town’s legacy for both the book and movie, "The Bridges of Madison County."
Film history continues at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, which preserves John Wayne’s childhood home alongside extensive exhibits celebrating his career. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Pammel State Park, where sandstone formations, woodland trails, and river access showcase Iowa’s quieter natural beauty. Best of all, the Fellowship Forest provides a peaceful preserve with walking paths ideal for gallivanting and meandering about.
The Amana Colonies
Comprising seven historic villages, the Amana Colonies remain one of Iowa’s most immersive cultural destinations to visit. The Amana Heritage Museum gives you comprehensive interpretations regarding the communal lifestyle established by German Pietists in the 1850s, grounding visitors in the colonies’ shared history and values.
Throughout the villages, traditional craftsmanship thrives in working shops producing furniture, textiles, and handmade goods. Seasonal celebrations such as Oktoberfest and the Wurst Festival in June draw hundreds of tourists with music, food, and Old-World traditions to celebrate. During the holidays, the Tannenbaum Forest similarly transforms the area with festive lights and decorated trees.
Bellevue
True to its name, Bellevue delivers beautiful river views amidst abundant outdoor opportunities to try out. From the Bellevue State Park, one can stand atop breathtaking overlooks of the bluffs and Mississippi River that dominate the landscape, as well as possibly sight frequent bald eagle soaring overhead. Nearby, Spruce Creek Park provides a quieter setting for walking paths and picnics amid gently rolling greenery.
For deeper immersion, the Little Mill Wildlife Management Area supports habitats and peaceful exploration across diverse biomes. Back in town, Bellevue’s historic downtown continues to delight with brick storefronts, locally owned cafés, and river-facing benches perfect for and unbothered discoveries.
Bentonsport
Bentonsport is a prosperous and promising small town along a quiet bend of the Des Moines River. One can travel across the historic Bentonsport Bridge, an iron truss structure that leads to some splendid views and destinations beside the Des Moines River. For more history, the National Historic District preserves original buildings from Bentonsport’s steamboat era, now home to art galleries, boutiques, and cafés that retain their period charm.
Visitors can also explore the Bentonsport General Store, which continues to serve homemade treats and local goods in a setting largely unchanged since the 1800s. Just beyond town, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park offers wooded trails, river overlooks, and camping opportunities that give you beautiful experiences in Bentonsport’s village atmosphere.
Eccentricity Lies in Simplicity In These Iowa Small Towns
The most eccentric towns in Iowa to visit show a side of the state defined by beauty, heritage, and heartfelt simplicity in the countryside. From windmills turning steadily in Pella to ancient effigy mounds in McGregor, these immigrant-built villages and wilderness-getaway towns each have their unique characteristics that will entice you to visit more often. For travelers seeking meaningful escapes this upcoming 2026, Iowa’s small towns offer not just places to visit, but places to reconnect and rejuvenate.
