10 Most Welcoming Towns In Iowa's Countryside
Beyond its bigger cities like Boise and Meridian, Iowa is dotted with some of the most welcoming small towns that are as golden and bright as its famous corn fields. These quaint getaways offer immense natural beauty, deep-rooted history, and unmistakable Midwestern charm. Whether it is the cinematic draw of Dyersville or the winding streets of Burlington, each destination provides a perfect retreat for those seeking a bit of character and culture. The most welcoming towns in Iowa’s countryside are sure to appeal to everyone passionate to explore local heritage, the great outdoors, and a taste of the good life in a simpler time and place.
Burlington
Located along the mighty Mississippi and just around 75 miles from the city of Davenport, Burlington is a welcoming town with a unique personality. Long before it was officially incorporated, the area was called Shoquoquon by the Meskwaki peoples for its flint-rich hills. Later, it served as a temporary capital for both the Wisconsin and Iowa Territories. Today, visitors can explore this enduring legacy at the Heritage Hill Historic District, where 19th-century homes and government buildings still invite the curious and the inspired.
The town's most famous feature, Snake Alley, winds dramatically through five half-curves and two quarter-curves, earning its title from Ripley’s Believe It or Not as the “Crookedest Street in the World.” This twisting landmark becomes the heart of the action each Memorial Day weekend during the Snake Alley Criterium, a high-energy cycling event for those exhilarated to watch or even participate. For more relaxed sightseeing, you can enjoy a stroll along the Flint River Trail with scenic river views. With its mix of history, oddities, and natural scenery, Burlington is a top choice for a peaceful Iowa vacation destination.
Dyersville
Dyersville is where movie magic was made. This humble town is most famous as the filming location of the iconic movie, Field of Dreams, where visitors can still walk the bases on the very baseball diamond featured in the film. The field, surrounded by whispering cornfields, continues to draw fans and dreamers from around the world, offering tours of the film set, stadium concerts, and even the odd MLB baseball game.
Beyond its cinematic claim to fame, the town celebrates its agricultural roots at the National Farm Toy Museum, home to thousands of miniature farm equipment models that delight collectors and enthusiasts of all ages. The stunning Basilica of Saint Francis Xavier, one of fewer than a hundred minor basilicas in the US, impresses with its twin spires and intricate interior. Dyersville is also a gateway to eastern Iowa’s scenic byways, with peaceful drives and picturesque farmland. Whether you are reliving movie magic or living in the moment, Dyersville is the kind of place where dreams do come true.
Decorah
Decorah, nestled in Iowa’s Driftless Region is an outdoor lover’s paradise with geological wonders around every corner. Sitting atop the ancient Decorah Impact Crater, this area has preserved rare fossils like the Pentecopterus decorahensis, a prehistoric sea scorpion. Today, the town’s unique terrain is perfect for hiking scenic cliffs, paddling the Upper Iowa River, or snapping photos at the enchanting Dunning’s Spring Park, with a 200-foot waterfall just minutes from downtown.
Decorah also celebrates its Scandinavian heritage at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, one of the most comprehensive museums of its kind in the US. Between its ancient history and vibrant culture, Decorah is a dynamic destination waiting to welcome you into a world of wonders in Iowa’s Driftless Region.
Pella
Pella, like Decorah, is a little slice of Europe in the middle of Iowa’s heartland. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the region's Dutch heritage and picturesque streets. Founded in 1847 by immigrants fleeing religious persecution in the Netherlands, Pella still flourishes with Old-World charm during the Tulip Time Festival, when the town transforms with colorful blooms, parades, and Dutch traditions.
A towering focal point downtown, the Vermeer Windmill—America’s tallest working windmill—grinds flour while offering tours and panoramic views from the top. Just steps away, the Pella Historical Village and Vermeer Museum & Global Pavilion tell the compelling story of the town’s founders and their perseverance. For a breath of fresh air, you can head to Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake, where boating, birdwatching, and trails await.
McGregor
Tucked between forested limestone bluffs and the Mississippi River, history buffs and hikers alike will be drawn to McGregor and Effigy Mounds National Monument. These sacred grounds contain ancient Native American burial mounds believed to date back to the 1st century CE, and the area has been preserved and protected by the National Park Service. Nearby, Pikes Peak State Park showcases magnificent vistas over the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers.
The Sny Magill Wildlife Area is a great spot for birdwatching and fishing, especially trout. Meanwhile, those craving local culture can browse McGregor’s historic downtown filled with antique shops, art galleries, and inviting cafés. Architecture from the 1800s still stands tall and proud in these streets, creating a unique, layered beauty in Iowa’s countryside.
Elkader
Elkader offers a cultural and natural experience unlike any other Iowa town. Named in honor of freedom fighter Emir Abd el-Kader of Algeria, Elkader is the only town in the US to bear the name of a Muslim leader, and it honors this legacy through its continued cultural ties with Mascara, Algeria, the town’s official sister city and the birthplace of Emir Abd el-Kader.
One of Elkader’s primary attractions is the Keystone Bridge, a stone arch bridge from 1889 that still carries traffic over the Turkey River. Visitors can also explore the Earthmoving Legacy Center, showcasing antique equipment and the evolution of heavy machinery. For outdoor enthusiasts, Elkader City Park and the Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge offer wooded trails, wildlife areas, and riverfront serenity. From its multicultural roots to its riverside vistas, Elkader is a welcoming spot for those seeking simple pleasures.
Le Claire
Le Claire is a small town that rests quietly on the banks of the Mississippi. It is most famous as the hometown of Wild West icon Buffalo Bill Cody, whose life and legend are preserved at the Buffalo Bill Museum. Antique lovers and pop culture buffs can also browse Antique Archaeology, the storefront made famous by the History Channel's American Pickers. In winter, the town becomes a haven for bald eagles during migration season, celebrated each January at the Eagle Festival. Meanwhile, the festive Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and quirky Buffalo Stampede Sweepstakes bring playful spirit to the town throughout the year.
For a scenic adventure in the Hawkeye State’s countryside, you can hop aboard the Riverboat Twilight, offering guided Mississippi sightseeing cruises up and down the river three times daily on Saturdays. Le Claire’s rustic nostalgia and local culture make it a must on any Iowa itinerary in 2025.
Winterset
Another town made famous in the movies, Winterset was featured in the Academy Award-winning film, The Bridges of Madison County. Six historic bridges still stand today, including the picturesque Roseman and Holliwell Bridges, which remain picture perfect and practically begging to be photographed. The town is also the birthplace of legendary film actor John Wayne, honored at the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum, which includes original furnishings from his childhood home and rare memorabilia.
Beyond its Hollywood ties, Winterset’s lush hills create a serene backdrop at Pammel Park and Fellowship Forest, where visitors enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking amidst the tranquil surroundings. The Madison County Historical Complex further enriches your visit with pioneer exhibits and period buildings for those curious to know a bit more about local history. With scenic byways and iconic Americana, the welcoming vibes of Winterset will set you on a good and merry course in this lovely little town.
The Amana Colonies
A step into the Amana Colonies is like entering a living museum of German-American tradition. Composed of seven distinct villages, this historic community was founded in the 1850s by Pietists seeking religious freedom and communal living, this time from Germany. Their legacy can best be understood and appreciated in the Amana Heritage Museum, which offers insightful information into the settlers’ faith and daily life.
To better immerse yourself in the culture and etiquette of the Amana Colonies, you can attend yearly, seasonal events like Oktoberfest, the Wurst Festival in June, and Tannenbaum Forest Festival during Christmas, all of which celebrate the area’s cultural heritage with food, music, and folk art. Artisans continue to thrive here, crafting everything from handwoven rugs to traditional wood furniture. Meanwhile, hungry visitors can savor schnitzel, strudel, and locally brewed beer at classic German eateries that are dotted all across the seven villages.
Bentonsport
Bentonsport is a preserved 19th-century village along the panoramic Des Moines River. Once a bustling steamboat hub, today the town offers peaceful river views, historic charm, and a relaxed pace that is ideal for weekend getaways. The Bentonsport Historic District is made up of art studios, antique shops, and preserved buildings like the old Bentonsport Presbyterian Church, one of Iowa’s oldest.
The Bentonsport Bridge, a pedestrian-only iron truss structure, invites and encourages people to go on scenic strolls over the flowing Des Moines River. Close at hand, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is where forested trails and bluff-top overlooks await the keen and the curious. What Brentonsport lacks in size, it more than makes up for in splendour.
Iowa’s rural destinations blossom and brim with their own unique cultures and customs, each with its own blend of history, natural beauty, folk festivals, and community spirit. All of them are perfect destinations for travelers looking to get up close and personal with the Hawkeye State. From the bridges of Winterset and Elkader to the windmill in Pella, the crater in Decorah, and Dyersville's field of dreams, Iowa extends a warm welcome in these countryside towns.
