11 Iowa Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets

Iowa is a quintessential rural state in the Midwest, better known for its agriculture than its cities. While it may not be known for tall skyscrapers and an electric nightlife, Iowa has vibrant Main Streets that are always teeming with activity. These harbor an eclectic mix of galleries, museums, restaurants, and Mom' n Pop shops, culminating in a busy hub where the community converges.

Exploring these thoroughfares provides an idea of the area's character and a look into how the old mingles with the new. Whether you are attending a Dutch festival in Pella or examining historical treasures in Winterset, here are Iowa towns with unforgettable Main Streets.

Grinnell

Just a little over an hour from Cedar Rapids, is the home of Grinnell College. This likable community is famous for its lively downtown district, where history interacts with the arts and local commerce. Walking down Main Street, Grinnell, you'll come across an eclectic mix of businesses. If you enjoy craft beers, you can stop by Grinnell Craft Brewhouse for a pint or two. The establishment is a popular gathering spot for locals and houses a taproom flowing with beer, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages.

But before that, make sure you have a full stomach by enjoying a hearty meal at Frontier Cafe. Meanwhile, those with a sweet tooth can indulge in mouth-watering baked goods at Grin City Bakery, from donuts and cookies to cakes and other confectioneries.

Manning

Despite its modest size, downtown Manning is jam-packed with points of interest that provide a feel for the community's character. The main thoroughfare promises fun surprises for foodies at Brickhaus Brews, which serves pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, and local craft beers to wash down the food. The Market Place Manning is another noteworthy stop along the corridor that welcomes guests for a unique shopping experience. It sells trendy women's clothing and home decor items that make for wonderful gifts.

Finally, those visiting with family can take the kids to Sweet Treats Ice Cream Shoppe. This popular establishment curbs all your sweet cravings with its generous servings of multiple ice cream flavors in a friendly spot with playful interior decor.

Orange City

Dutch heritage comes full circle in this quaint town of Sioux County, known for its friendly residents and unique European roots. Its main avenue displays stunning Dutch-inspired architecture that adds to its charm. The Windmill Information Booth is a great starting point for first-time explorers in the city and provides crucial information to create a perfect itinerary. Main Street also hosts the Orange City Farmer's Market, which welcomes visitors to shop for fresh produce, crafts, and home-baked goods while learning about local culture through in-person conversations.

The area comes to life every May when the town hosts the annual Tulip Festival, which paints the town with vibrant colors as residents step out in numbers to celebrate their home. Before you head home, be sure to find a lovely gift from Hands Across the World.

Perry

Perry is a historic town in Dallas County with a site-rich downtown region that offers all kinds of attractions. Strolling its quiet streets reveals local treasures like the Carnegie Library Museum. This vital heritage site, built in 1904, stockpiles a collection of archives and artifacts chronicling the yesteryears. Perry is a recognized cultural hub in the region and draws performance art enthusiasts to the Perry Performing Arts Center. The venue stages a lineup of concerts, dramas, and plays.

If you are spending the night in Perry and need a nice spot to rest your head, Hotel Pattee doesn't disappoint. It offers luxurious rooms and a top-of-the-range bowling center, a dedicated library, a fitness center, and other amenities.

Le Claire

Le Claire is a picturesque town on the Mississippi River with a laid-back atmosphere and small-town flair. Despite being compact, its downtown area houses a rich array of attractions within walking distance of one another. You will notice a thriving craft brewery and distillery scene that invites newcomers to sample local brews and spirits at establishments like Green Tree Brewery and Mississippi River Distilling Company. However, those with different alcoholic preferences can opt for sweet wines at Wide River Winery.

But imbibing is not all you'll be doing along Main Street Le Claire. The corridor offers numerous casual shopping experiences. If you collect antiques, remember to stop by Mississippi Cottage Antiques and sort through its assortment of vintage furniture, old paintings, crafts, and other collectibles.

Winterset

Winterset's claim to fame is its series of rustic covered bridges, which provide an interesting perspective on old-world engineering in the Hawkeye State. Downtown contains the Winterset Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District, which the main avenue cuts through and is dotted with vintage buildings. Prominent among these is the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, which boasts the most extensive collection of John Wayne memorabilia. The historic Iowa Theater is another notable point of interest and a hub for movie enthusiasts and performance art lovers.

When you need something to eat after hours of discovering the area's attractions, you can choose from numerous restaurants and diners. The Bakery Unlimited offers delicious donuts for a quick bite before a complete meal.

Oskaloosa

Designated a Main Street Iowa community, this Mahaska County municipality is home to a pedestrian-friendly historic district with a fair share of old buildings and art venues. The Mahaska County Courthouse is an excellent example of old-world architecture in Oskaloosa. It was constructed in 1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Art lovers can examine delightful exhibits at the Oskaloosa Art Center and Studios, which display creations by local artists. Elsewhere, those who need something to eat can pass by Jaarsma Bakery for a quick bite, featuring tasty homemade donuts and other yummy treats.

Greenfield

This Adair County municipality is home to the lively Greenfield Public Square Historic District, which puts it among Iowa towns with unforgettable Main Streets. The region is framed by vintage commercial buildings that demonstrate a seamless interaction of history and commerce. Highlights include the Warren Cultural Center, a 19th-century opera house that continues hosting enthralling with live performances, parties, and other social gatherings. Long's Market is another social hub in the square and attracts more than 30 local vendors selling all types of farm produce and crafts, including Amish goods.

Those who appreciate casual shopping experiences will enjoy sorting through the piles of primitives and collectibles at J's Variety Store or cute gift items at Ed & Eva's at pocket-friendly prices.

Decorah

Decorah is a charming community in Iowa's Driftless region with a curious Scandinavian heritage and pleasant outdoor scenery. Its main street hosts the National Norwegian-American Museum, which welcomes first-timers to inspect its colorful backstory. Over 30,000 artifacts in the museum chronicle the Norwegian immigrant experience since the first settlers arrived in Decorah in the 1850s. Several neighborhood diners along the avenue ensure no room for hunger. If you are a fan of pizza, you can find delicious offerings at Mabe's Pizza.

But if you want a proper meal, try checking out the menu at Rubaiyat Restaurant. The eatery is known for cooking up savory American fare. Later, you can book a room at Hotel Winneshiek to spend a comfortable night.

Pella

Pella is steeped in Dutch heritage, and newcomers are quick to notice this from the towering Dutch windmills and beautiful tulip gardens that dominate its downtown district. The urban square has a collection of historical landmarks, highlighted by the Molengracht Plaza and Canal. This stunning landmark features five old buildings and a 5,700-square-foot canal built to replicate an authentic Dutch canal.

If you are curious about the town's nightlife, you can get a feel for it at Nederlanders Tap & Golf. This neighborhood pub is always full of friendly patrons united by a love for great cocktails and live sports. Meanwhile, Pella Cinema screens the latest Hollywood releases in a triplex theater with comfortable stadium-style seating.

Muscatine

Muscatine lies on the shores of the Mississippi River and stands out for its waterfront downtown region. Second Street forms the lifeblood of the busy district, lined with museums, restaurants, and other local businesses. It is home to the National Pearl Button Museum, which stores a treasure trove of pearl buttons dating back to the 20th and 19th centuries. You will also bump into Hubble's Tap, one of the leading local watering holes and a popular after-hours hangout.

If you want to enjoy the exquisite vistas of the Mississippi River from downtown Muscatine, you can take a lazy stroll along Mississippi Drive. This picturesque avenue also hosts attractions like Contrary Brewing Company, which presents 20 ever-flowing taps of great-tasting craft beer.

Final Thought

If you plan a tour of the Hawkeye State anytime soon, consider skipping Des Moines for its less famous counterparts. A detour from the routine United States travel routes will bring you to the above Iowa towns with unforgettable Main Streets. Despite their slower pace and small-town flair, these downtown streets give visitors an exciting rural experience. Whether you want to admire Dutch windmills in Pella or experience Nordic culture in Decorah, each of these Iowa towns promises a remarkable vacation.