2025's 13 Most Scenic Iowa Towns

Iowa may not have the pomp and color of neighboring Chicago, but its unspoiled natural landscapes embody rural America's authentic charm and character. Between its vast cornfields, rolling farmland, and quiet country roads, the Hawkeye State is steeped in God-given splendor. This opens doors to remarkable adventures outdoors, allowing tourists to discover the cascading river valleys, dramatic limestone bluffs, and pristine prairies that dominate its backcountry scene.

Beyond the busy streets of Des Moines, Iowa is also home to slow-paced communities teeming with small-town charm and Midwestern hospitality. From lakeside enclaves like Okoboji to riverside villages like Bellevue, these scenic Iowa towns provide front row views of the state's most alluring backdrops.

Decorah

This lovely village in Winneshiek County is known for its Scandinavian heritage and natural beauty, framed by scenic vistas of the Upper Iowa River. The Upper Iowa River Access Area beckons adventurers to make the most of kayaking and canoeing adventures as it winds past stunning limestone bluffs, cliffs, and rock walls along the river corridor.

Alternatively, you can admire the winding waterway during a jog, run, bike, or walk along the Trout Run Trail. This 11-mile route follows the river's trails, connecting parks and campgrounds. But if you want a quiet space to slow down and feast your eyes, Dunning's Spring Park has a stunning green atmosphere with a 200-foot waterfall, limestone cliffs, and a bald eagle habitat.

McGregor

McGregor lies on the banks of the Mississippi River, across from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. To the south of the town, Pikes Peak State Park harbors some of the most scintillating views of the Mississippi. It offers a mix of biking trails, hiking routes, primitive campgrounds, and sweeping panoramas of the Upper Mississippi River interacting with the Wisconsin River. Those who fancy an expedition on the iconic waterway can head to Nauti Marina. Here, you can hire a paddleboard, kayak, and other personal watercraft for a fun water-based adventure.

Another lovely escape for nature lovers is Spook Cave & Campground. The area offers delightful cave tours, with opportunities for campers, picnickers, fishermen, paddleboarders, hikers, and other adventurers.

Bellevue

Bellevue is another Mississippi River community to the east of Jackson County. Besides spell-binding vistas of the iconic waterway, the town houses multiple park areas where guests can escape to reconnect with nature. The most popular for many is Bellevue State Park, framed by the winding course of the Mississippi and 300-foot limestone bluffs. Those visiting with their furry friends can spend quality time on walks along the scenic trail crisscrossing Felderman Park. This straddles the banks of Mill Creek and leads to a beautiful disc golf course.

If you've ever played golf, consider testing your swing on the lovely greens of Bellevue Golf Club. The property features a 9-hole course that promises to challenge all skill levels, while rewarding players with unparalleled Mississippi River views.

Lansing

The Mississippi River runs along this charming village in Allamakee County, spoiling tourists with stunning water views while fueling an array of water-based recreations. Guests craving to get on the water can visit the Lansing Marina. Several local outfitters, such as S&S Houseboat Rentals, schedule exciting excursions on the river. Meanwhile, visiting Mount Hosmer Park culminates in stunning photo opportunities. The park is perched on a bluff overlooking the shimmering waters of the Mississippi River.

From the site, you can catch a glimpse of the iconic Black Hawk Bridge. The structure connects Lansing to the community of Crawford, Wisconsin, and walking along it places you directly above the water.

Elkader

Elkader is a rural community in Clayton County along the banks of the Turkey River with outstanding outdoor scenery. It has green spaces, beautiful overlooks, and iconic natural landmarks. Vacationers who feel favored in the open can head to Elkader City Park for a picnic with loved ones. The site has a family-friendly atmosphere with a peaceful hiking and biking trail. Alternatively, they can head to Turkey River Park to access the calm river waters for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and other activities.

If you are more interested in the views, Chicken Ridge Scenic Overlook sits atop the highest point in the area, delivering unprecedented views of the rolling hills, vast farmland, and winding river in the town.

Okoboji

Okoboji's lakeside location makes it one of the most scenic Iowa towns, framed by the glistening waters of West Okoboji Lake and clear open skies stretching as far as the eye can perceive. Ready access to the lake promises ample aquatic sporting activities, and vacationers can head to Mau Marine to charter a water vessel for the same. But if you are in Okoboji with family, there is no better destination than Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This over 20-acre establishment provides unadulterated fun that extends to the lake's calm waters.

Okoboji also invites guests to take it easy with walks on the beautiful trails of Kenue Park. This 70-acre sanctuary features sections of oak savanna crisscrossed by secluded pathways, a nature center, and a disc golf course.

Guttenberg

Guttenberg is another gem along the Mississippi River that allows visitors to spend the days hiking and fishing along its scenic banks. But there's much more to expect from this tiny village in Clayton County, including wild adventures at Big Springs Nature Area. This stunning sanctuary harbors secluded nature trails through dense woods leading to a tiered waterfall. Meanwhile, Turkey River Mounds State Preserve provides a 62-acre outdoor escape where nature photographers get the best perspective of the Mississippi and Turkey Rivers.

While discovering the soothing outdoor areas, use the opportunity to flex your swing with peers during a laid-back session at the Guttenberg Golf Course. Despite its modest nine holes, the property challenges newbies as well as seasoned golfers.

Pella

Pella's charm lies in its unique Dutch heritage, down-to-earth locals, and serene natural spaces. Thanks to pockets of urban oases, it is an excellent destination for visitors who plan to spend most of their time wandering the outdoors. This includes Sunken Gardens Park along Main Street, where you can leisurely walk through manicured tulip gardens and admire quaint water features. Also, Big Rock Park provides an escape from the downtown noise with a quiet 83-acre sanctuary dominated by a native forest.

It has the perfect atmosphere for an uninterrupted picnic, with a chance to sit back and let your thoughts wander. The best golfers in town converge at Pella Golf & Country Club to gauge their technique against peers in a well-laid-out course with serene tree surroundings and lush greens.

Perry

Perry is a suburban community outside Des Moines located on the banks of the North Raccoon River. It offers year-round opportunities for ardent adventurers, with many coming to bike or hike the 56-mile Raccoon River Valley Trail, which cuts through the town en route to Jefferson. Along the way, bikers can take in stunning views of the waterway. If you can't play golf, you can still enjoy the serenity of the Perry Golf & Country Club. Boasting well-maintained fairways and lush greens, the area is ideal for lazy walks as you check out rolling hills and green landscapes.

Elsewhere, a Forest Park Museum and Arboretum tour lets you explore local history in a landmark museum with relaxed natural surroundings. You can find grassy picnic spots and quiet walking paths on the site.

Boone

Boone is known for its world-class golfing opportunities and popular parks, enough incentive for first-timers to lean towards the great outdoors. Golfers in town can choose between Cedar Pointe Golf Course and Honey Creek Golf Club to savor the green spaces during easygoing tee time, each enveloped by rolling landscapes and wide open skies. To get a better view of Boone's beautiful backcountry, you can take a trip with Rail Explorers for sweeping panoramas of the Des Moines River Valley.

Meanwhile, numerous family-friendly parks in the town allow guests to come together and spend quality time outside. This includes McHose Park, whose amenities range from picnic shelters, a playground, and ball fields.

Madrid

Madrid promises tourists plenty to see and do in its multiple outdoor spaces. It is home to Ledges State Park, which houses stunning landscapes with hiking trails, thick forests, and a sandstone gorge. From the top of the ledges, you can savor unbeatable vistas of the Des Moines River. The views get better from the High Trestle Trail Bridge. This 13-story-high structure spans the Des Moines River Valley, inviting daredevils to enjoy the river scenery from its landmark elevation.

Meanwhile, the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens presents a 348-acre oasis where newcomers can commune with nature. The tranquil natural area harbors lush woodland trails, quiet streams, and pleasant overlooks.

Mount Vernon

If you need a break from the rowdy scene in Cedar Rapids, Mount Vernon is precisely the small-town escape to slow down and revel in the countryside atmosphere. This Linn County village is known for its spectacular outdoor areas, notably Palisades-Kepler State Park. With 840 acres of woodlands along the Cedar River bank, this reserve attracts everybody from hikers and anglers to campers and hunters. It is also home to the J Harold Ennis Preserve, which transforms into a storybook scene with the changing fall foliage.

Furthermore, Palisades-Dows Nature Preserve guarantees no limit to your adventures in the wilderness. This spreads over 330 acres of a rugged woodland region with dramatic cliffs along the Cedar River.

Winterset

This small town in Madison County is known for its abundance of covered bridges and lush countryside scenes. One of the best ways to explore its backcountry is by driving or biking along the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. The 82-mile route passes through the iconic engineering feats from yesteryears and isolated natural areas. Vacationers touring with their furry friends will love spending time on walks alongside them at the Winterset Dog Park.

But a nonchalant picnic on the peaceful grounds of the Winterset City Park doesn't sound like a bad idea if you are alone. Covering over 70 acres, the lovely space lets you sit back and savor its serenity.

The Hawkeye State is not merely about cornfields and a welcoming spirit; it has a picturesque countryside riddled with adorable little communities. Whenever you feel like breaking away from the city's choking crowds and traffic noise, these scenic Iowa towns provide the sweet spot to relax your body and mind in the United States. Together, they offer a welcoming rural atmosphere showcasing the best of the state's natural allure, from the gardens of Pella to the forests of Mount Vernon.