6 Quietly Charming Towns In Iowa

In addition to the wide-open fields and exceptional Midwestern hospitality, many of Iowa’s charming towns feature landscapes that seem to belong to movie scenes and novels. In Winterset, you will find some of the most iconic bridges ever to feature on screen. Kalona is known for something completely different but equally charming. Here, you can view and buy unique quilts while learning more about the Old Order Amish and Mennonite community. Most of the downtown areas throughout Iowa’s small towns also feature historic buildings and museums, while the surroundings offer outdoor activities. These are the quiet places that don’t boast the same tourist crowds, yet you will remember long after you have packed up and returned home.

Winterset

Winterset will forever be known as the setting for one of the most romantic drama novels ever written, The Bridges of Madison County. The book was adapted into a feature film released in 1995. This charming town is only 40 minutes from Des Moines, making it a great day trip. Your first stop should be at least one or two of the six historic covered bridges in and around the town. The 1883 Roseman Bridge is featured most in the film, and you can write your own message of love on the inside.

Winterset is also home to the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. This fascinating museum features several collections and artifacts related to the actor’s career and personal life. You can even watch a documentary on Wayne’s film career in the on-site movie theatre and shop for merchandise in the gift shop. You can also watch new releases at the Iowa Theater downtown on John Wayne Drive and grab a cup of coffee from the Pammel Park Coffee Company afterwards. For some fresh outdoor air, you can head to Winterset City Park, where you can climb to the top of the historic Clark Tower or explore the several hiking trails.

Pella

Pella is just as quietly charming as Winterset, but in a different way. Here, instead of bridges and museums, you can explore the Vermeer Windmill or join the annual Tulip Time festival that happens in May. During the spring, thousands of tulips bloom throughout Pella, creating a colorful spectacle. You will find them everywhere, from the main square to the sides of the streets. Pella is very proud of its Dutch heritage, and nowhere is that clearer than in the Pella Historical Village. The village is home to 18 historic and reconstructed buildings, all related to the town’s history. You can visit a bakery, a log cabin, and a wooden shoe factory in the village, which makes for a great photo backdrop.

The Vermeer Windmill is part of the village and remains the tallest working windmill in the U.S. You can see inside the windmill, which includes a recreated living space typical of a Dutch miller family in the 1800s. If you want to do some shopping, head to the Molengracht Plaza adjacent to the village. There are several shops here, a Dutch canal, and plenty of pretty bridges. If you want to spend some time by the water fishing and kayaking, you can stop by Lake Red Rock, ten minutes away from Pella. You can also camp, hike, and bike while at the lake.

Decorah

If you are in search of quiet, beautiful views, and an overload of charm, Decorah is the place to be. It has been named one of America's best small towns to visit and one of its prettiest towns over the years. You can go tubing on the Upper Iowa River, which runs right through the town. Or, take a bicycle on the Trout Run Trail and enjoy an eleven-mile scenic ride. At Dunning’s Springs Park, a short walk from town, you can hike to a stunning waterfall.

In the town itself, you can visit Vesterheim, which is the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School. You will find some of the best examples of historic and contemporary Norwegian folk arts right here, as part of a collection of around 33,000 artifacts. There are also twelve historic buildings and a library to explore as you learn more about the town’s Norwegian heritage.

Kalona

Kalona sits in Washington County and is best known for its Amish culture. At the Kalona Historical Village, you can see preserved historical buildings that give you a first-hand look at how the Amish lived. There are also exceptional quilt displays here, and if you visit during April, you can catch the Kalona Quilt Show. As you explore this quiet town, you will likely see horse-drawn carriages pass you as you make your way to the local farmers’ market. A lot of the produce and goods come from the Amish community. You can get a great cup of coffee at the café at the Mennonite Museum and Archives. There are several historical displays to see here as well.

If you want to enjoy some outdoor activities, the nearby Lake Macbride State Park offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. You can also boat on the lake; canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, and motorboat rentals are available. There are several trails to traverse, from easy to challenging. Plan your visit for the fall to enjoy the incredible foliage colors in this part of Iowa. If you want to stay for a while, you can camp in one of the two designated campgrounds.

Le Claire

Le Claire, situated along the Mississippi River, is one of the beauties of Iowa. In this attractive town, you can cruise down the river on the Riverboat Twilight while enjoying absolute tranquility. Or, if you just want to relax next to the water, you can sit and watch the barges go by before strolling along the levee. For history and shopping, you can stop by the Buffalo Bill Museum, which also houses one of the only surviving wooden-hulled steam-powered towboats. Moreover, the downtown area features all the shops and restaurants you could possibly want, and you can admire the 19th-century architecture while you are there.

Make some time to visit the Mississippi River Distilling Company to taste unique cocktails and spirits. You can also tour the distillery to see how these drinks are made. For something a little different, head to the Green Tree Brewery, where you can try raspberry beer.

Clear Lake

In Clear Lake, which lies between the Twin Cities and Des Moines, you will get a taste of what the 1950s were like. Before the Surf Ballroom was built in 1948, dance halls and the Bayside Amusement Park were the main entertainment in this charming town. Then tragedy struck when Buddy Holly and other musicians played a set at the ballroom, only for his plane to crash in a nearby cornfield after the show. The quiet is shaken a bit every year during the Winter Dance Party in January, held in honor of those who died in the crash: Holly, The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens, and the pilot, Roger Peterson. The event draws visitors from all over the world who want to take part in three days of 1950s music and memorable moments.

You can also visit the Surf Ballroom when you are in Clear Lake. The ballroom is now a National Historic Landmark and hosts classic rock shows and orchestral performances. In between the music celebrations, you can rent a yurt for a short stay in McIntosh Woods State Park. Or you can go on an evening cruise on the Lady of the Lake paddle wheeler.

Enjoy Lazy Days in Iowa’s Quiet and Charming Towns

When you take those quiet backroads that lead from town to town in Iowa, you will be rewarded with some of the most charming places. It is not every day that you can find Dutch windmills, riverfront walks, famous covered bridges, and cultural museums, or tragic memorials, all in one state. The tranquility of these towns, along with their walkable downtowns and smaller populations, makes them excellent options for day trips or weekend stays. So, if you want scenery, serenity, and experiences, these Iowa towns will deliver exactly that.