7 Idyllic Small Towns In Iowa To Visit In 2025
What makes Iowa’s most charming small towns unique in 2025? The state stretches between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, framed by rolling plains and wooded bluffs. Settled by pioneers in the early to mid-1800s, Iowans absorbed their Dutch, German, and Scandinavian roots into towns that still show traces of those origins today in their festivals, food, and architecture. These small towns remain quiet, beautiful, and wonderfully neighborly for a weekend jaunt free of the usual tourist chaos. Whether you’re tracking down pastries by a canal or marveling at a quirky artifact in a new-world museum, these towns are gentle reminders that beauty and calm can coexist. So grab your keys, slow down, and be ready to explore Iowa’s nice, small, peaceful corners.
Eldon
Thanks to the white house that inspired Grant Wood’s iconic American Gothic, Eldon is at the height of fame. Today, you can visit the actual American Gothic House and even grab a photo with a pitchfork in hand. When you’re done, stop by Raw Americana Candle Co. & Soapery, a small-batch shop offering handmade soaps and candles with a distinctly local feel. Then, take a tour of the McHaffey Opera House, a fully restored 1891 theater that still hosts plays, concerts, and old film screenings. If you’re in town during June, the Eldon Gothic Days festival transforms the town with food stands, music, costume contests, and a celebration of quirky small-town spirit.
Pella
Pella feels like Holland dropped into the prairie, with canals, pastries, and windmills. Start with some customized Dutch letters from Jaarsma Bakery, a family-run business dating back to 1898. Then, walk to the Historical Village, an 18-building complex that connects Pella to its past, beginning in the 1840s. Highlights include the Werkplaats, Log Cabin, and Sod House.
After that, explore Sunken Gardens Park, a green space with a canal-shaped pond and a footbridge. A short walk away is Molengracht Plaza, a small-town version of a Dutch canal surrounded by 100,000 square feet of shops and restaurants. If you’re visiting in May, come for the Tulip Time Festival, where the town is filled with flowers, parades, and Dutch costumes.
Elk Horn
Elk Horn is Denmark in miniature. Start at the 1848 Danish Windmill, assembled piece by piece after being shipped from Denmark. Next door, Bedstemor’s House offers a look into early life through a fully furnished Danish-American home from 1908. Make sure to visit The Museum of Danish America, which has exhibits and a prairie park.
Stop at The Egg Krate for vintage finds and antiques. Then grab lunch at Larsen’s Pub, known for its pork tenderloin sandwiches. If you’re in town on Memorial Day weekend, enjoy Tivoli Fest, featuring Viking re-enactors, Danish food, and a celebration of immigrant heritage that fills the whole town with color and music.
Decorah
This town feels more Nordic than Midwestern. Start at Vesterheim, The National Norwegian-American Museum, home to more than 33,000 artifacts. Then, walk to Dunning’s Spring Park, where a short trail leads to a 200-foot waterfall. Drive south to Decorah Fish Hatchery, where tanks and a peaceful riverside trail offer a relaxing stop. On the town’s edge, Evergreen Hills Christmas Tree Farm welcomes visitors in winter to cut their own trees or pick up fresh wreaths. Wrap up your day at T-Bock’s Bar & Grill. If you’re visiting in July, Nordic Fest fills the streets with folk costumes, dancing, and cultural displays.
McGregor
With little more than 700 residents, McGregor is as idyllic as Iowa gets. Start with a hike at Pikes Peak State Park and take in panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Then drive five minutes to Spook Cave & Campground for a boat ride through underground limestone tunnels. Head into town to explore the McGregor Historical Museum and see exhibits on steamboats, river commerce, and frontier life. Before leaving, stop at Paper Moon, a local shop full of vintage postcards and retro gifts. In October, the McGregor Fall Arts & Crafts Festival brings music, vendors, and handmade items to the town’s streets.
Elkader
This town was named after Abd el-Kader, an Algerian leader who resisted French colonization. Begin your visit at Motor Mill Historic Site, where a restored 1860 limestone mill stands along the Turkey River with trails and preserved buildings. Then head to Chicken Ridge Scenic Overlook Park for panoramic views of the valley. Grab lunch at Schera’s Algerian-American Restaurant, honoring Elkader’s namesake. Afterward, stop at the Elkader Opera House or browse the Turkey River Mall for antiques and local goods. If you’re in town in July, Sweet Corn Days brings parades, vendors, and plenty of fresh corn to the streets.
Winterset
A mix of rural landscapes and unexpected history lives in Winterset. Start at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, where artifacts and memorabilia offer a glimpse into his life. Then walk over to the Iowa Quilt Museum to see rotating exhibits in a modern gallery space. Nearby is the Madison County Courthouse, a French-style building from 1876 with a striking clock tower and murals. Just outside town, visit the Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge, one of six historic bridges in the area. If you’re visiting in October, the Covered Bridge Festival features food stalls, live music, and carriage rides.
Let The Prairie Speak
These towns are worth your time because they keep their streets pedestrian, their landscapes tranquil, and their festivals authentic. Each town reveals a part of Iowa, whether shaped by Dutch canals or Nordic museums, leaving behind a sense of preserved space in the way the towns remain personal. You don’t go to these places for monuments or long lines; you go because the mornings are slow, and the vibe is unmatchable. It’s not about how far you’re going; it’s about seeing what’s already nearby when you open yourself up for new places, if only for a few hours. Seek peace and civility. Get away from the buzz and the interstate, and give these small towns an hour’s worth of your time. The prairie is waiting.
