8 Bucket-List Small Towns In Iowa
Iowa is known for its scenic rivers and historic main streets, but its small towns also serve as cultural hubs that deserve a place on any traveler’s bucket list. These destinations offer more than quiet charm, blending local history, outdoor access, and vibrant downtowns.
From Decorah’s food scene to Pella’s Dutch heritage, Iowa’s small towns showcase distinct identities shaped by heritage, geography, and community life. Riverfront towns influenced by trade and travel sit alongside festival towns that celebrate their roots year after year. With modest populations, these places balance livability with character, making them well-suited for weekend getaways, slow travel, and trips that extend beyond the usual tourist routes.
Decorah
One of Iowa's most quaint small towns, Decorah sits among hills and rivers in the state’s northeast corner. A popular destination for food lovers, the town is home to award-winning breweries and well-known eateries like Family Table, a local favorite serving hearty meals throughout the day. Beyond its food scene, Decorah’s strong Norwegian-American heritage gives it a distinct cultural identity.
The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School houses 33,000 Norwegian-American artifacts and includes 12 historic buildings. Nearby, Dunning’s Spring Park offers easy access to nature, including a 200-foot waterfall located just minutes from downtown. For visitors interested in shopping and casual dining, Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins combines a garden center with a bakery, making it a convenient stop for homemade sweets and local goods.
Pella
Often compared to a European village, Pella is Iowa’s Dutch-influenced town and is well worth a visit. A walk around Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake, offers trails for walking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. For views without the trails, the Cordova Park Observation Tower provides a scenic overlook from its 106-foot height and holds the distinction of being the tallest observation tower in a public park in the Midwest.
Pella’s Dutch heritage is on full display in the Pella Historical Village, which reopens on March 23rd, and at Vermeer Windmill. The brick-lined streets and replica windmill reflect the town’s architectural roots and are popular stops for visitors. While exploring downtown, a stop at Vander Ploeg Bakery offers a chance to sample traditional Dutch pastries, breads, and cookies.
Winterset
Known for its covered bridges and film history, Winterset stands out among Iowa’s small towns. The town served as a primary filming location for The Bridges of Madison County, making it a draw for fans of the movie and visitors interested in a cinematic setting. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center is a useful starting point, offering maps of the covered bridges, local souvenirs, and film-related memorabilia.
One of the most recognizable sites is the Roseman Covered Bridge, which featured prominently in the film. For a cultural stop, the Iowa Quilt Museum offers rotating exhibits that highlight traditional and contemporary quilt artistry. Visitors looking for a break can stop by Petite Café, a local spot known for its house-roasted coffee and selection of baked goods and entrées.
McGregor
Off the Mississippi River, McGregor, often called “The Pocket City,” offers a blend of river access and small-town amenities. Its riverfront setting allows visitors to fish, take pontoon boat rides, or stop for refreshments at the Big Buoys Tiki Bar. Nearby, Pikes Peak State Park provides expansive views of the surrounding landscape, along with camping options, 11 miles of trails, and several overlooks.
After spending time outdoors, visitors can dine at the Old Man River Restaurant & Brewery, known for hearty meals and locally brewed beer. Before leaving town, a stop at By the Spoonful offers wine, coffee, tea, and prepared foods, making it a convenient place to pick up refreshments before continuing on to the next destination.
Elkader
A visit to Elkader begins before reaching town, as the drive winds through the area known as “Little Switzerland” for its rolling terrain and scenic views. Once in town, visitors encounter a collection of historic and cultural landmarks that reflect Elkader’s distinctive background. The Carter House Museum, built in 1855, offers an introduction to local history through newspaper clippings, photographs, and period artifacts.
Additional insight can be found at the Elkader Public Library and City Hall, where artifacts document how the town was named after the 19th-century Algerian leader Emir Abd El Kader. This connection influences the town’s cultural identity and local dining options. Schera’s, which serves Algerian and American dishes, overlooks the Turkey River and provides a convenient stop after exploring the area. For a quieter activity, the Pony Hollow Trail follows the Turkey River and offers an easy, scenic walk.
Le Claire
Recognized as one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns,” Le Claire sits along the Mississippi River and is known for both its river heritage and pop culture ties. Visitors can experience the river firsthand aboard a Riverboat Twilight Cruise, a one- or two-day trip on a replica of a Victorian-era riverboat. For those staying on land, driving a stretch of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway offers scenic views of the river and surrounding bluffs.
In town, the Mississippi River Distilling Company provides a place to sample locally crafted vodka, gin, and whiskey made from regional ingredients. Le Claire is also home to Antique Archaeology, the storefront featured on American Pickers. The former fabrication shop now serves as a retail space with items connected to the show and the town’s collecting culture.
Kalona
Rich in Amish heritage, Kalona offers a travel experience shaped by history, craftsmanship, and local food traditions. One of the town’s most visited sites is the Kalona Historical Village, which includes 12 restored buildings that document the area’s early settlement and development. The Iowa Mennonite Museum and Archives adds further context, with exhibits and research materials that examine Amish and Mennonite culture and daily life.
In the downtown area, Kalona Bakery is a common stop for baked goods and light meals. Visitors interested in locally made food can also visit Kalona Creamery, which produces cheese curds, ice cream, cold brews, and other dairy products. Just outside town, the Kalona Creamery offers a wide selection of regional cheeses and specialty items.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake offers a range of outdoor and cultural attractions centered around its namesake lake. Visitors can board the Lady of the Lake from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of September, a paddlewheel excursion boat that provides views of the shoreline and the surrounding area. The lakefront and nearby Clear Lake State Park Beach support swimming, boating, and other seasonal activities.
In town, the Surf Ballroom remains one of the Midwest’s last historic ballrooms and is known as the final concert venue for artists such as Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Nearby, the Clear Lake Fire Museum displays early firefighting equipment collected by members of the community and the Clear Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Another notable stop is the Central Gardens of North Iowa, which features more than 20 themed gardens and thousands of seasonal plantings, offering a quieter contrast to the lakefront activity.
Why Iowa’s Small Towns Belong on Your Travel List
Exploring Iowa through its small towns offers insight into the state’s history, landscapes, and community life. Each destination highlighted brings something distinct, whether through cultural traditions, outdoor access, architectural landmarks, or active downtown areas shaped by local businesses. Together, these towns show that memorable travel experiences are not limited to large cities or well-known landmarks.
Instead, they are found in places defined by local stories, walkable streets, and a strong sense of place. Whether planning a road trip, a seasonal getaway, or a short escape, these Iowa towns provide a measured pace of travel that highlights the character and variety found across the state.
