8 Most Breathtaking Towns In Iowa

Travelling through the Midwestern United States? Then, a stop in the great “Hawkeye State” of Iowa is a must, where all the elements of a truly unforgettable holiday await. From stunning natural ambiences to incredible cultural attractions and loads of intriguing American history, Iowa is a gem to experience firsthand. Although major cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids maintain their well-known appeal, Iowa is also home to several smaller yet equally captivating communities with every bit of breathtaking allure as their larger counterparts.

Here, charm, rustic settings, and culturally diverse events set these towns apart and make them fantastic places to explore. So come see Iowa through a stop in these breathtaking and lesser-known towns and see why the “Hawkeye State” continues to be the most pleasing Midwestern jewel.

Elkader

Incorporated in the mid-1840s and named for an Algerian military commander, Elkader is an inviting historic community that combines beautiful nature with fascinating American history. The seat of Clayton County, near the border with Wisconsin, a modest population of just over 1,200 calls this scenic place home, which lies beautifully along the banks of the Turkey River. Enjoy quiet afternoons along the river with comfortable summer and winter temperatures, and find the perfect place to relax and unwind away from the big city. Add fun activities like paddling, deep fishing, hiking, and cycling, and Elkader will quickly become a favorite.

Meanwhile, for those looking to see some history, the town’s Historic District and some of its landmarks bring guests back to the 19th century. Explore buildings like the Carter House Museum (1850), the Davis House (1860), and the Elkader Opera House (1903), amongst others listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Orange City

The seat of Sioux County, near the border with South Dakota, Orange City, was founded by Dutch pioneers in the 1870s and named for a former monarch. Today, with a population of nearly 6,300 inhabitants, the town continues to showcase its unique Dutch heritage, making it a most special destination for any visitors to the State. Explore European-style 19th-century edifices and landmarks like the County Courthouse (1904) and the Vogel Old Mill, amongst others on the National Register of Historic Places, and get a special sense of the old world Netherlands. And do not forget about the Dutch American Heritage Museum, which sheds unique insights into the life of pioneer settlers in the Midwestern United States.

Meanwhile, for those visiting in the springtime, catching the lovely sights and smells of the Tulip Festival is an absolute must! With colors abounding, fun activities for the young and old, and naturally delicious Dutch-style foods, this is definitely one cultural event not to miss out on. Finally, browse through Orange City’s fine collection of proudly run local shops like The Fox Hole Restaurant, which offers the perfect blend of American and Dutch cultures in a welcoming Iowa setting.

LeClaire

The town of LeClaire lies near the mighty Mississippi River, near the border with the State of Illinois. A part of the Quad Cities region, this welcoming community can trace its modern foundational roots to the 1850s, and today, some 4,700 residents call it home. Scenically relaxing and charmingly beautiful, guests can enjoy time spent near the River and at the locks, which is known as a great spot to observe America’s national bird, the majestic bald eagle.

Meanwhile, be sure to explore landmarks such as the Buffalo Bill Museum (celebrating the life of the eponymous Wild West showman born in LeClaire in 1846) and the Cody Road Historic District, featuring more than 60 edifices reflecting diverse 19th-century architectural styles. Finally, if in LeClaire in summertime, be sure to catch the exciting TugFest (August 7-9, 2025), featuring live music, food vendors, parades, fireworks, and naturally a tug of war competition spanning the Mississippi River!

Pella

Located in south central Iowa, the uniquely delightful town of Pella offers guests the chance to get a special European flavor without having to cross the Ocean. Founded by Dutch settlers in the 1840s (like the previously discussed Orange City), the Pella of today maintains a most charming cultural ambience that sets it apart from many communities in the Midwest. Home to a modern population of nearly 10,500 residents, visitors will have a pleasing encounter with Pella’s cultural and natural beauty, and there is indeed never a shortage of fun things to see and do.

Spend time in the beautiful Molengracht Plaza and along the same-named Canal, pose with the Vermeer Mill, see the Tuttle Cabin (1843), tour the nearby Frisian Farms Cheese House, and, of course, enjoy the sights and smells of the springtime Tulip Time Festival! From tons of colorful flowers to neat encounters with folk culture, dances, and food, Pella proudly showcases its heritage throughout the year.

Decorah

Like Pella and Orange City, Decorah also offers visitors an exceptional taste of Europe, but instead of Dutch delights, Norwegian intrigue awaits. Founded in the 1840s, though not directly settled by Norwegian migrants, over the years it became a center for Norwegian Americans, and today Decorah is a veritable slice of Norway in the heart of the American Midwest. And with fun events including the summer Nordic Fest and other uniquely cultural attractions, spending a holiday in Decorah will definitely create some special memories for all ages.

In addition to the Nordic Fest (and its live entertainment, delicious food, and even sporting events), visit the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and gain insight into the experiences of Scandinavian immigrants to this part of the United States. From there, spend an afternoon at the lovely campus of Luther College (1861), while the charming sights and sounds of Dunning’s Spring Park are a great way to relax in a quiet natural setting filled with streams and cute waterfalls.

Okoboji

Near the Minnesota border and along the shores of West Okoboji Lake, the town of Okoboji is a delightful destination for rest and relaxation in the outdoors. Home to under 800 residents, guests will indeed find a most pleasing community where fun activities like swimming, sailing, cycling, picnicking, camping, and sunbathing are always popular. Make sure to spend a day at the special Arnold’s Park Amusement Park, which offers rides, games, music, food, and entertainment for the young and old.

Meanwhile, as a small midwestern town, it has loads of welcoming charm, and visitors will find an assortment of cute shops and restaurants ready to leave them with a smile. These include The Barefoot Bar and the Okoboji Store, which offer breathtaking lakeside views and plenty of tranquility.

Eldora

Eldora, in central Iowa, is the seat of Hardin County, where it was founded in the 1850s. Today, home to just over 2,600 residents, this scenic and historic community continues to charm guests with its most pleasing ambience. Adjacent to Pine Lake State Park and the Iowa River, fun in the outdoors is never in short supply here, and activities like hiking, biking, swimming, camping, and wildlife watching remain popular.

Additionally, for those looking to learn about American history, Eldora’s assortment of preserved 19th-century landmarks will definitely delight. Explore the Historic District and such buildings as the County Courthouse (1892) and the First Congregational Church (1894), amongst others, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Finish the day with a tasty Americana-style meal at the Firehouse Saloon & Grill and the Eldora Social Club.

Winterset

Winterset is a true Iowan cultural delight, that together with beautiful natural surroundings, makes it one of the most extraordinary small towns in the entire “Hawkeye State”. Widely known for its beloved covered bridges, the town (and County at large) enthusiastically celebrates this unique American architectural marvel through festivals and plenty of open tours of the many structures in the area. Explore such famed overpasses like the Cedar Covered Bridge (1883) and the Cutler Donahoe Bridge (1871) in the beautiful Winterset City Park. Here, pretty picnic areas, campgrounds, lush greenery, and incredible panoramas of the Middle River Valley can be enjoyed by all. And of course, do not forget about the annual Covered Bridge Festival (October 11-12, 2025), for live music, food, vendors, and love for the special bridge structures.

Finally, for the movie lover, visiting Winterset would not be complete without a stop at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. Born in town in 1907, this special attraction celebrates the acclaimed silver screen icon through unique insights into his youth in Iowa and his extraordinary 50-plus-year career in Hollywood.

Finishing Thoughts

A journey through the Midwestern United States could never be complete without a visit to the great State of Iowa, also lovingly known as the “Hawkeye State”. Full of fascinating American history, stunning nature, unique cultural allure, and plenty of welcoming charm, Iowa and its towns are indeed gems that are waiting to be discovered. From the European flavors of Orange City, Pella, and Decorah, to the special Americana of Winterset, these breathtakingly awesome communities showcase some of the best of the State outside the major cities. Wait no more than a few minutes and come get a taste of Iowa through a stop in these wonderful towns, and discover the place where the young and old alike can create memories to last a lifetime!