9 Small Towns In Iowa To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
When most people picture Iowa, they often think of rolling cornfields and wide-open skies. While that pastoral beauty is certainly a hallmark, the Hawkeye State, which is the only state bordered by two navigable rivers (the Mississippi and the Missouri), is also home to some of America's most enchanting small towns. These communities are serene, gorgeous, and packed with hidden-gem attractions, making them perfect retreats from the bustle of city life. In 2025, explore these places that showcase scenic beauty with a rich cultural tapestry, offering more than just a place to visit, but a place one could imagine setting down roots. From the distinct Dutch heritage of Pella to the stunning river bluffs of McGregor, this is your guide to the best weekend getaways Iowa has to offer.
Decorah
Located in the unglaciated "Driftless Area" of northeast Iowa, Decorah is a captivating destination defined by dramatic limestone bluffs and a profound Norwegian-American heritage. This unique topography allows for stunning natural landmarks, such as Dunning's Spring Park, where a spectacular waterfall cascades down a moss-covered cliffside just moments from downtown. The cultural centerpiece is the Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, which spans 12 historic buildings and showcases over 33,000 artifacts.
Decorah is frequently cited as an ideal place to settle down due to its high quality of life. The presence of Luther College infuses the people with intellectual energy and a steady calendar of arts and sporting events. The city also boasts an award-winning microbrewery, Toppling Goliath, and a walkable Water Street filled with independent shops. For a central stay, the Hotel Winneshiek is a beautifully restored 1905 landmark offering elegant accommodations.
Pella
Pella feels like a journey to the Netherlands. This immaculate Iowa community is defined by its "Touch of Dutch" heritage, which is immediately evident in its architecture and civic pride. The skyline is dominated by the Vermeer Mill, the tallest working Dutch windmill in North America, where visitors can tour its grinding levels. Adjacent to it, the Pella Historical Village offers a walkable complex of over a dozen historic buildings, including a blacksmith shop and the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp. For a dose of performing arts, the restored Pella Opera House hosts concerts and theater. At the same time, the Molengracht Plaza features a functioning Dutch-style canal and the Klokkenspel, a large carillon clock whose figurines emerge to perform. For a comfortable stay, book a room at The Dwelling Place Bed & Breakfast, located in a historic home just blocks from the central square.
Le Claire
Positioned on a scenic bend of the Mississippi River, Le Claire is a historic riverfront with a surprisingly modern spirit. It gained national recognition as the home base for the television show "American Pickers," and visitors flock to the Antique Archaeology shop. Beyond that fame, the Cody Road Historic District forms the heart of the community, lined with 19th-century brick buildings. History is celebrated at the Buffalo Bill Museum, which honors its most famous native son, William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, as well as the area's rich steamboat heritage.
Le Claire's appeal for retirement stems from its walkable downtown. The thoroughfare features a "Libations Lane" with the Mississippi River Distilling Company and Wide River Winery, alongside numerous independent boutiques and eateries. For a cozy overnight experience, consider the Grasshopper's Guest Houses with its stunning river views.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a beloved resort community centered on the impressive 3,600-acre spring-fed lake that gives it its name. Clear Lake's most famous landmark is the Surf Ballroom & Museum, a National Historic Landmark known worldwide as the final concert venue for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. Music history enthusiasts also visit the nearby Three Stars Plaza and the memorial for the plane crash site.
This active social scene is supported by excellent amenities, including Clear Lake's charming Main Avenue shops, the Clear Lake Arts Center, and the serene Central Gardens of North Iowa. Lakeside Inn offers the unique experience of rooms located directly on the water's edge, providing exceptional views.
Okoboji
The Okoboji area serves as Iowa's premier blue-water vacation spot, encompassing the chain of Iowa Great Lakes carved by glaciers. The region's centerpiece, located nearby in Arnolds Park, is the historic Arnolds Park Amusement Park, which has been in operation since 1889. Here, visitors can ride the Legend Roller Coaster and browse the Maritime Museum. For a different perspective, the Queen II excursion boat offers guided tours around West Lake Okoboji. For a break from the water, the Dickinson County Nature Center provides interactive exhibits and walking paths.
Residents enjoy a robust social calendar, numerous golf courses like Brooks Golf, and a vast trail system. This lively resort environment, combined with the stunning natural surroundings, creates a unique and energetic place to live. For a family-friendly vacation, Bridges Bay Resort offers modern accommodations and an indoor water park.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is an idyllic college community where the entire campus of Cornell College is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The college's hilltop setting, with its beautiful limestone buildings, serves as the backdrop for a First Street commercial district packed with artisan boutiques and popular eateries like the Lincoln Wine Bar. For a dose of nature, the dramatic river bluffs of Palisades-Kepler State Park are just minutes away, offering striking overlooks of the Cedar River.
The area encourages residents to explore, whether visiting the Abbe Creek School Museum or attending cultural events sponsored by the college. This, combined with its proximity to the larger amenities in Cedar Rapids, provides a fulfilling and connected lifestyle. For a historically rich experience, reserve a room at the Brackett House Bed & Breakfast, a historic home located just steps from the college.
Coralville
While it borders the larger Iowa City, Coralville has cultivated its own distinct identity as a sophisticated hub for commerce and nature. Its focal point is the Iowa River Landing, a modern district featuring upscale boutiques, local restaurants like Backpocket Brewing. In stark contrast to this urban-style development, the nearby Coralville Reservoir offers a massive expanse for boating and fishing.
Residents benefit from the proximity to the world-class University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the cultural offerings of the university. The area also boasts major retail centers like Coral Ridge Mall and its own Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. For a contemporary stay, the Hyatt Regency Coralville offers upscale rooms right in the Iowa River Landing.
Waverly
Waverly is a vibrant suburb on the Cedar River that consistently earns recognition as one of Iowa's most livable places. The presence of Wartburg College provides a youthful energy, with its scenic campus and Neumann Auditorium hosting a variety of cultural performances. The Waverly East Bremer Avenue Commercial Historic District anchors downtown, offering a selection of shops and local spots, such as the Bremer Brewing Company. For recreation, the Waverly Rail Trail provides miles of paved paths, while Kohlmann Park serves as a gathering spot for summer concerts right on the riverbank.
The city maintains over 20 parks, ensuring green space is always nearby. This combination of collegiate energy, excellent healthcare, and plentiful recreation creates a livable environment for residents and adventurers. For a truly memorable overnight trip, book the Cobblestone Inn & Suites, a modern 3-star hotel.
McGregor
McGregor is between the towering river bluffs in the Driftless Area. This town is an exceptionally scenic port on the Mississippi River. This "Pocket City" is defined by its dramatic topography, featuring a Main Street historic district that appears preserved in time, complete with ornate 19th-century brick facades. The primary attraction is Pikes Peak State Park, offering truly breathtaking 500-foot overlooks of the Mississippi and Wisconsin river confluence.
The lifestyle here is centered on hiking, bird-watching at the nearby Effigy Mounds National Monument, and boating on the river. It’s an ideal setting for those seeking a quiet life steeped in history and nature. For an overnight trip, the Little Switzerland Inn is a historic stone building that captures the unique character of the area.
A Weekend Retreat In Iowa In 2025
From Pella's Dutch façades to the dramatic Driftless Area bluffs of McGregor, Iowa's communities offer far more than just agricultural landscapes. This 2025 list highlights destinations of deep character, where European heritage, rich American history, and stunning natural formations create the perfect setting for a memorable weekend escape. Many of these locations are not just for visiting; their high-quality amenities, safe atmospheres, and vibrant local cultures make them compelling places to establish roots. For the 2025 traveler, a weekend here is a chance to slow down, explore, and be genuinely charmed.
