Prettiest Towns in Iowa: Must-See Small Towns in the Midwest

The Midwest’s small towns have much to offer. They blend history, culture, and a sense of community that big cities lack. Each town has unique attractions, from historic landmarks and festivals to local cuisine and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy everything from charming main streets and antique shops to vibrant local festivals and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the Best Small Towns in Iowa to explore and the best times to visit for special events.

Table of Contents

1. Prettiest Towns in Iowa
2. Winterset: A Cinematic Treasure
3. Pella: A Touch of Dutch
4. Amana Colonies: A Step Back in Time
5. Decorah: Nordic Roots and Natural Beauty
6. Elkader: A European Feel
7. Le Claire: Along the Mighty Mississippi
8. McGregor: Nature and History Combined
9. Mount Vernon: A Blend of Old and New
10. Conclusion
11. Like it! Pin it!

Winterset: A Cinematic Treasure

Winterset is famous for its covered bridges and as the birthplace of John Wayne. The October Madison County Covered Bridge Festival is the best time to visit. You can enjoy arts, crafts, and local entertainment. Winterset has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the “10 Best Small Towns in the Midwest” by USA Today and “Outstanding Community” by the Iowa Tourism Award. Don’t miss trying a slice of homemade pie at the Northside Cafe. Check out more at Winterset Visitors Center.

Winterset, Iowa, is about 160 miles from Rock Island Arsenal. The drive typically takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

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Pella: A Touch of Dutch

Pella feels like a piece of the Netherlands in Iowa. Visit in early May for the Tulip Time Festival to see beautiful tulip gardens and enjoy Dutch pastries. The town has windmills and Dutch architecture that are worth seeing. Pella has also been recognized as one of the “14 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Iowa” by WorldAtlas. Be sure to try Dutch letters, a local pastry filled with almond paste. For more information, visit the Pella Visitors Center.

Pella, Iowa, is approximately 120 miles from Rock Island Arsenal. The drive usually takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Amana Colonies: A Step Back in Time

The Amana Colonies are a group of seven villages with a rich history. The best time to visit is during Oktoberfest, from late September to early October. Enjoy German food, music, and dancing. Don’t miss the artisan shops and local wines. The Amana Colonies have been honored with the Great American Main Street Award, celebrating their preservation-based revitalization efforts. Try the sauerbraten and other German dishes at the Ox Yoke Inn. Visit Amana Colonies Visitors Center for details.

The Amana Colonies, Iowa, are about 75 miles from Rock Island Arsenal. The drive typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Decorah: Nordic Roots and Natural Beauty

Decorah has a strong Norwegian heritage. Visit during Nordic Fest in late July for parades, crafts, and Norwegian food. The town’s rolling hills are perfect for hiking and exploring. Decorah has been listed among the “14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Iowa” by PlanetWare. Enjoy Norwegian meatballs at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum cafe and the spray from the Dunning Springs. Learn more at Decorah Visitors Center.

Decorah, Iowa, is approximately 160 miles from Rock Island Arsenal. The drive typically takes around 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Elkader: A European Feel

Elkader has unique European connections. Visit in August for Sweet Corn Days, which features parades, live music, and fresh corn. The town offers great opportunities for kayaking and fishing. For more information, visit Elkader Visitors Center.

Elkader, Iowa, is about 105 miles from Rock Island Arsenal. The drive usually takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Le Claire: Along the Mighty Mississippi

Le Claire is along the Mississippi River and is known for its antique shops. Visit in August for Riverboat Days to enjoy river cruises and local crafts. Don’t miss the local distillery to taste Iowa’s craft spirits. Le Claire has been featured in the “Best Places to Visit in Iowa” by Touropia. Sample some of the riverfront restaurants’ fresh fish dishes. Learn more at Le Claire Visitors Center.

Le Claire, Iowa, is approximately 15 miles from Rock Island Arsenal. The drive usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Muscadine: The Pearl City on the Mississippi

Muscatine sits along the Mississippi River, offering a mix of history, outdoor activities, and riverfront charm. Once known as the “Pearl Button Capital of the World,” the city played a major role in the button-making industry, producing nearly 1.5 billion buttons annually in its heyday. Today, visitors can explore its rich heritage at the Muscatine History and Industry Center.

The best time to visit is during the Great River Days Festival in late July, featuring live music, carnival rides, and fireworks along the riverfront. If you love the outdoors, stroll through Riverside Park, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi. For a unique local experience, visit Weed Park, home to a beautiful rose garden and historic structures.

Food lovers should stop at Missipi Brewing Co., a popular spot for casual dining and live entertainment, or The Merrill Hotel’s Maxwell’s on the River, where you can enjoy a meal with a scenic view.

For more details, check out the Muscatine Visitors Center.

Muscatine, Iowa, is about 30 miles from Rock Island Arsenal. The drive takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

McGregor: Nature and History Combined

McGregor is near Effigy Mounds National Monument. Visit in September for the Fall Arts and Crafts Festival to see handmade items and local art. It’s famous for historic architecture, antique shops, and scenic beauty along the Mississippi River. Travel Awaits has recognized McGregor as one of the “14 Friendliest Small Towns in the U.S.” Be sure to try the local apple cider at the farmers’ market. Find more details at the McGregor Visitors Center.

McGregor, Iowa, is about 115 miles from Rock Island Arsenal. The drive typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Mount Vernon: A Blend of Old and New

Mount Vernon has a lively, historic uptown area with shops, cafes, and art galleries. Visit in early May for the Chalk the Walk Festival to see amazing street art. The town has a mix of tradition and innovation. Check out Mount Vernon Visitors Center for more information.

Mount Vernon, Iowa, is approximately 60 miles from Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. The drive usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Conclusion

Iowa’s small towns are full of charm and unique experiences. From Pella’s tulip gardens to Decorah’s Norwegian roots, each town offers something special. Visit these towns to enjoy their festivals and support local businesses. Iowa’s small towns are ready to welcome you.

For more information on any of these towns or to plan your trip, visit the Iowa State Tourism Board website. Complete this form to preorder your free Iowa Travel Guide.

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