This summer, discover the beauty of Iowa’s loveliest small towns

Spend a nice summer weekend in Iowa

Iowa might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of scenic getaways, but this heartland state is packed with charming small towns that will surprise you.

From rolling hills to historic streets, these eight spots offer the perfect mix of beauty, history, and small-town charm.

Winterset

Winterset sits in the heart of Madison County, and yes, it’s the same place from “The Bridges of Madison County.”

This town of 5,000 people draws visitors with its famous covered bridges, but there’s much more to see. The downtown square features shops housed in buildings from the 1800s, and the whole area feels like stepping back in time.

The town also claims fame as John Wayne’s birthplace. You can tour his childhood home and see where the Duke got his start. Six historic covered bridges dot the countryside around Winterset, making for perfect photo stops. The Roseman Bridge, featured in the movie, is just four miles south of town.

Pella

Pella feels like you’ve been dropped into the Netherlands. Dutch settlers founded this town in 1847, and their heritage shows everywhere you look. The main street features a working windmill that stands 124 feet tall, and tulips bloom throughout the town each spring.

The Historic Village shows how Dutch settlers lived in the 1800s. You can watch people make wooden shoes, visit a blacksmith shop, and see old-world crafts in action. Every May, the town hosts the Tulip Time Festival, drawing over 100,000 visitors. Even if you miss the festival, Pella’s Dutch bakeries serve up treats year-round.

Amana Colonies

The Amana Colonies aren’t just one town but seven villages spread across 26,000 acres. German settlers created this unique community in 1855, living apart from the outside world for decades. Today, visitors can explore this living piece of history.

Each village has its own character. Main Amana features the Museum of Amana History, while West Amana is known for its furniture shops. The colonies produce world-famous Amana appliances, but they’re also known for hearty German food. Family-style restaurants serve meals on long tables, just like the early settlers did.

McGregor

McGregor perches on bluffs above the Mississippi River, offering some of Iowa’s best views. This town of 900 people packs a lot into its small size. The main street runs right along the river, lined with antique shops and cafes housed in 19th-century buildings.

Pikes Peak State Park sits just two miles away, giving visitors hiking trails and overlooks of the Mississippi. The park’s name comes from its 500-foot bluffs, not the famous Colorado mountain. During summer, you can take boat tours or try your luck fishing. The town also serves as a gateway to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.

West Bend

West Bend might be Iowa’s smallest town on this list, with just 800 residents, but it makes up for size with charm. The town sits in the Raccoon River Valley, surrounded by gentle hills and farmland. What makes West Bend special is how well it has kept its small-town feel.

The downtown area features locally owned shops and cafes. The town square hosts summer concerts and festivals that bring the whole community together. Nearby, you can visit the Grotto of the Redemption in nearby West Bend, a religious site made entirely of precious stones and gems.

Elk Horn

Elk Horn celebrates its Danish roots with pride. This town of 650 people features the largest Danish windmill in the United States. The windmill, brought piece by piece from Denmark in 1976, still grinds grain today.

The Danish Immigrant Museum tells the story of Danish settlers who came to Iowa in the 1800s. You can learn about their journey and see how they adapted to life on the prairie.

The museum village includes a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and other historic buildings. During summer, the town hosts Danish festivals with traditional food and music.

Dyersville

Dyersville gained fame as the setting for “Field of Dreams,” but this town of 4,000 offers more than just baseball nostalgia. The famous cornfield baseball diamond still draws visitors from around the world. You can walk the bases, play catch, or just soak in the magic of this iconic movie location.

Beyond the baseball field, Dyersville features a charming downtown with local shops and restaurants. The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, with its impressive twin spires, dominates the skyline. The church took 11 years to build and remains one of Iowa’s most beautiful religious buildings.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon combines small-town warmth with college-town energy. Home to Cornell College, this town of 4,500 people features tree-lined streets and well-kept historic homes. The college campus blends seamlessly with the town, creating a unique atmosphere.

The town square serves as the heart of the community, hosting farmers markets and festivals throughout the year. Palisades-Kepler State Park lies just outside town, offering hiking trails and camping along the Cedar River. The park’s limestone bluffs provide great views of the surrounding countryside.