Iowa—a state not really known for its size—has no shortage of small towns. If you’re looking for a road trip to one of them, we’ve got a good starting place.
These 9 Iowa towns all have their own personality. Some are known for scenic river views. Others have historic squares or covered bridges. A few are close enough to Iowa’s larger cities for an easy day trip.
Here are some of the most charming small towns in Iowa to add to your road-trip list.
1. Elkader
If charm was a setting, it might look something like Elkader.
Located in northeast Iowa’s Turkey River valley, the town is surrounded by wooded hills and bluffs, with the Turkey River running right through the community. Even getting there is part of the experience.
Once you’re in town, explore the historic downtown, browse the specialty shops, or take in a performance at the renovated Elkader Opera House. For those who love the outdoors, spend time on the river, hike the surrounding trails, or visit the Elkader Whitewater Park.
History is another big part of the town. Elkader is home to the historic Motor Mill and was named for Algerian freedom fighter Abd el-Kader. Pretty cool!
2. Winterset
Winterset is probably best known for two things: John Wayne and covered bridges. Both are good reasons to visit, but this Madison County town has more to offer than either.
The historic town square is lined with shops and restaurants, and the courthouse sits right in the middle of it all. Nearby, you can visit the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, where the actor was born in 1907.
Then there are the bridges.
Madison County’s covered bridges were already well known in Iowa, but they gained a much larger audience after the movie “The Bridges of Madison County” put them on the map. The annual Covered Bridge Festival in October is one of the town’s biggest events, but visitors can see the bridges year-round.
3. Kalona
Kalona has an extra special kind of small-town charm.
Located in southeast Iowa, the community is known for its Amish and Mennonite heritage, which remains an important part of the area’s culture today. Visitors will find locally owned shops, bakeries, restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to learn more about the community’s history.
It’s also a good town for browsing. Kalona is home to the Kalona Historical Village and several businesses selling locally made goods, antiques, and food.
4. Earlham
About 30 miles west of Des Moines, Earlham has local restaurants and businesses that draw crowds, but its proximity to the rolling countryside of Madison and Guthrie counties really makes it stand out.
Be sure to check out the popular RJ Home, Rose and June, and the Botanical Bodega. Spoiler: there’s a bar amidst the plants!
5. LeClaire
Set along the Mississippi River, LeClaire has a location on its side.
The riverfront town is filled with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants, and Cody Road is made for wandering. Its river setting also provides something that many Iowa towns simply don’t have: boats, barges, and the Mississippi River serving as the backdrop.
LeClaire is also home to the Buffalo Bill Museum, celebrating the town’s connection to Buffalo Bill Cody, who was born there. Fans of “American Pickers” may also recognize the town as the home of Antique Archaeology.
You could easily spend a few hours browsing the shops before grabbing something to eat and taking a walk along the river. And if you have more time, consider taking in the Mississippi from the water aboard the Riverboat Twilight.
6. West Branch
West Branch is another town where history plays a major role in the experience.
It is the birthplace of President Herbert Hoover and home to the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Visitors can see Hoover’s birthplace cottage and explore the grounds surrounding the historic site.
But the town isn’t simply a stop for presidential history. Its downtown has local businesses, restaurants, and shops. West Branch also sits along Interstate 80, making it an especially easy stop for travelers crossing the state.
7. Adel
The historic courthouse square gives Adel an instant advantage in the charm department.
Located just west of Des Moines, the town makes for an easy day trip, but it still has enough going on to warrant more than a quick visit. The Dallas County Courthouse anchors the square, while local shops and restaurants make it easy to spend an afternoon downtown.
The Raccoon River also adds to Adel’s appeal. The community has access to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, making it a good destination for cyclists or anyone who wants to combine outdoor recreation with lunch and shopping.
8. Red Oak
Located in southwest Iowa, Red Oak has an interesting collection of historic architecture.
The Montgomery County Courthouse is one of the town’s architectural standouts, and Red Oak’s historic downtown offers visitors plenty to see as they explore the area.
One of its most unusual claims to fame is the fact that several historic homes from Red Oak were moved to the Chicago suburb of Oak Park in the 1920s. Today, the town is also known for its collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and the Grinnell family’s unique legacy. The Heritage Hill Tour is a great way to explore it all.
9. Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon has a little more energy than some small towns, thanks in part to Cornell College.
The historic campus sits on a hill above town and is one of only a few entire college campuses in the country listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Below it, the downtown is packed with locally owned shops, restaurants, and places to stop for coffee.
The town is particularly good for a wandering afternoon. Walk through the historic downtown, browse the boutiques, and make time for something to eat. Locals have referred to the downtown as the ultimate “stroll zone,” which honestly is about as good a description as any.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
