Small Town Beauty in Iowa

Amana, also known as Main Amana, East Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, South Amana, West Amana, and Homestead, are the seven settlements that comprise the Amana Colonies. There are roughly 1,200 people living in the communities. The little German communities of the Amana Colonies are well-known for their handcrafted goods, artwork, and food.

Visit the Woolen Mill.

Enjoy the dandelion wine from Ackerman Winery.

Burlington sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. The town’s Heritage Hill Historic District preserves 19th-century homes.

One of the town’s most famous landmarks is Snake Alley. A meandering brick roadway built in 1894. Today, the alley is open to pedestrians and used in the annual Snake Alley Criterium bike race held over Memorial Day weekend.

Some of Iowa’s most breathtaking beauty can be found in the northeast. The small town of Decorah is the ideal place to dwell if you enjoy exploring both culture and outdoor adventure with undulating hills and rivers and farmland.

Dunning’s Spring Park is the place to see waterfalls.

At Ice Cave State Preserve you can explore an amazing ice cave.

The Trout Run Trail offers hiking and biking.

The most well-known feature of Dyersville is that it is the location of the “Field of Dreams” filming site.

See the impressive St. Francis Basilica.

Enjoy the National Farm Toy Museum.

Relax and enjoy a meal at the Palace Saloon.

Fairfield is well-known for its thriving arts and entertainment scene and is a fantastic location for both young professionals and seniors. In addition to showcasing local musicians and artists, the Fairfield First Fridays Art Walk and free summer outdoor concert series make it simple for locals to learn about their neighborhood.

The town is also home to Maharishi International University, a nonprofit institution with a distinctive education philosophy with courses in computer science, regenerative organic farming, and creative writing.

The lovely small town of Le Claire sits on the Mississippi River. The Cody Road Historic District has impressive 19th-century buildings.

Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum & Lone Star Steamer. The museum has exhibits about William F. Cody’s early life.

The Lone Star is the last wooden-hulled steamboat of its kind operating on the Mississippi and now preserved at the riverside facility.

See Antique Archaeology, the store made famous by the American Pickers TV show.

In the winter you can enjoy the Eagle Festival, drawing birdwatchers to watch bald eagles congregate near Lock & Dam 14.

Board the Riverboat Twilight and take a cruise down the Mississippi.

A stunning view of the Mississippi may be found in the village of McGregor. It was formerly known as MacGregor’s Landing and has the name of its founder, Alexander MacGregor. The village has antique shops to explore and lovely riverfront views.

You can enjoy Pikes Peak State Park.

For more outdoor adventures, there is Spook Cave and Campground.

Orange City is well-known for its windmills, Dutch architecture, and lovely tulip festival.

Visit the Sioux County Historical Museum.

Visitors enjoy Sinterklaas Day in December.

Dutch settlers settled Pella in 1847, and windmills and tulips can be seen around the town, demonstrating the strong influence of Dutch culture.

The Vermeer Windmill, one of the tallest operational windmills in North America, is a well-liked attraction.

Tulip Time, the town’s yearly celebration honoring Dutch ancestry and showcasing vivid, colorful tulips.

Spirit Lake is a small town close to the Minnesota border in northwest Iowa.

Spirit Lake is one of the many bodies of water in the area, making it a favorite summer vacation destination. You can enjoy jet skiing, boating, and fishing.

Waverly is a small settlement on the Cedar River. It is well-known for its welcoming downtown area. There are many locally owned stores and eateries in the Main Street District, offering waterfront views.

The town is home to Wartburg College.

Enjoy the Waverly Rail Trail for hiking and biking.