While Iowa has many wonderful vacation towns, Esquire once named Pella as one of the most charming American towns most people haven't heard of but should visit. It's a welcoming community with delicious food, a plethora of recreational opportunities, and a distinct culture and heritage that residents are eager to share. Oh, and the town and residents' plant over a quarter-million tulips each year. This unique small town is less than an hour's drive southeast of Des Moines and has a distinct Dutch appeal. Pella, founded in 1847 by Dutch immigrants, is still infused with Dutch culture today. Pella exemplifies this, with Dutch windmills and (in season) tulips adorning the streets.

The Pella Historical Society maintains a number of attractions for visitors to enjoy Dutch traditions. The Vermeer Windmill, the tallest working windmill in North America, is one of these focal points. The historical society also looks after 22 buildings in Pella's Historic Village. Visit during Pella's Tulip Time Festival to see the city in full bloom. The city has over 200 tulip beds, many of which are in full bloom during this three-day event in early May. Thousands of visitors from across Iowa attend this spring festival to enjoy the flowering spectacles. A trip to Pella isn't complete unless you try some Dutch cuisine. Savory treats like cream horns, puff pillows, and Dutch letters are available at Jaarsma Bakery and Vander Ploeg Bakery.

Decorah is located in the peaceful northeastern region of Iowa, and the town of around 7,700 people has earned a reputation as a peaceful haven filled with natural beauty. A weekend trip here will reveal some of the state's most unusual natural features, including a charming hidden waterfall. Before heading to one of Iowa's best stand-alone hotels, you'll be able to sample some of the state's best cuisine and wine in a relaxed setting. It's a great way to get away from the stresses of everyday life and learn about what makes this out-of-the-way small town so unique.

As soon as you step foot in Decorah, the stresses of everyday life begin to fade as you settle into the town's distinct atmosphere. The Ice Cave system, located on the outskirts of town, is an ancient location that allows you to peer back into Iowa's geological history. You're only a few steps away from Dunning's Spring Park, which features a beautiful small waterfall that's relaxing to watch at any time of year. Back in town, spend an afternoon exploring Vesterheim, a massive Norwegian-American heritage museum with a network of historic buildings. You should definitely make a reservation for dinner at Rubaiyat, the town's acclaimed Mediterranean steakhouse.

Winterset, Iowa is one of many picturesque towns in Iowa. Of course, things have changed, but not as much as you might think! Many of these buildings, for example, can still be found in courthouse square today. Winterset, however, has other distinguishing features, such as a John Wayne Museum, in addition to a charming, historic downtown area. Also, don't miss the Iowa Quilt Museum, which is located on the south side of town at 68 East Court Avenue. Through displays about the history of the American quilt and plenty of beautifully done real-life examples, this artful museum seeks to promote an appreciation of quilting.

Winterset, in South-Central Iowa's historic Madison County, is a charming small town surrounded by covered bridges. That's because Madison County is Iowa's Covered Bridge Capital. The novel and subsequent film Bridges of Madison County served as the inspiration for this moniker. Winterset provides easy access to six covered bridges. Paved public roads lead to three covered bridges, while dirt roads connect the other half. These scenic spots are ideal for picnics and day trips, as well as bringing a date. Winterset is also the birthplace of John Wayne, Hollywood's most famous cowboy. The non-profit John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset honors the Duke's legacy. The Iowa Quilt Museum and the Madison County Historical Society are two other places to visit on a weekend trip.

Le Claire, Iowa is a charming river town and one of the best day trip destinations in Iowa. Many people first became aware of Le Claire when the show American Pickers premiered. The Antique Archaeology guys were well-known in town, but the show's popularity has undoubtedly aided tourism. During the warmer months, downtown Le Claire is also a great place to visit. Wine tasting rooms, distilleries, and breweries provide enjoyable outings, and live music is available on weekends. Le Claire is a wonderful place to visit even in the winter. The town is never truly crowded, and you will enjoy the peace, quiet, and natural beauty.

Photographers from all over the world travel to Le Claire in the winter to try their hand at photographing bald eagles on the Mississippi River. Make plans to visit Le Claire, Iowa and all that this peaceful river town has to offer. You'll fall in love with small-town Iowa like you've never before! The "Big Muddy" provides many of Le Claire's scenic views. River cruises offered by Riverboat Twilight allow visitors to better appreciate the water. In the winter, the Mississippi's free-flowing waters attract a swarm of eagles, which can be seen from the banks. The Buffalo Bill Museum is another attraction in Le Claire. This fascinating museum tells the story of the Mississippi River Valley.

While the Amana Colonies in eastern central Iowa have strong German and Swiss influences in language and architecture, the history here is more than just European. In fact, this town has been designated as a national historic landmark. The Amana Colonies are seven picturesque villages in Eastern Iowa, about 30 minutes from Iowa City. The villages, founded in 1855 by German immigrants fleeing religious persecution, are one of America's oldest communal societies. Until the Great Depression, when societal needs shifted toward privatization, communal-style living thrived in Amana.

The Amana Colonies are still alive and well today, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Amana Heritage Museum is a great place to start any visit to learn more about the history seen throughout the streets. There are also guided tours led by locals that provide in-depth narration about the heritage all around. The Amana Colonies are also well known for their artisan wares, which are sold throughout the villages. From handcrafted furniture to locally sourced entrees, Amana Colonies culture values handcrafted quality. The Amana Colonies are also known for their celebrations. Winterfest commemorates the snowy season in the Amana Colonies, while Maifest welcomes spring with events. Another popular annual event is the Wurst Festival, which features sausage specials and a Dachshund Derby.

Iowa is well-known for its holiday lights, with numerous drive-through displays throughout the state. However, there's something inherently charming about a small town going all-out to celebrate the season, and no town does it better than Waverly. This small town in central Iowa is well-known for its annual holiday light display, which takes over a suburban neighborhood. This entire display is put together by volunteers in the neighborhood to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, making it even more impressive. Every year, this neighborhood event is a little different, and there's no better way to celebrate the holiday season in Iowa than by strolling down Waverly's main street, which has been completely transformed into a land of Christmas magic.

This 10,000-person city is known for its outdoor attractions and welcoming downtown district. A smiling face is never far from sight in Waverly's many city parks, golf courses, or outdoor patios. When visiting, the first place to go is Waverly Main Street. The charming storefronts near the Cedar River offer a diverse selection of local eateries, shops, and lodging options. The Wild Carrot and Dell's Diner are two local favorites for some of the best bites in town. Outdoor activities are available throughout Waverly. The town has two 18-hole golf courses that are popular during the summer. In the spring, summer, and fall, hiking and biking are also popular activities.

McGregor is a small town along the Mississippi River. It has been a picturesque community surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings since its founding in 1847. McGregor references are frequently combined with Marquette, another small-town neighbor to the north. Even without all of the amazing eye candy that Marquette brings to the table, McGregor provides incredible outdoor experiences on its own. To begin, a little background on this town: McGregor has a population of only 850 people. However, they receive far more visitors than that. They come to enjoy the charming downtown and the restaurants. When visiting this small Iowa town, Cafe McGregor is always a safe bet. In addition to access to this treasured Iowa landscape, the town offers excellent community flavor.

The nearby Pikes Peak State Park is the best place to visit from McGregor to enjoy the Mississippi's big bluffs and wide banks. Over 10 miles of trails wind through the woodland landscape at this popular natural retreat. The path leading to Point Ann provides the best view of the river. People come to McGregor for the great outdoors. But it's the lively community and cozy downtown district that keeps them coming back for more. McGregor's downtown area is lined with a variety of local shops and restaurants. On summer weekends, there are often large crowds on the sidewalks.

Elk Horn is home to America's largest Danish settlement, and this charming and historic Iowa village is well worth a visit. These Danish villages, along with the neighboring village of Kimballton, are home to approximately 1,000 Iowans, many of whom have roots that date back to the villages' founding in the early 1900s. The Danish Windmill, built in 1948, is the town's most notable landmark. This one-of-a-kind title has a long history that dates back to the mid-1800s. The historic Danish Windmill in the center of Elk Horn is the main Danish attraction in these two small towns.

Tivoli Fest is Elk Horn's most important annual tradition. This Danish festival, held on Memorial Day Weekend, features authentic food, music, and dancing. Thousands of visitors from all over the world attend this event, which has been going on for over 40 years. Tivoli Fest also features a street market, parade, and aebleskiver eating contest. Julefest, which takes place in December, is another popular event in Elk Horn. Danish Christmas traditions, such as warm pastries and elaborate decorations, adorn this wintertime festival. During the festival, the town also hosts a special Christmas concert and the "Naughty or Nisse" 5K fun-run. Within the town, there are numerous landmarks that have been preserved. The beautiful and tiny Morning Star Chapel can be found in the Danish Windmill complex.

Eldora is a small town in Iowa with a population of less than 3,000 people. Many of the structures there, including the magnificent courthouse, are listed on the National Historic Register. An amazing state park is right on the outskirts of town, and its rich history will make you fall in love with it. Eldora is a lovely town west of Waterloo, just off Highway 20. The courthouse, along with many other structures, is listed on the National Historic Register. Eldora was founded in 1895. It now has a population of about 2,800 people. Eldora's Hardin County Farm Museum is located at 203 Washington Street. This farm site depicts a typical Iowa family farm from the late 1800s to the 1950s.

Pine Lake's cabins and campgrounds make overnight trips possible. Visitors can also find comfortable hotels and accommodations in Eldora. Eldora has a friendly community in addition to a good selection of places to stay. Other attractions, such as the Eldora Grand Theater, provide entertainment in between adventures. The Hardin County Farm Museum and the Eldora Aquatic Center are two other nearby attractions. Memorial Park and Twister Park have plenty of green space to spread out a blanket for a picnic.

Mount Vernon, which was founded in the mid-1800s, has a population of about 4,500 people. Its lively, charming downtown district is teeming with restaurants, shops, and local businesses. Skillet Cafe, 101 1st Street NE, is open for lunch and dinner. You'll find some hearty meals here that will satisfy your hunger. Cornell College, a private liberal arts college with around 1,000 students, is also located in town. Beautiful farms can be found all over Mount Vernon, and they are both picturesque and lovely. Family farms abound, producing everything from hay to pumpkins. Mount Vernon residents eat well, with plenty of sustainably grown produce.

You can even go on an agri-tour of some of the farms to learn about how they work. From May to October, Bass Family Farms offers tours. The countryside around town is so peaceful and quiet that you'll want to take a walk or ride your bike along the backcountry roads. Take a country drive to see the American Gothic Barn, which is painted with several rural scenes, including the famous painting by artist Grant Wood. Naturally, not everyone in Mount Vernon owns a farm. If you don't, the Farmers Market at the Mt Vernon First Street Community Center is a great place to get some. Make no mistake: this is a farm town with a tight-knit community that always has something going on. Every May, residents and visitors alike enjoy events such as the Chalk the Walk festival.