The Best Small Towns in Iowa for a Relaxing Vacation

Stay: Home to a charming and historic downtown, take a step back in time with a visit to Cherokee, located just one hour northeast of Sioux City. Reserve one of the downtown’s second-story lofts to immerse yourself in the community. The two-bedroom Library Loft Apartment is stocked full of books to curl up with and is located next to the local bookstore while the studio apartment known as Downtown Cherokee Iowa Vacation Rental is located above a coffee shop.
 

Explore: Discover endless shops all within walking distance. Shop books, wine and home décor at The Book Vine, farmhouse style home goods at Uptown by Jennie’s Homeshed, clothing at Keva Boutique, botanical gifts and décor at Botanicals by Katie, gifts and accessories at the Cherokee General Store and more. Stop by Wych Dr Distilling Co. to sample handcrafted premium vodka inside a 150-year-old grain elevator.
 

You also can’t visit Cherokee without stopping by the Sanford Museum & Planetarium. Learn all about the stars that fill the sky via astronomy exhibits and free planetarium programs held every Sunday. For historic fun, stop by the Illinois Central Railroad Depot to dive into stories from the railroad and see the Little Sioux Valley HO Scale Model Railroad.
 

Or retreat into nature at the Silver Sioux Recreation Area, a 160-acre park that features over three miles of trails that cross two swinging bridges and are a popular birdwatching spot. Find more scenic trails at River Road Conservation Area and Martin’s Access. For kayaking and canoeing fun, hop on the Little Sioux River’s Inkpaduta Water Trail.
 

Eat: The downtown features endless eateries. Get a boost with a coffee and pastry from Mud on Main or Fifty-Nine Grind; enjoy American cuisine and rotating tap beers at Gasthaus Bar & Grille; sample weekly specials at Whiskey Throttle; experience old-fashioned soda fountain treats at the Main Street Pharmacy Ice Cream Counter and more.
 

And More: For a nostalgic road trip experience, head just north of Cherokee to find the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway. This 36-mile loop passes through picturesque landscape that were carved by glaciers and include amazing views of rolling hills, forested valleys and the Little Sioux River.

Stay: With a unique community history, Algona (located just over an hour southeast of Okoboji) boasts a welcoming atmosphere to locals and visitors alike. Get a feel for the area’s culture by booking a charismatic Airbnb like an 1870s Italianate home, a cozy and modern farmhouse or this intimate tiny house.
 

Explore: Dive into the area’s intriguing history at the Camp Algona POW Museum, which tells the story of the community’s prisoners of war camp during WWII. Continue the history deep dive at the Thoreson Museum of Pharmacy, which shares the legacy of the 1909 Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company through equipment and apothecary practices. Switch gears and stop by the Kossuth County Agricultural & Motorsports Museum to see old race cars and trophies, tractors and farm equipment plus the Benschoter Train Depot and its model trains.
 

When you’re ready to return to the present, spend an afternoon perusing Agona’s locally-owned shops like RS Home & Design and The Market, or sip and sample handcrafted wines at Plum Creek Winery.
 

For a nature cleanse, head to Ambrose A. Call State Park, a 138-acre oasis of rugged hills and timber. Set off on a hike along the tow miles of secluded trails, visit an authentic log cabin or play a round of disc golf at the park’s 18-hole course.
 

Eat: Refuel with quiche, scones and sandwiches plus coffees, energy spritzers, teas, chai and smoothies at Feed Mill Coffee Company. Or wine and dine in style at Emerald’s Fine Food & Libations, which features lunch and dinner menus and is known as the home to the World’s Largest Cheeto.
 

And More: For more adventures, make the short drive to West Bend to visit the Shrine of the Grotto of Redemption, the largest man-made Grotto in the world. Or escape to the Patterson Recreation and Wildlife Center to enjoy hiking and birdwatching along its primitive trails.

Stay: Located one hour southwest of Council Bluffs, Red Oak offers the perfect rural getaway. Treat yourself to a lavish stay at the Riverbend Heritage Lodge, where the owners themselves welcome you to the stunning 21-acre property. Choose the room or guesthouse (some are pet-friendly!) that suit your needs and enjoy a made-to-order complimentary breakfast every morning. Once you’re settled in, relax by the firepit and stroll along the property’s trails or venture into town to explore the community.
 

Explore: Discover locally owned businesses and restaurants inside the historic buildings that make up Red Oak’s Downtown Historic District. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places alongside the community’s Carnegie Library. While admiring the collection of beautiful brick buildings, be sure to also visit Historic Fountain Square Park, catch a $2 evening movie at the nostalgic 1935 Red Oak Grand Theatre and visit boutiques like J Mercantile, White Sparrow, Five One 8, Heritage Hill Pottery and more. For more architectural wonders, set off on the self-guided Heritage Hill Tour to see a variety of public buildings and private homes built between 1870 and 1916.
 

For modern-day fun, claim your seat at the Wilson Performing Arts Center to enjoy everything from live music, comedy shows, community theater productions and professional touring plays and musicals. The theater’s lobby also doubles as an art gallery showcasing the works for Southwest Iowa artists.
 

Eat: Once you’re hungry, catch your favorite sports team and enjoy classic American fare at Stadium 34 or grab a hot dog or sweet treat from the DAC Creamery.
 

And More: Venture just outside of Red Oak to bike the popular Wabash Trace Nature Trail (trailheads in Malvern and Imogene), hike the trails at Viking Lake State Park near Stanton (and see the town’s coffee pot water tower) or tour the Villisca Ax Murder House in Villisca.

Stay: Surrounded by exciting outdoor destinations and located just one hour west of Des Moines, Guthrie Center is a great place to unplug. Book a stay at one of the community’s Airbnbs – The Quiet Place, a quaint home for two guests in a charming neighborhood; the Small Town Mansion, a large 1900s home in the heart of the community; or Seeley Creek Cabin Getaway, a log cabin nestled on 40 acres with a pond and walking trail.
 

Explore: Take your pick, then spend a weekend exploring the area. Guthrie Center boasts an impressive collection of locally owned shops. Discover trendy clothes at Pearls & Lace, artwork and gifts at Art on State, beauty products and treatment at Sapphire Skin Co. & Spa and more.
 

Eat: Test your gaming skills and grab a meal at IncrediBowl, which boasts eight bowling lanes, pool tables, darts and arcade games alongside a lunch buffet and evening meals. For a more casual dining experience. Grab a table at Prime Time Bar & Grill to watch your favorite sports teams and indulge in the best comfort foods.
 

And More: To retreat into nature, make the short drive north to Springbrook State Park. Set off on the 12-mile trail system, which travels through the park’s 930 acres of rolling hills, prairie and timber and around the 17-acre lake. Head a little farther northeast to Coon Rapids to go stargazing, hiking or biking at Whiterock Conservancy. To the west, drive eight miles to the Sutcliffe Woodland Wildlife Refuge and hike the nature trail to see 31 informational panels about the area’s flora and fauna. Or drive east to Panora to spend a day boating on the waters of Lake Panorama or biking the popular Raccoon River Valley Trail.

Stay: Situated just 30 minutes west of Des Moines, Adel offers the best of rural and urban activities. It’s located on the Historic U.S. Route 6 and features brick streets and historic architecture. Experience the community’s nostalgia up close by spending a night at the Big Blue Bed & Breakfast, a renovated 1890s Victorian Home. Learn about the history of the home from the owner herself and enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast each morning.
 

Explore: Venture out to meet local business owners at shops like Azalea Lane Boutique, Adel Flowers and Gifts, Real Deals and others. Or experience the best of farm fun at Wills Family Orchard, whose onsite General Store sells apples straight from the tree alongside other locally made products. The farm also hosts exciting annual events with more food and farm experiences.
 

Adel’s location on the Raccoon River also creates endless outdoor thrills. Bike the scenic Raccoon River Valley Trail (make sure to ride across the community’s lighted bridge!) or head south closer to De Soto and hop into a canoe or kayak to paddle the Middle Raccoon River Water Trail.
 

Eat: Once you’ve worked up an appetite, Adel boasts an impressive collection of local restaurants to choose from. Enjoy smashburgers, wraps, specialties and appetizers at 9th Street Smash & Tap. Sample baked goods and pizzas alike at River to River Bakery & Pizza. Or try authentic Mexican cuisine at El Gran Amigo Mexican Food.
 

And More: For fun outside of Adel city limits, reconnect with nature at the Brenton Arboretum in nearby Dallas Center (10 minutes north). It boasts 148 acres of walking trails, prairies, wildflower meadows, ponds and picturesque streams. Or head south to Earlham’s Kuehn Conservation Area to hike and birdwatch.

Stay: Enjoy all the best aspects of small-town life in Story City, which is located less than an hour north of Des Moines. The community’s beautiful Main Street is home to several loft Airbnbs. This apartment can sleep up to five guests and boasts exposed brick walls and modern styling while another loft is showcased as a Scandinavian-themed sanctuary.
 

Explore: While exploring this historic community, you can’t miss a visit to the 1913 hand-carved Story City Antique Carousel. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and charges just $1 for a ride on its intricate wooden animals. Find more nostalgic fun at the Story Theater Grand Opera House, which shows modern movies plus theater and music performances inside the 1913 auditorium. For even more history fun, add the Story City Museum, Sheldall Schoolhouse Museum, Bartlett House Museum and Carriage House Museum to your itinerary.
 

As you stroll through the downtown, be sure to snap a picture in front of the mural that celebrates the community’s Scandinavian heritage and iconic attractions like the carousel and swinging bridge. See the swinging bridge for yourself at South Park, where it crosses the South Skunk River. Or take advantage of the South Skunk River Water Trail to admire stunning cobbles, boulders and bluffs.
 

Eat: Before retreating to your loft apartment for the night, grab a delicious pie from Alley’s Pizza, a local favorite, or try Mexican cuisine at Los Altos. Kickstart the next day with coffee and breakfast at Kaffe Geita or stop by for a salad or sandwich at lunch.
 

And More: Spend even more time in nature at the Ada Hayden Heritage Park, located between Story City and Ames. It’s home to several miles of paved and unpaved trails around the lake and is a popular birding spot for locals.

Stay: Situated 30 minutes south of the Iowa/Minnesota border on Highway 218, Osage offers a perfect place for travelers to take a break. The community is known for the beautiful maple trees that line its streets as well as several Iowa hidden gems. Take advantage of the community’s proximity to the Cedar River by booking a stay at this Cozy Riverfront Home, which features a beautiful deck and patio, firepit and hiking trails throughout the secluded property. Or, embrace the quiet neighborhood lifestyle by staying at this Beautiful Ranch Home that’s close to local parks, trails and restaurants.
 

Explore: Once you’ve settled in, stroll between the shops that make up the historic downtown district. Emerson’s on Main carries a variety of clothing and accessories for people of all ages; Osage Floral & Gifts specializes in fresh bouquets and creative gifts; Maxine’s on Main offers consignment goods and more. Embrace the area’s history with a tour of the Mapletown Manor, a beautiful Italianate home that also hosts special events, or a walk through the Mitchell County Historical Museum.
 

For outdoor enthusiasts, bring your bike or walking shoes to enjoy the seven-mile-long Cedar River Greenbelt Trail. Or learn about the wonders of nature at the Milton R. Owen Nature Center, whose exhibits and bird feeding observation area allow you to get up close and personal with native animals. The center’s property also includes trails and opportunities for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing.
 

Eat: When mealtime rolls around, discover farm to table flavors at the Market, which sells heat-and-eat meals and meal kits to enjoy at your Airbnb. Or visit the Taste restaurant next door for a sit-down meal crafted with local ingredients. For classic lunch and dinner specials, stop by Teluwut Grille House & Pub, then sample craft beers at Limestone Brewers.
 

And More: Discover even more shopping fun in nearby St. Ansgar (15 minutes north). Or head south to the isolated Idlewild State Park to explore the 10-acre wildlife area via trails that wind along the Cedar River.

Stay: Known for its rich history and outdoor recreation, Independence (located 30 minutes east of Cedar Falls/ Waterloo) is a great place to get a taste of small-town Iowa. And it features a variety of Airbnbs that fit your style. Spend the night in a stylish downtown loft, a chic cabin on a private lake or a cozy home in the heart of the community.
 

Explore: Spend a casual afternoon checking out the downtown’s collection of shops. For history buffs, you won’t want to miss the 1854 Wapsipinicon Mill. Step inside the five-story renovated mill to see history and old-style construction practices up close. Discover more area history at the Heartland Acres Agribition Center, which features hands-on exhibits about livestock, renewable energy, agriculture and more.
 

For outdoor enthusiasts, the 30-mile Wapsipinicon River Water Trail combines adventure and serenity to create an excellent paddling experience. Or test your disc golf skills at the Riverwalk Park’s 18-hole disc golf course.
 

Eat: You won’t go hungry here – Independence boasts endless coffee shops, cafes, Mexican restaurants and casual eateries. Enjoy dinner with a view at Denali’s on the River, homestyle classics at Buttermilk Café, hearty courses at Del Rio and more. Then, stop by Allerton Brewing Company for the perfect nightcap.
 

And More: Experience one of the most unique destinations in Iowa in nearby Quasqueton – Cedar Rock State Park features the iconic Walter Estate, the only Frank Lloyd Wright signature home in Iowa. Or discover a variety of Amish businesses near Hazleton, which offer everything from handmade furniture to fresh produce, baked goods and more.

Stay: Full of historic charm and small businesses, locals often refer to Mount Vernon’s downtown as the ultimate “stroll zone.” Located just 20 minutes east of Cedar Rapids, this charismatic community offers an excellent escape that’s still packed with endless fun. Spend a night surrounded by history at the Brackett House B&B, which was built in 1877 as part of Cornell College and is within walking distance of the downtown.
 

Explore: Connect with local business owners and area history through Mount Vernon’s downtown district. Bauman’s has been a cherished clothing store for over 100 years; Vintage 1891 features unique antiques and collectibles; and Silver Spider sells books, jewelry and accessories, to name a few. For farm fun, discover year-round events and activities at Bass Farms and Kroul Farms.
 

For outdoor fun, look no further than Palisades-Kepler State Park. This stunning 840-acre park boasts five miles of rugged trails that wind through wildflower prairies and the forested banks of the Cedar River.
 

Eat: When you’re ready to take a rest, treat yourself to Iowa wines, beers and even Kombucha at Glyn Mawr Winery/The Local. Pair your drink of choice with gourmet snacks like chips and salsa/queso or visit when a local food truck is parked outside. Otherwise, taste test barbecue dishes at Big’s BBQ & Brew Pub, Neapolitan-style pizzas at the Lincoln Wine Bar and more.
 

And More: Head toward Cedar Rapids and visit the popular Indian Creek Nature Center for more outdoor fun. Discover interactive exhibits and educational programs inside and over seven miles of groomed trails outside.

Stay: Known as the home of the Midwest Old Threshers Heritage Museum, Mount Pleasant in southeast Iowa offers the opportunity to unplug from modern day worries and go back to the good ‘ol days. Retreat to a cozy cabin at Oakland Mills Park (there are four to choose from!), or choose from a variety of Airbnb homes in town – this elegant Guest House is just steps away from the downtown and this spacious condo is great for families.
 

Explore: The aforementioned Old Threshers Heritage Museum is obviously a must-visit as it showcases the community’s rural roots through exciting exhibits. History buffs can also enjoy tours of the Harlan-Lincoln House, The Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana and the Henry County Heritage Trust’s Van Allen House. For leisurely fun, take a stroll along the Main Street and stop into locally owned shops like From the Heart Flowers & Gifts, The Vintage Raven and Sorta Sweet Boutique.
 

Become one with nature with a visit to Oak Mills Nature Center, whose exhibits highlight local plant and animal species, natural habitats and fun weather facts. Take the adventure outdoors and hike the nature trail to put your new knowledge to the test. Or play a round of disc golf at the onsite 18-hole course.
 

Eat: When you’re hungry, head back to the downtown to sample local eats. The Grange Public House and Brewery is known for its perfectly cooked ribeye; Costa’s Pizza & Steakhouse boasts the best of comfort food; and Little Mexico Restaurant features Mexican classics and colorful interior murals.
 

And More: For a taste of the lake life, make the 20-minute drive south to Geode State Park. Lake Geode is the central focus of the park and features a sandy beach that’s perfect for taking a dip or relaxing in the sun. A variety of trails loop the lake, offering scenic views of the water, dam and surrounding forests.