Updated Sep 23, 2021

Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Iowa Have AMAZING Restaurants

Discover some of the most incredible hidden restaurants in small-town Iowa, offering a variety of delicious cuisines.

Updated Sep 23, 2021

Written by

Michaela Kendall

Trip Ideas|Small Towns

Published Nov 6, 2024

There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Decorah, Iowa for the Holidays

Charming and historic Decorah is my hometown, and I think it's the best place to spend the holidays in Iowa

Published Nov 6, 2024

Written by

Trent Jonas

I grew up all over eastern Iowa. My parents moved from place to place - Tipton, Lowden, Iowa City - before finally settling on the beautiful town of Decorah, where I spent the bulk of my youth and graduated from high school. One of the benefits of moving so was getting to compare the towns that I'd lived in, and even my puny 10-year-old brain recognized just how beautiful Decorah is, with its limestone bluffs, trout streams, well-preserved historic homes and buildings, and even waterfalls (I'd never seen one in real life before we moved here!). The people were warm and welcoming to me, even as a new kid in town, and I still count many folks from Decorah among my friends. It's thanks to this combination of scenic beauty, history, and friendly folks, I would argue that Decorah is the best holiday town in Iowa - and, yes, perhaps I'm a titch biased.

As scenic as Decorah is at any time of year, the town is particularly lovely when it wears a mantle of snow on its shoulders. Throw in some holiday spirit, and it's downright magical.

The houses and parks that line Decorah's streets typically go all-out for the holidays, and Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center, does not play around. All its buildings are festooned in festive finery, and it hosts an annual Norwegian Christmas Celebration that seems to bring out the whole town. The Luther College Christmas concerts always attract folks from all around the region and ensure that the holiday spirit burns bright in Decorah.

Decorah's downtown commercial area - mainly along Water St. - is one of several historic districts in town, and it's one of the most walkable shopping areas in Iowa. During the holidays, the town is bedecked in wreaths and lights, and the charming shops that line the street are open for extended hours.

Downtown Decorah is one of those places where you can walk in early December, powdery snow falling gently from the sky, sparkling in the streetlights, and feel like you're strolling through a holiday movie.

One place that definitely knows its assignment for the holidays in Decorah is the historic Hotel Winneshiek, so if you plan to make a holiday trip to this Iowa Christmas town, I'd recommend booking your accommodations there. Have you visited Decorah during the holidays? Do you agree that it's one of Iowa's best Christmas towns? Nominate your favorite holiday town in Iowa and tell us all what makes it special!

Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Published Oct 31, 2024

If You Only Have One Day To Visit This Small Town In Iowa, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Discover how to spend a perfect day in Winterset, Iowa, from visiting the John Wayne Birthplace Museum to exploring the iconic covered bridges of Madison County.

Published Oct 31, 2024

Written by

Megan Todaro

Let’s say you happen to be traveling through Iowa and are in a time crunch. You only have one day to stop along your route and it happens to be smack dab in Winterset, Iowa, a charming small town jam-packed with iconic sights, small-town warmth, and quite a few things to do. So, where do you even start? I’ve curated a day-trip adventure in Iowa that will let you see all the best Winterset offers, even when you only have less than 24 hours to explore. So let's begin!

A red covered bridge at sunset, with a wooden walkway and trees in the background, reflecting a serene landscape. — Winterset Iowa
Madison CountyPhoto taken on November 9, 2019Built in 1883 by Harvey P. Jones and George K. Foster, Roseman is 107 feet in length and sits in its original location. In Robert James Waller’s novel, The Bridges of Madison County, and the movie of the same name, Roseman is the bridge Robert Kincaid seeks when he stops at Francesca Johnson’s home for directions. It is also where Francesca leaves her note inviting him to dinner.

Start your day in Winterset with a hot coffee and hearty breakfast at Petite Cafe. This craft coffee and a small batch bakery offers a delicious homemade selection for you to kick off your day the right way. Try The BAE, a bacon, avocado, and egg sandwich, with melted cheddar and spicy mayo on a freshly baked croissant, you won’t regret it.

Next, let’s head over to see some of the iconic covered bridges that inspired the iconic book, Bridges of Madison County! No trip to Winterset would be complete without visiting the covered bridges that inspired Robert James Waller’s famous novel and the subsequent film adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. There are six covered bridges scattered around Madison County, and Winterset is the perfect base to explore a few of them.

The Hogback Covered Bridge and Roseman Covered Bridge are two of the most popular and photogenic, both located within a short drive of town. Each bridge has its unique design and history, and they’re beautiful to visit year-round, whether framed by spring greenery, autumn leaves, or winter snow.

Statue of John Wayne in front of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, featuring a modern building and landscaped surroundings. — Flickr jpellgen

Next up, we have the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, dedicated to Winterset’s most famous native. John Wayne, originally named Marion Morrison, was born here in 1907, and this museum offers a look into his life and legendary Hollywood career. You can tour his small birthplace home, preserved as it was during his early years, and explore exhibits showcasing memorabilia from his films and personal life.

The museum has one of the largest collections of John Wayne artifacts in the world, from iconic costumes to rare photographs. This is a must-visit for fans of classic cinema, and it provides a fascinating peek into how this small-town boy grew into one of the most enduring figures in American film.

A wide-open field under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds scattered above. — Fluffy white clouds and a blue sky over a winter cornfield in Iowa.

After the museum visit, make a stop at Covered Bridges Winery. Tucked away in the rolling hills near Winterset, this family-owned winery crafts wines from locally grown grapes, and it’s a great spot to unwind with a tasting flight. Sip on wines named in homage to the area’s covered bridges, like the white Bridges blend or the red Roseman. The tasting room offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere with beautiful countryside views.

For dinner, make your way to The Drift Taproom & Restaurant on the town square, a restaurant that combines Iowa comfort food with a touch of modern flair. Known for its burgers, steaks, and other classic dishes, The Drift offers a warm, cozy ambiance perfect for a satisfying evening meal. We heard the flatbreads are out of this world!

Need a place to spend the night? Check out hotels.com to see what Winterset, Iowa has for accommodations.

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Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Iowa Have AMAZING Restaurants

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There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Decorah, Iowa for the Holidays

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If You Only Have One Day To Visit This Small Town In Iowa, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

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All Stories

The Completely Free Natural Attraction Hiding in a Wyoming Park Is a Must-Visit

This Natural Wonder in Idaho Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

The Best Apple Cider in Alaska Comes From This Award-Winning Hard Cidery

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Oregon’s Most Charming Small Towns

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