The 10 Most Beautiful Cities in Iowa
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, Dubuque offers visitors a picturesque blend of historic charm and natural beauty just about 90 minutes northeast of Cedar Rapids. The city’s star attraction, the Mississippi Riverwalk, is a scenic trail that winds through the riverfront district, inviting leisurely strolls or bike rides with sweeping views of the water and passing barges. What sets Dubuque apart is its successful melding of industrial heritage with revitalized spaces—like the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, where immersive exhibits celebrate the ecology and culture of the river. Early autumn is an especially lovely time here, when the river valley is splashed with fall colors and the cooler air encourages exploration.
Just over an hour west of Des Moines lies the town of Pella, famous for its Dutch heritage and charming architecture. Walking through the Pella Historic District feels like stepping into a quaint European village, thanks to its windmills, brick-paved streets, and tulip-lined parks. The Vermeer Windmill, a full-scale working replica of an authentic Dutch windmill, offers guided tours that explain the milling process and local history. The annual Tulip Time Festival in spring is when Pella truly shines, painting the town with a riot of colorful blooms and traditional Dutch dress, making it an unforgettable cultural experience.
In the heart of the Loess Hills region of western Iowa, about 45 minutes north of Omaha, the town of Honey Creek holds a special appeal for nature lovers. This area is home to the Loess Hills State Forest, where rugged, rolling hills with unique wind-deposited soil formations create some of Iowa’s most extraordinary landscapes. The Two Rivers Trail loops through the forest for around 10 miles, offering moderate hiking and opportunities to spot deer and wild turkeys. Spring and fall are ideal seasons for visiting, as migratory birds make the area their temporary home and the hillsides erupt in vibrant colors.
A short drive southeast from Cedar Rapids brings you to the historic town of Amana, a testament to Iowa’s German communal past. The Amana Colonies, a collection of seven villages, preserve 19th-century communal living through beautifully maintained buildings, craft shops, and traditional eateries. Visitors can wander the Amana Heritage Museum to understand the colonies’ unique social structure or sample handmade sausages and preserved goods from local markets. Winter brings a cozy atmosphere with festive lights and hearty German cuisine, perfect for savoring the villages’ old-world charm.
Along the banks of the Iowa River, Iowa City is an inviting blend of collegiate energy and literary history about 30 minutes east of Iowa City. The University of Iowa’s Old Capitol Building anchors the downtown, its striking dome a symbol of the city’s past as the state capital. Literature buffs will appreciate the Iowa City Public Library and the annual Iowa City Book Festival, reflecting the city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature. Spring time bursts with cherry blossoms in Hickory Hill Park, making a walk there feel like a poetic interlude amid vibrant blooms.
Venturing south from Des Moines for roughly 40 minutes leads to Pella’s neighbor, Knoxville, known for its charming downtown and the famous Knoxville Raceway, a must-see for racing enthusiasts. The city also offers the Marion County Historical Museum, housed in an 1850s building, which provides insights into local pioneer life and Native American heritage. Knoxville’s tree-lined streets and brick storefronts create a warm, inviting atmosphere year-round, but summer’s county fairs and outdoor concerts bring a unique vibrancy to this friendly town.
In the northwest corner of Iowa, the city of Spirit Lake offers a gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes region, about two hours northwest of Des Moines. Spirit Lake’s lakeshore parks and marina create a perfect setting for boating, fishing, or simply watching a stunning sunset over the water. The Dickinson County Nature Center nearby has walking trails and interactive exhibits about the region’s glacial history and wildlife. Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, when the lakeside buzzes with activity and festivals celebrating the area’s outdoor lifestyle.
On the eastern edge of Des Moines lies the suburb of Clive, a surprisingly green city known for its extensive park system. Terrace Hills Park is a highlight here, featuring a network of trails, playgrounds, and an amphitheater that hosts outdoor performances in pleasant weather. The park’s natural prairie restoration areas showcase native Iowa flora, offering a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the state’s capital city. Early summer is prime time to see wildflowers in bloom and enjoy picnics amid the park’s rolling hills.
About 90 minutes south of Des Moines in the town of Winterset, the birthplace of John Wayne, visitors find a delightful blend of rustic charm and artistic heritage. The Madison County Covered Bridges, scattered throughout the beautiful countryside, are the real draw—especially the rustic Roseman Bridge, famous from the novel and film “The Bridges of Madison County.” Walking or biking between these historic wooden bridges provides a serene immersion in Iowa’s rural beauty, particularly striking in late summer when the surrounding fields are golden and the skies vast.
Finally, the town of Decorah, about two hours northeast of Des Moines, is a cultural gem nestled in the bluff country near the Minnesota border. Decorah’s Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum offers an in-depth look at Scandinavian immigrant culture through art, textiles, and folk crafts. The nearby Dunning’s Spring Park is a favorite local spot where visitors can picnic beside a natural spring with waterfalls and trails that wind through the limestone bluffs. Fall’s crisp air and vibrant foliage bring this area to life, making it a special place to experience Iowa’s layered heritage and rugged beauty in one visit.