10 Beautiful, Historic Neighborhoods In Iowa That Are Full of Charm

One of Davenport's oldest neighborhoods, the Village of East Davenport is full of small specialty shops and was used as parade grounds for Civil War soldiers from Camp McClellan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, and it was roughly defined as the area between the Mississippi River, Spring, Judson, and 13th Streets, Kirkwood Boulevard and Jersey Ridge Road. While you're there, we recommend dinner at 11th Street Precinct.

The Fourth Street Historic District in Sioux City consists of a concentration of 15 late-nineteenth-century commercial buildings between Virginia and Iowa Streets that date from 1889 to 1915. Many of the buildings are significant for their elaborate Romanesque Revival architecture. The area is now a hub of restaurants, bars, and specialty shops. While you're there, be sure to check out the Diving Elk for a delicious meal and a cold brew.

Haymarket Square District is a historical retail area located in the central business district of Council Bluffs. There are many unique businesses in the district, from custom printing to collectibles. One particularly fun place to check out is Drips Art Gallery & Coffee Shop.

The Czech Village, also known as New Bohemia, will give you a full dose of Czech culture. While you're there, be sure to visit the National Czech & Slovak Museum, pick up some fresh baked goods at the Sykora Bakery, and do some shopping at Czech Village Antiques.

Cathedral Historic District is a 32-acre historic district in Dubuque that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It features 96 historic buildings, including St. Raphael's Cathedral, an 1833 Catholic cathedral that is oldest congregation of any Christian denomination in the state of Iowa. While you're here, be sure to check out Cable Car Square, and take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator Car.

The Highland Park Historic Business District at Euclid and Sixth Avenues is located in the north-central section of Des Moines, on the border of the Oak Park and Highland Park neighborhoods. The commercial historic district has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1998. The district is home to some beautiful architecture, including many High-Victorian style buildings.

Historic East Village Des Moines is a great place to visit if you can't make it to the East Village in Manhattan. The area is full of history, culture, and plenty of unique things to do and see. From funky shops such as Uglytree and Raygun, to unique eateries such as Zombie Burger and Tacopocalypse, East Village Des Moines offers all the best parts of East Village Manhattan right here in Iowa.

The 100 Block of West Broadway is a historic district in Council Bluffs that features many fun and unique businesses. One must-visit place is a restaurant called Dixie Quicks, which serves up some mean Southwest style soulfood.

The Old Main district is a gateway to downtown Dubuque with a mix of retail and entertainment uses, including specialty retail stores and services, local bars, restaurants, fast food, and live music venues. While you're there, do not miss the chance to see a show at the Five Flags Event Center, a beautiful theatre built in 1910.

Cody Road Historic District in Le Claire includes 60 structures along a nine-block stretch of U.S. Route 67, Cody Road, the primary street through town. The district, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, contains Le Claire's main commercial district on the south side and a residential area on the north. While you're there, catch up on your Iowa history at the Buffalo Bill Museum.