The best part about living in Iowa is taking the time to explore the hidden gems that are way off the beaten path. One such treasure is located in the tiny southern Iowa town of Cantril. You’ll find one of the best general stores in the state in this sleepy, timeless town, and it’s so worth the drive to get there.

The rural town of Cantril, Iowa, is home to about 250 residents and is hours away from the nearest large city.
Flickr / Npatterson
Why, then, might Iowans flock to this town from all over the state?
The famous Dutchman's Store brings Iowans to tiny Cantril, thanks to its history and old-time experience.
Facebook / Dutchmans Store
Dutchman's Store was founded in 1985 by Clair & Virginia Zimmerman. Over the years, their small storefront has grown to include several departments for sewing supplies, clothing, gifts, toys, and food.
Along with standard groceries, Dutchman's specializes in bulk foods, local candies, handmade pastries and more.
Google Local / Dutchman's Store
Visitors are often amazed when they find that they can make their very own peanut butter, right from the grinder!
Tripadvisor / Shana S.
It does not get any fresher than that! The Zimmermans were inspired by the Pennsylvania Dutch culture of their hometown in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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Dutchman's offers so much more than just tasty food, though.
Google Local / Dutchman's Store
You can find toys, games, and books for children in many of the aisles. The toys range from modern-day marvels to old-fashioned trucks and games.
If you need some jeans, a hat, or even new boots, you'll find them here.
Tripadvisor / Angus Vicker
Dutchman's Store carries clothing for everyone in the family! No need to make a second stop for the essentials.
Along with toys, games, clothing, and food, you can find all sorts of other goodies here.
Tripadvisor / Henry Mudd
Meat grinders, outdoor decor, home furnishings, fresh deli platters and sandwiches, specialty ground coffee... the list of goods that Dutchman's Store stocks is nearly endless!
So, next time you're up for a bit of a drive and want to see life in a truly rural Iowa town, head down to Cantril.
Facebook / Dutchman's Store
Dutchman's Store is located at 103 Division St., Cantril, IA, 52542.

If you can’t get enough of small-town Iowa charm, take a trip to the best of our hidden treasures on this Road Trip Through Iowa’s Most Charming Small Towns.

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More to Explore

The Best Places In Iowa

William Suphan | December 29, 2022

What are the best historical places in Iowa?

The best historical places in Iowa include:

  • Vesterheim Museum. This is a Norwegian-American museum that showcases the history of the Norwegian culture in Decorah.
  • Guthrie County Historical Village. The exhibits here, including a blacksmith, church, schoolhouse, and other buildings, show the history of this area from 1850.
  • Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village. This was once a stagecoach stop and crossroads settlement, which has been recreated here.
  • Villages of Van Buren. This is a collection of 12 historic villages with Amish buggy rides, ruins, museums, and more.

Learn more about the best historical places in Iowa. 

What are the most bizarre roadside attractions in Iowa?

The most bizarre roadside attractions in Iowa include:

  • Castles of Ida Grove. These castles scattered about this area were built by the employees of Byron Le_roy Godberson at his behest.
  • Arnolds Park Amusement Park. This park which was built in 1889 has the 13th oldest rollercoaster in the world. 
  • Coffee Pot and Cup Water Towers. Located in Stanton, these Swedish-style towers hold 50,000 gallons and 150,000 gallons respectively.
  • Volkswagen Beetle Spider. This is a massive sculpture of a spider with a VW Beetle as the body.

Discover more about the most bizarre roadside attractions in Iowa. 

What are the most unusual attractions in Iowa?

The most unusual attractions in Iowa include:

  • Future birthplace of Captain Kirk. Located in Riverside, this monument marks the location of the birthplace of Star Trek’s Captain James Tiberius Kirk.
  • The Ice Cave. This cave in Decorah stays frozen all year long due to an underground glacier.
  • Iowa 80. This is the largest truck stop in the world that includes a movie theater, a dentist, a barber, a laundry room, and more.
  • The Hobo Museum. This museum in Britt is dedicated to those who live the life of the road.

Find out more about the most unusual attractions in Iowa. 

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103 Division St, Cantril, IA 52542, USA