This Enchanting And Historic Town In Iowa Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination
Raymond Goldfield
Author
The south of Iowa is much quieter than other parts of the state, especially when you get away from the Mississippi River coastal towns. It can be easy to just dismiss the whole area as prairie that you drive through to get to where you’re really going – but if you did that, you’d be missing one of the best small towns in Iowa. Eldon is a tiny Wapello County city with a population of only 783 as of the 2020 census – but it has almost as many historic spots as it does residents! The entire town feels like it came from another era, and you’ll be able to visit the home of one of Iowa’s most famous residents as well as witness the rebirth of some historic buildings. You can even get a great bite to eat in a throwback bar-and-grill while you’re there. It’s the perfect way to spend a quiet day trip in Iowa while exploring an underrated corner of the Hawkeye State. So, let’s take a look at Eldon, Iowa!
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Have you visited Eldon’s many historic sites? Feel free to reach out and let us know what you think of this unique small town in Iowa. You can find out more about the town on the official City of Eldon website, and visit the official Facebook page of Chommy’s to find out what it’s cooking up! For another unique small town in Iowa, why not take a weekend trip to Decorah? Don’t forget to pack the road trip snacks!
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More to Explore
Best Small Towns In Iowa
What are the best small towns in Iowa?
A few of the best small towns in Iowa are the following:
- Pella, Iowa: A charming small town with a proud Dutch heritage and the bakery treats to match, plus the Vermeer Windmill.
- Decorah, Iowa: Home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Musuem, this small town surrounded by natural beauty hosts a Nordic Festival every summer.
- Mount Vernon, Iowa: A small farm town that features a quaint but vibrant downtown area, and is home to Cornell College.
- Eldora, Iowa: This small town is home to a beautiful courthouse and the Hardin County Farm Museum.
What are the most historic small towns in Iowa?
Some of the most historic small towns in Iowa are:
- Keosauqua, Iowa: Brimming with historic buildings on every corner, this small town with a population of less than a thousand boasts the oldest courthouse in the state.
- Missouri Valley, Iowa: Once a bustling railway hub, this town has a railroad museum including a miniature train ride.
- Winterset, Iowa: With a historic downtown, a John Wayne museum (this was his birthplace), Clark Tower, and picturesque covered bridges, this is a must-visit historic small town in Iowa.
Which small towns have the best downtowns in Iowa?
The following small towns have the best downtowns in Iowa:
- Orange City: featuring a strong Dutch influence in its architecture.
- Clarinda: multiple local museums to visit, lots of colorful and unique boutiques to shop.
- McGregor: featuring a beautiful and historic downtown.
- Anita: a lovely family-friendly area that’s also home to Lake Anita State Park.
- Oskaloosa: fun shops and boutiques plus a bandstand for summer concerts.
- Le Claire: a fast-growing river town with lots to offer.