Travelers Used To Flock To This Tiny Iowa Town To Experience Its Healing Mineral Waters
Raymond Goldfield
Author
Today, the small town of Colfax is just another charming central Iowa town, located about half an hour east of Des Moines. It has a population of around 2,200 and has a quiet but thriving retail and dining sector. However, almost a hundred and fifty years ago, this historic town in Iowa was a very different place. It was one of the most bustling small towns in Iowa, partially due to its success as a mining town. But what the residents found in the ground that made them a destination wasn’t ore – it was mineral water, and soon Colfax was home to a wildly successful healing spring that transformed its fortunes. Today, Colfax is still known as “Spring City”, so let’s take a journey back in time to Colfax’s exciting past.
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Enjoy a flyover tour of Colfax, Iowa in this video from Matt Oswalt:
Have you visited Colfax or heard about its unique past? Tell us about your experiences in this historic town in Iowa in the comments section. What are some of your favorite small towns in Iowa?
If you want to learn more about the town’s history and current offerings, you can visit the official Colfax website. For a look into Iowa’s rail history, consider taking this unique train-themed day trip.
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More to Explore
Explore Small-Town Iowa
What are some charming small towns in Iowa?
With only about five major cities in Iowa, that leaves plenty of small towns throughout the rest of the state. Here are some of our favorite charming small towns in Iowa that we think you'll really love:
- Mount Vernon, IA: As college towns go, Mount Vernon is about as classic as you can get. It is home to Cornell College, which is unique because it is the only college campus that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All of its historic buildings really add to the charm of this lovely town.
- The Amana Colonies, IA: Another historic town in Iowa is the Amana Colonies. There are actually seven villages that make up the Colonies (Main Amana, East Amana, South Amana, West Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana, and Homestead). There is really an old-world feel to this area with a delightful general store and many shops that feature handmade items. For a classic bite to eat, stop by the Ox Yoke Inn.
- Elk Horn, IA: This tiny Danish town feels like you are in an actual Scandinavian country. In fact, it has the only working Danish windmill outside of Denmark that has been standing proud since 1948 when it was shipped in from Norre Snede, Denmark. You'll also find one of the smallest churches in the U.S. The Morning Star Chapel only seats four people! If you love Scandinavian culture, stop by the Museum of Danish America.
One of the best ways to explore small-town Iowa is by taking a road trip. Check out this pre-planned itinerary of charming little towns in Iowa. Hop in an RV from RVShare and discover why Iowa needs to be on your travel bucket list.