The Perfect Iowa Getaways To Take If You Have Been Dreaming Of Europe
By Raymond Goldfield|Published February 07, 2024
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
There is nothing like travel to send the imagination soaring, but a long-distance vacation isn’t always feasible. A lengthy plane ride isn’t for everyone – and we’re not looking forward to figuring out who’ll pick up our mail while we’re in Europe! If you’re still dreaming of Europe but don’t think you’ll be able to make it across the pond anytime soon, there are a surprising number of European getaways in Iowa. Iowa was one of the most diverse states in terms of its original settlers, because by the time it was founded, the second wave of immigrants from Europe was already here. That means many of our small towns have a unique ethnic heritage that is very clear in the town’s architecture, food, attractions, and so much more. Come with us to discover five European getaways in Iowa that will make you feel like a world traveler.
The Amana Colonies are often considered the best little German towns in the Midwest, and one walk down Amana's popular main street makes it clear why. It's home to a bakery, butcher shop, general store, and so much more - all bursting with German charm.
But the biggest selling point for Amana might be its old-fashioned festivals - which take place throughout the year.
Amana Colonies, 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, USA
Pella's heritage comes straight from Holland, as this charming little Dutch town is instantly known for its historic architecture - including a massive windmill transported here from Europe as the centerpiece of a historic village.
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However, the windmill might not be Pella's most famous symbol - that would be its beautiful tulips.
One of the most famous festivals in all of Iowa, Pella hosts Tulip Time every year when the flowers are in bloom, and the entire town is cast in color.
Luxembourg is one of Europe's smallest countries, so it's only fitting that Saint Donatus, the "Little Luxembourg" of Iowa, is also tiny - only a few hundred residents.
This is a charming, sleepy getaway, and the main appeal is taking in the historic architecture. You can stay in an inn built out of an old barn, visit a historic church, or even try Luxembourgish cuisine.
That's right, the heart of Saint Donatus is Kalmes Restaurant, a European-style family restaurant that serves classic dishes with a few specialties from the old country you might never have seen before.
Decorah is a bustling destination that still wears its Norwegian heritage on its sleeve. You can see it on display at Vesterheim, a massive heritage museum which oversees a collection of historic buildings.
Vesterheim is the heart of the town, but its Norwegian roots can be seen in the architecture and dining options around the town as well.
Yes, we already saw windmills - but there's a very big difference between Dutch and Danish windmills! In Elk Horn, everything here is influenced by Denmark.
The town is a popular tourist destination thanks to the authentic Danish windmill and the historic village built around it, and those roots have worked their way into every business in the town.
You'll definitely want to end your European escape in Elk Horn with a visit to Larsen's Pub, which has one of the best selections of European beers in Iowa.
Have you visited any of these charming small towns steeped in European heritage? What are your favorite European getaways in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! If you’re looking for a taste of the world that will take you even farther from Iowa, head to Des Moines to explore its massive Vietnamese market and food court. And if you’re excited to show off your Iowa pride no matter where you go, check out the Hawkeye State collection from Wear Your Roots.
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