HGTV Declares: This is Iowa’s Most Charming Town

If you've never traveled around the state of Iowa, you're missing out! While Iowa often gets dogged for being flat or boring, there's far less truth to those stereotypes than people think.

While parts of our state are quite flat, and perhaps there's less to do in some rural communities, there is plenty of fun and adventure you can find throughout our state if you seek it out.

Iowa's most charming small town according to HGTV

Since our state is made up of largely smaller towns, it's easy to think those towns of under 10,000 residents will be pretty dull, right? Bars, sure. Maybe a bowling alley. But what else?

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HGTV decided they needed to find the most charming small town in each state, and they have picked a good one for Iowa. Located in Winneshiek County, up in far northeast Iowa, the lovely driftless area, the town of Decorah was selected as our most charming small town.

With a ton going for it, including a highly revered bike path, Decorah has a ton going for a town of about 7,500. Also known for being a hippy town, Decorah boasts some incredible scenery and a must-visit brewery.

As someone who once lived and worked in Decorah, I can certainly suggest a visit!

So much to see and do

From Dunning Springs, a beautiful park that has a 200-foot waterfall, to Toppling Goliath, a brewery that draws tourists from around the world, and the famous Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, there is no shortage of scenery and entertainment.

As a plus, Decorah is in the Driftless Area, and the home of Luther College, Decorah was blessed with scenic beauty.

If you make the trip, be sure you allow a couple of days to check things out. You can visit Toppling Goliath (or Pulpit Rock, another awesome brewery), the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, the 11-plus mile Trout Run Trail bike/walking path, or you can go in late July and celebrate Nordic Fest with the locals.

If you visit Decorah this summer, have fun and say "hi" to a strong IPA from me!

Perhaps you'll pass one of Iowa's tiniest towns on your way to Decorah? Check them out!