An Iowa Town Made the List of Best Small Towns to Visit in the U.S.

Less than two hours from Cedar Rapids is a small town with a big history!

A recent article from the website House Beautiful titled, "65 Charming American Towns You Haven't Heard of But Should Visit ASAP," takes a look at small towns across the country that are worth the trip. We have plenty of those here in Iowa, but only one made the official list. That town is Pella! The article reads:

"Even though this Midwest town is quaint and quiet during the majority of the year, it totally transforms in May for the annual Tulip Time Festival. To honor their Dutch culture, they transform the streets into the Netherlands and host an epic parade."

According to the town's website, Pella was founded in the summer of 1847 by a group of 800 immigrants from the Netherlands who were escaping religious persecution. They named the town Pella after the "biblical city of refuge." There are over 20 historical building you can tour in the town, including the childhood home of the famous gambler and lawman Wyatt Earp. It's also home to the Vermeer Windmill, which is tallest working grain windmill in America!

Other popular places to check out in Pella include the Cordova Observation Tower, Molengracht Plaza, Tassel Ridge Winery, Lake Red Rock, Jaarsma Bakery, the Cellar Peanut Pub, Pella Opera House, and Frisian Farms Cheese House. The town's biggest event, the Tulip Time Festival, is set for May 5th through 7th of 2022.

Another small town to make the list is a popular destination for folks here in Eastern Iowa... Galena, Illinois! You can check out a list of things to do there HERE. Other Midwest towns in the top 65 include:

• Alton, Illinois
• Lanesboro, Minnesota
• Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
• Lead, South Dakota

What's your favorite small town to visit in the Midwest? Let us know in the comments!