Carlisle Cedar Rapids
Decorah, Iowa!
Decorah is located in Winneshiek County and was originally settled by the Days in 1849. It was named after Waukon Decorah, a Winnebago leader who allied with the US during the Black Hawk Wars until being relocated to Iowa. Later, a large number of Norwegians settled in the area, converting the town into a center of Norwegian American culture. A large Norwegian-language newspaper was even published here until 1972. Come visit to get a taste of Norwegian culture a bit closer to home than Scandinavia! In July, Decorah puts on a Nordic Fest, celebrating their roots with dancing, food and music. You can also learn more about Norwegian-Americans at the Norwegian-American Museum, the largest museum devoted to one individual immigrant group! Get some exercise and enjoy the nature along the Trout Run Trail and put your feet up after at the Dug Road Inn.
Bentonsport, Iowa!
Bentonsport is a village on the Des Moines River, in Van Buren County. Bentonsport was built around the first dam on the Des Moines River and became a successful mill and port town. This former bustling 19th century steamboat port has changed very little since – you can visit a large Historic District that includes waterfront property, the town’s historic bridge, and 16 blocks of buildings! Bentonsport is now an artistic and B&B haven for those looking for a quiet weekend. Walk across their historic Bentonsport Bridge or visit the local quilt company. You can check out a preserved blacksmith as well! Enjoy some rest and relaxation at Bentonsport Village B&B and indulge your sweet tooth at Forever Sweet Creations. You deserve the break!
The Amana Colonies!
The Amana Colonies is comprised of seven villages stretched across 26,000 acres in Iowa County. These villages were built by German Pietists who fled their home country in search of religious freedom. They managed a self-sustaining colony for several decades, not interacting much with the outside world. Come visit this preserved and still very unique part of the colorful American immigration story! The Amana Colonies has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and draws in many visitors interested in heritage tourism. Visit these towns to experience the independent shops, local artists, and see firsthand the German roots this area is so proud of. Visit a preserved Woolen Mill, or the Village Winery! Kick back at A Prairie Rose Bed and Breakfast and let yourself be transported back to simpler times.
Pella, Iowa!
Pella is located in Marion County. The town was originally settled by Dutch immigrants who named the town “Pella” in reference to “Perea”, a refuge for Christians fleeing Jerusalem during the Roman-Jewish war of 70 AD. The Dutch had moved out to Iowa in search of religious freedom, much like the Jews fleeing the Romans. Many centuries later, Wyatt Earp grew up here before launching his famous career. Wander the downtown area and try a dutch letter from Jaarsma Bakery. You can take a tour of historic Vermeer Windmill or stroll along the Molengracht Canal. Appreciate the Dutch flavor that Pella has preserved, and mark springtime on your calendars – the town hosts a Tulip Festival! Pamper yourself at The Cheesemaker’s Inn and revel in the change to your routine!
Cedar Rapids!
The second-largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids straddles the banks of the Cedar River and lies some 20 miles (30 km) to the north of Iowa City. While floods devastated much of the city in 2008, 2016, and 2020, in recent years, it is much revitalized, with new businesses springing up all the time. Once primarily known as an industrial city, a burgeoning arts and culture scene has since developed, with excellent museums and theaters on offer.
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Cities in Iowa
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IA Badger, IA Bagley, IA Bancroft, IA Barnes City, IA Batavia, IA Battle Creek, IA Baxter, IA Bayard, IA Beacon, IA B
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Fruitland, IA Galva, IA Garden Grove, IA Garnavillo, IA Garner, IA Garrison, IA Garwin, IA George, IA Gilbert, IA Gilbertville, IA Gilman, IA Gilmore City, IA Gladbrook, IA Glenwood, IA Glidden, IA Goldfield, IA Goose Lake, IA
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Rhodes, IA Riceville, IA Richland, IA Ridgeway, IA Ringsted, IA Rippey, IA Riverside, IA Riverton, IA Robins, IA Rock Rapids, IA Rock Valley, IA Rockford, IA Rockwell City, IA Rockwell, IA Roland, IA Rolfe, IA Rose Hill, IA Rowan, IA Rowley, IA Royal, IA Rudd, IA Runnells, IA Russell, IA Ruthven, IA Ryan, IA Sabula, IA Sac City, IA Saint Ansgar, IA
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I, IA Waterloo, IA Waucoma, IA Waukee, IA Waukon, IA Waverly, IA Wayland, IA Webster City, IA Wellman, IA Wellsburg, IA Wesley, IA West Bend, IA West Branch, IA West Burlington, IA West Des Moines, IA West Liberty, IA West Point, IA West Union, IA Westgate, IA Westside, IA What Cheer, IA Wheatland, IA Whiting, IA Whittemore, IA Williams, IA Williamsburg, IA Wilton, IA Winfield, IA Winterset, IA Winthrop, IA Woden, IA Woodbine, IA Woodburn, IA Woodward,
Carlisle Cedar Rapids
Adair County, IA Adams County, IA Allamakee County, IA Appanoose County, IA Audubon County, IA Benton County, IA Black Hawk County, IA Boone County, IA Bremer County, IA Buchanan County, IA Buena Vista County, IA Butler County, IA Calhoun County, IA Carroll County, IA Cass County, IA Cedar County, IA Cerro Gordo County, IA Cherokee County, IA Chickasaw County, IA Clarke County, IA Clay County, IA Clayton County, IA Clinton County, IA Crawford County, IA Dallas County, IA Davis County, IA Decatur County, IA Delaware County, IA Des Moines County, IA Dickinson County,
IA Keokuk County, IA Kossuth County, IA Lee County, IA Linn County, IA Louisa County, IA Lucas County, IA Lyon County, IA Madison County, IA Mahaska County, IA Marion County, IA Marshall County, IA Mills County, IA Mitchell County, IA Monona County, IA Monroe County, IA Montgomery County, IA Muscatine County, IA O’Brien County, IA Osceola County, IA Page County, IA Palo Alto County, IA Plymouth County, IA Pocahontas County, IA Polk County, IA Pottawattamie County, IA Poweshiek County, IA Ringgold County, IA Sac County, IA Scott County, IA Shelby County, IA
