No Passport Needed: Iowa's Best Destination Dupes

Experience world culture within the heart of the Midwest! Stop by the Amana Colonies for Oktoberfest and Decorah for Nordic Fest or celebrate Houby Days in Czech Village and St. Patrick’s Day in Emmetsburg—just to name a few.

Pella and Orange City were both founded by Dutch immigrants and host Tulip Festivals every spring, bringing a little piece of the Netherlands into the Midwest.

The Amana colonies were founded by German immigrants in 1855, where they are still celebrating their culture with festivals like Maifest and Oktoberfest. Guttenberg is another fantastic small town that features over 100 stone structures built by German craftsmen. Discover more about our German heritage at the German American Heritage Center and Museum in Davenport, German Hausbarn Museum in De Witt, and Hausbarn Park in Manning. Finally, Des Moines is home to The Hessen Haus — a must-visit restaurant that recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall.

First founded in the 1800s, Czech Village is the go-to spot in Iowa to experience Czech culture. Stay overnight at Czechs All the Boxes, the perfect getaway while you explore the town. Celebrate the arrival of spring by attending Houby Days, then stop by the National Czech & Slovak Museum to learn more about Czech history. Round out your trip by shopping at Czech Cottage and Czech Village Antiques for a variety of antiques, gifts, and treasures. Planning on exploring outside of Cedar Rapids? Check out the Iowa Czech Trail, a scenic route through Tama County that’s perfect for a quick drive or bike ride.

Decorah hosts several Norwegian events throughout the year, such as Syttende Mai Celebration and Nordic Fest. While you’re there, stop by Vesterheim's National Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition to appreciate Norwegian-inspired folk art, or shop at Heavenly Made Gifts & The Gnome Store for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Named after a French-Canadian settler from Quebec, we must recommend Dubuque! Learn all about the town’s cultural history at one of their many museums and enjoy the European-influenced architecture.

Kimballton and Elk Horn are two of the largest rural Danish settlements in the U.S. Enjoy Danish folk dancing, Viking demonstrations and the Danish windmill for a taste of Denmark. To learn more about Danish heritage, visit the Museum of Danish America.

Known as Iowa’s Irish Capital and as the official sister city to Dublin, you must visit Emmetsburg—especially around St. Patrick’s Day! The event draws in huge crowds that come to celebrate Irish culture through dancing, music and a parade.While you’re there, visit the Robert Emmet statue, Blarney Stone, and Pat’s Irish Gift Store. But the Irish celebrations don’t stop there. During the summer, visit Waterloo and attend Iowa Irish Fest, or stop by one of our many Irish Pubs throughout the year.