Small businesses are the heart and soul of Iowa’s economy. In fact, Iowa ranks 6th nationally in Main Street entrepreneurship. Support local businesses by visiting Iowa’s Main Street districts. While you’re at it, eat at one of the local restaurants from September 20-29, 2019, during Main Street Iowa’s Restaurant Week!
Cedar Falls boasts an award-winning downtown home to the “coolest” museum in Iowa, the Ice House Museum. After exploring the museum’s interactive displays, enjoy live music and unique beers at The Brass Tap or try one of Montage’s global dishes. Then peruse the shops that line the streets such as Here’s What’s Poppin' or Vintage Iron Co.
With a main street that meets the Mississippi River, Lansing is a charming town with beautiful scenery and lots to do. Satisfy your taste buds with a visit to Main Channel Grill and Lodging, where even the pickiest kids eat, or the Safe House Saloon where you can enjoy old-timey décor and live music. Tucked away with the restaurants are a variety of stores for all shoppers to enjoy, including Horsfall's Lansing Variety Store, 2nd Hand Heaven and Driftless Gypsy Boutique.
Beautifully situated amid lush green farm fields, New Hampton is home to a rich heritage and a variety of shops and restaurants. Explore the downtown to find shops like The Blue Iris, a flower shop, deli and gift shop all in one or Pocketful of Posies for gifts and flowers. Finish your day with a quick Mexican dish at Rancho Viego or grab a pizza from Josie’s.
With an abundance of churches, streams and parks, West Union welcomes everybody with a warm smile. During your visit, step back in time with a meal at the Barrel Drive In or experience expert bartending at Top Hat Tavern. Be sure to check out the Courthouse Square along with its surrounding boutiques and shops like Antiques & Gifts on Vine.
Though a small college town, Waverly has plenty to offer for its visitors. Explore a downtown full of unique clothing and furniture boutiques before stopping for a bite. Head to the East Bremer Diner for a good variety of dishes to choose from or try one of Wild Carrot’s eccentric homemade soups and sandwiches.
Step back in time in Elkader, home of 11 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. With mid-1800 homes, bridges, romantic sites, mills, churches and an opera house, the Iowa history plentiful. After getting your history fill, rejoin modern times with a bite at Schera’s Algerian American Restaurant & Bar or Fennelly’s Irish Pub and finish with dessert at Treats on Bridge Street before exploring the downtown’s many boutiques and shops.
Named by the French for its beautiful surrounding plains, Belle Plaine offers a unique history of travel as it sits along the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway. While exploring the historic downtown, you can find historic markers like Preston’s Station, a gas station built in 1923, or quaint small-town restaurants like the Lincoln Café or the Ice House Drive-In.
