12 Underrated American Towns Perfect for Your Next Escape

2. Decorah, Iowa

Tucked into Iowa’s picturesque Driftless Region, Decorah surprises with scenic beauty, rich heritage, and a devotion to the outdoors. The town’s rolling bluffs and waterfalls create a natural playground for hiking, biking, and paddling, drawing adventurers in every season. Decorah’s Norwegian roots are everywhere—Vesterheim Museum explores this heritage, and the annual Nordic Fest turns main street into a cultural celebration. Downtown, you’ll find craft breweries, cozy cafes, and independent shops filled with handcrafted goods. Cyclists flock to the Trout Run Trail, a 12-mile loop crossing rivers and farmland, while anglers hope for a trout in Decorah’s spring-fed streams. With locally owned inns and friendly hospitality, Decorah feels inviting yet never overrun. Whether you’re tracing ancestry, exploring a waterfall, or enjoying Scandinavian pastries, this Midwestern gem offers an authentic taste of small-town life with layers of discovery at every turn.