Iowa is unique in that every single municipality here is a city. There are no small towns in the Hawkeye State, just cities of varying sizes! Of course, the fun part about that is we get to claim smallest cities in the country… even if it doesn’t make much sense to call St. Olaf a city! There is one super tiny city in Iowa worth visiting for some antique shopping, fresh air, and a delicious dinner.
While Iowa is full of tiny cities, Balltown truly stands out.
Flickr / Tylerbeccahayes With a population of fewer than 70 residents, Balltown is one of the smallest cities in Iowa where there are things to do and places to see.
The town’s Mississippi River overlook is a popular spot along the Great River Road.
Wikimedia Commons No matter the weather, this overlook should not be missed! It offers a sweeping view of the valley, with the river in the distance.
Most people stop in Balltown to enjoy a meal at Breitbach’s Country Dining.
Flickr / SD Dirk Breitbach’s is the oldest restaurant in Iowa! It was established in 1852, and the permit to open was signed by President Millard Fillmore himself!
Over the years, Breitbach’s gained a reputation for serving mouthwatering meals with friendly, welcoming service.
Flickr / SD Dirk In 2007, the original tavern burned to the ground. The community rallied and helped rebuild, but that second building, too, burned down just 10 months after opening. The third Breitbach’s was built and opened on the site of the original tavern in 2009.
Breitbach’s even has a Beer Garden… which might be the reason the community rallied to help rebuild!
Google Local / Grumpy Oleman On a warm day, there’s nothing like sitting out in the fresh country air and enjoying local Iowa brews.
Balltown is also home to a charming antique shop - on the same plot of land as Breitbach’s.
Facebook / Balltown Happenings You’ll find quirky gifts, housewares, furniture and more! It’s so worth stopping at this little antiques shack while you’re in town.
Next time you’re looking for a country drive out to a tiny city, think of Balltown!
Flickr / DMichael Burns The scenic drive out there makes tracking down this tiny Iowa city a beautiful journey.
To find the heart of Balltown, head to Breitbach’s. The overlook is within walking distance! The address is 563 Balltown Rd. Sherrill, IA 52073, and it’s only listed as Sherrill because Balltown is too small to even have a post office.
Flickr / Tylerbeccahayes
With a population of fewer than 70 residents, Balltown is one of the smallest cities in Iowa where there are things to do and places to see.
Wikimedia Commons
No matter the weather, this overlook should not be missed! It offers a sweeping view of the valley, with the river in the distance.
Flickr / SD Dirk
Breitbach’s is the oldest restaurant in Iowa! It was established in 1852, and the permit to open was signed by President Millard Fillmore himself!
In 2007, the original tavern burned to the ground. The community rallied and helped rebuild, but that second building, too, burned down just 10 months after opening. The third Breitbach’s was built and opened on the site of the original tavern in 2009.
Google Local / Grumpy Oleman
On a warm day, there’s nothing like sitting out in the fresh country air and enjoying local Iowa brews.
Facebook / Balltown Happenings
You’ll find quirky gifts, housewares, furniture and more! It’s so worth stopping at this little antiques shack while you’re in town.
Flickr / DMichael Burns
The scenic drive out there makes tracking down this tiny Iowa city a beautiful journey.
If you find yourself snapping great photos from the overlook, show them off at our Iowa Nature Lovers Facebook group!
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