When you think of a European town hiding right in Iowa, chances are high that your mind drifts right to Pella. While, yes, Pella is Iowa’s most famous Dutch town, or maybe to the Norwegian-inspired town of Decorah. One underrated town right on the river is worth checking out, too, when you are looking to see something a little different.

Guttenberg is a small city in Iowa with a population of just around 1,800 people. It’s known as the best little German town outside of Europe.

Facebook / Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce Guttenberg was settled in the 1800s by German immigrants who decided this slice of heaven on the Mississippi River was right for them.

To this day, you’ll find evidence of Guttenberg’s german roots in the architecture downtown.

Facebook / Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce Many of the limestone buildings in Guttenberg’s historic downtown district are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. You’ll find plaques telling their story scattered throughout the town.

Stop by the Picket Fence Cafe for some delicious, authentic German dishes.

Facebook / Clayton Ridge Farm Market and Picket Fence Cafe The German Potato Salad and BBQ meats are crowd favorites. They’re also famous for their mouthwatering homemade pies.

The Guttenberg German Band is one of Iowa’s top requested festival and carnival acts.

Facebook / Guttenberg German Band This troupe of polka musicians sure know how to rile up a crowd! You’ll find them at Oktoberfests and carnivals throughout the state, and right here in Guttenberg during the famous September Germanfest.

During the spring, summer, and fall, the streets of Guttenberg are filled with street fairs and farmers markets.

Facebook / Guttenberg German Fest The most famous event in town is late September’s GermanFest. It’s one of the most exciting festivals you’ll catch in the Hawkeye State.

Whenever you visit Guttenberg, you’ll be delighted to find German beers in local pubs and farmers markets, ready to be sampled.

Facebook / Guttenberg German Fest The Dam Bar serves up a great pint, as does the Stadium Bar. Be sure to sample a locally brewed ale, or try one imported from Germany.

Before you leave town, stop by the Guttenberg Public Library.

Facebook / Guttenberg Public Library Here, you’ll find a fascimile copy of the rare Gutenberg Bible. This particular copy was purchased from the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany. It survived World War II air attack, and as a result, was damaged by fire and water.

Iowa is a strange state, because You Can Travel The World Without Ever Actually Leaving Iowa just by visiting our hertiage-rich towns. Which little cultural city in Iowa is your favorite?

Facebook / Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce

Guttenberg was settled in the 1800s by German immigrants who decided this slice of heaven on the Mississippi River was right for them.

Many of the limestone buildings in Guttenberg’s historic downtown district are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. You’ll find plaques telling their story scattered throughout the town.

Facebook / Clayton Ridge Farm Market and Picket Fence Cafe

The German Potato Salad and BBQ meats are crowd favorites. They’re also famous for their mouthwatering homemade pies.

Facebook / Guttenberg German Band

This troupe of polka musicians sure know how to rile up a crowd! You’ll find them at Oktoberfests and carnivals throughout the state, and right here in Guttenberg during the famous September Germanfest.

Facebook / Guttenberg German Fest

The most famous event in town is late September’s GermanFest. It’s one of the most exciting festivals you’ll catch in the Hawkeye State.

The Dam Bar serves up a great pint, as does the Stadium Bar. Be sure to sample a locally brewed ale, or try one imported from Germany.

Facebook / Guttenberg Public Library

Here, you’ll find a fascimile copy of the rare Gutenberg Bible. This particular copy was purchased from the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany. It survived World War II air attack, and as a result, was damaged by fire and water.

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