This northeastern Iowa community is famous for its amazing views of the Mississippi River. It brings to mind Mark Twain’s famous and most-loved characters and the place they called home.
It made Forbes’ list of America’s Prettiest Towns, and it’s hard to disagree if you’ve ever seen the town of Guttenberg, Iowa in person.
Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce/Facebook This laid-back community has a quaint downtown area whose historical storefronts face the town park. Behind it, the Mississippi flows. The views are spectacular.
Guttenberg sits on Iowa’s eastern most border right on highway 52.
photolibrarian/Flickr
photolibrarian/Flickr The original German settlers of this town used the readily available limestone as building materials. Many of the town’s pre-Civil War structures remain intact, adding to the beauty of Guttenberg.
Proximity to the Mississippi River gives this town unique and gorgeous views of the Iowa landscape.
Rpogge/Wikimedia The river offers recreation opportunities, commerce, and unmatched beauty.
Lock and Dam 10, Guttenburg, Iowa. Upper Mississippi River mile 615.0
USACE/Wikimedia
Lock and Dam 10, Guttenburg, Iowa. Upper Mississippi River mile 615.0
army corps of engineers/Wikimedia The Lock and Dam began operation in 1937. It has four roller gates, eight tainter gates, and is 763 feet long. Visitors enjoy the sandbars, docking facilities, fishing dock, and the public and private boat ramps located both south and north of the dam.
Mississippi River Charters, Marina Drive, Guttenberg
missrivercharters.com One of the best ways to see the beautiful community of Guttenberg is from a Mississippi charter boat. The locally-owned Mississippi River Charters was voted “Best View” by the Guttenberg Development and Tourism board. Enjoy sight-seeing, fishing, and cruising on this mighty river from the comfort of a beautiful river cruiser.
Cassville Car Ferry
cassville.org Website Taking the Cassvill Car Ferry from the Iowa side of the Mississippi to the Wisconsin side is a fun way to travel. The ferry has a rich history of serving the community since 1833. To get to the car ferry, take highway 52 to Millville and turn onto C9Y. A gravel road leads to the Turkey River boat landing, where the ferry picks up passengers.
Stroll Guttenberg’s two-mile long riverwalk at Ingelwood Park.
Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Kelan Rathbun/Flickr For the ultimate relaxing walk, take some time to enjoy Guttenberg from this amazing city park. You may even see Bald Eagles in the winter. The park stretches the length of the town, and there’s areas for grilling, ample shade trees, and picnic benches.
The view of the Mississippi River from highway 52 can’t be beat.
Kelan Rathbun Follow/Flickr The best bluffs and outcroppings are just two miles outside of town.
The Guttenberg Farmer’s Market happens every Saturday morning during the summer months.
Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce/Facebook It’s also located in Inglewood Park, and offers visitors a chance to enjoy all of the wonderful vegetables, fruit, handmade goods, and baked goods with the added bonus of a view of the Mississippi River.
Are you ready for a relaxing day in one of Iowa’s most beautiful towns? Guttenberg awaits. Are there other beautiful Iowa communities we should know about? Tell us about them in the comments.
Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
This laid-back community has a quaint downtown area whose historical storefronts face the town park. Behind it, the Mississippi flows. The views are spectacular.
photolibrarian/Flickr
The original German settlers of this town used the readily available limestone as building materials. Many of the town’s pre-Civil War structures remain intact, adding to the beauty of Guttenberg.
Rpogge/Wikimedia
The river offers recreation opportunities, commerce, and unmatched beauty.
USACE/Wikimedia
army corps of engineers/Wikimedia
The Lock and Dam began operation in 1937. It has four roller gates, eight tainter gates, and is 763 feet long. Visitors enjoy the sandbars, docking facilities, fishing dock, and the public and private boat ramps located both south and north of the dam.
missrivercharters.com
One of the best ways to see the beautiful community of Guttenberg is from a Mississippi charter boat. The locally-owned Mississippi River Charters was voted “Best View” by the Guttenberg Development and Tourism board. Enjoy sight-seeing, fishing, and cruising on this mighty river from the comfort of a beautiful river cruiser.
cassville.org Website
Taking the Cassvill Car Ferry from the Iowa side of the Mississippi to the Wisconsin side is a fun way to travel. The ferry has a rich history of serving the community since 1833. To get to the car ferry, take highway 52 to Millville and turn onto C9Y. A gravel road leads to the Turkey River boat landing, where the ferry picks up passengers.
Kelan Rathbun/Flickr
For the ultimate relaxing walk, take some time to enjoy Guttenberg from this amazing city park. You may even see Bald Eagles in the winter. The park stretches the length of the town, and there’s areas for grilling, ample shade trees, and picnic benches.
Kelan Rathbun Follow/Flickr
The best bluffs and outcroppings are just two miles outside of town.
It’s also located in Inglewood Park, and offers visitors a chance to enjoy all of the wonderful vegetables, fruit, handmade goods, and baked goods with the added bonus of a view of the Mississippi River.
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