Elk Horn – One of the best towns in Iowa

I’m a small-town girl. I love everything about small towns and often think about all the fun times I had growing up in one. So when given the chance to explore the town of Elk Horn, Iowa, we literally couldn’t wait. After spending 2 days in this adorable town, we really do feel that it’s one of the best towns in Iowa that deserves your attention as well. 

With a population of 650, visitors are spotted from a mile away – but what makes this unique, is that every single person is welcomed to stay, visit, explore and fall in love with this little Danish community. (and by “little”, I mean the largest Danish settlement in the US)

It’s hard to deny the ambiance and appeal of this town when it has a gorgeous towering windmill towering over the town. It literally can be seen from any street or view in the area. And once you take the time to hear the history of the Danish Windmill and take your own little tour, you’re going to be in awe of how this small Iowa town has come together to make an amazing place of friendship and “hygge”. 

While we were sponsored on this trip, all thoughts and opinions are 100% our own.

Elk Horn – One of the best towns in Iowa

Full disclosure, we spent two jam-packed days in Elk Horn. From eating some of the tastiest food to making new friends that we’ll cherish forever, it’s safe to say that 48 hours in Elk Horn, Iowa just wasn’t long enough.

And I know that many people look at us and wonder why we spend our time traveling to small towns where there just “isn’t that much to see.” But let me be the first to tell you…those who say that are missing out on some of the best town travel and experiences, ever. 

Elk Horn is one of the most known historic towns in Iowa to me because of all the knowledge that I learned while I was there. Who knew that this is one of the coolest small towns in Iowa?!

And truth be told, I could literally write over and over about this town and all it has to offer…but sometimes, I do feel that pictures do better than words. While I’ll highlight the places that we ventured out and viewed, I think your eyes are going to be very pleased with the captured images as well. (shout out to my hubs and travel partner for life!)

Places to eat in Elk Horn, Iowa

If you’re smart, you’re going to want to arrive ready to eat. I’m still full after all the snacking, eating and gulping that we did on our trip. I can’t believe that a town of this size has the capability to house so many great restaurants and eateries, but they do so without any type of issues. 

Larsen’s Pub

Two words: Pork Tenderloin. And if you’re needing a few more words, try coleslaw and homemade potato salad as well. This family-owned restaurant is taking the pork tenderloin world by the reigns and rightfully so. I’ve been known to eat a tenderloin or two in my life, but never one quite like this.

The meat was tender and the batter was the perfect thickness. There was no chewiness at all to have to worry about and of course, it was literally bigger than the size of your head. While it’s big enough for two to share, who in their right minds would want to do that? Wear your eating pants and dive right in. There’s a reason that they won the “best tenderloin in Iowa” and continue to draw in the crowd.

I also have to rave about the coleslaw…but don’t ask what’s in it. It’s one family secret that just may not ever be passed down. 

The Danish Table: Hygge Kitchen 

I’m all about good food and ambiance. And when you step into The Danish Table, you’re guaranteed both. This place was so good, we had dinner AND breakfast there during our trip. 

As you can see from the decor below, everything about this place is perfectly “hygge”. It’s relaxing, inviting and just downright cozy. All while being bright and fun, too. 

This restaurant serves traditional Danish fare and also some delicious drinks, too. We were able to enjoy some truly tasty dishes that included pickled beets, chicken pate, blue cheese crumbles, fish and chips, cucumber salad and fried pork belly. (OMG) Everything literally melted in your mouth. 

You can choose from appetizers, main entrees, and homemade desserts during your time there. And for breakfast, don’t miss out on the Aebelskiver. It’s like a Danish pancake (almost like a consistency between a pancake and a funnel cake) and is so ridiculously good.

Related: Atchison, Kansas; Touring the Haunted Sallie House

The Flour Mill 

Homemade ravioli, bruschetta, and pizza, oh my! I honestly didn’t know what to expect when we stepped inside The Flour Mill, but once the smells hit my nose, I was instantly intrigued. From homemade sauces to handmade ravioli you just can’t go wrong. I loved all the starters that we tried as they were all really flavorful and unique. 

And if you like pizza….bam. Feast your eyes on this. I’m a bit of a pizza snob and I “might” have had about 3 pieces while I was there…the crust was homemade and I loved that the chicken pizza used white sauce instead of red. It was really, really good.

Coffee Girl

Don’t miss out on this stop in town! While the word “coffee” is in the name, there is so much more here than just that! You can grab a delicious lunch option as well. We were able to bike here easily and it’s conveniently located right across the street from the Danish Windmill. You should grab a cup of joe and sit and enjoy the view!

The Norse Horse

Great food and really cool decor are waiting for you at the Norse Horse. This old building was saved by the current owners and their pride is showing through wonderfully. From the moment you step inside, you’re going to be looking up at the ceiling and the walls and noticing all the paintings that are scattered throughout. 

And I’m still dreaming about their Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet dessert…We were supposed to be sharing as a group but I think we were all eating as fast as we could to get another bite. (Make certain you check out the bar while you’re here as well – it’s beautiful) 

Related: Fun for Kids and Families at the Lake of the Ozarks

Pleasant Thyme Tea Room

I’m including this in the places to dine section, but it could also be “places to explore”, “places to take your kids”, or “places to have an amazing time with the sweetest couple, ever”. Truth, 100%. This tea room was perfect in every single way. I’ve never stepped into a room and been transported back to when I was a child sitting and playing with my tea set as I have here…everything about it made me feel like a true princess and I can’t wait to take our girls back to show them that one day. 

The owners, Bill and Sherry, do everything here and are so proud (as they should be) of this tea room. Being here affords the ability to eat great food, relax in a fun ambiance, be greeted with warm welcomes and experience genuine happiness. 

While this tea room was a dream of Sherry’s, her love for her tea time that she shared with her grandmother growing up is what started it all. Our time here felt so warm and welcoming and I urge each and every one of you to visit them in their tea room. The tea and food don’t disappoint! (She even sent us home with goodie boxes of her homemade fudge, coconut balls, and pecan caramel clusters!) 

The Kringle Man Pastries

If your sweet tooth is a kickin’, there’s one place in town that just might have a cure. You might see these delicious treats scattered all over town but you can literally walk in here and buy one (or two!) fresh as well. We splurged on the almond and the strawberry rhubarb and it did not disappoint. (and the rumor mill (wink,wink) has it that he ships as well!) 

The owner even met us the next day and bought us freshly made creme horns! He knew that he had us with the kringles…and sealed the deal with the creme horns.

Things to do in Elk Horn, Iowa

This little town is hopping. I’m serious. There are things to do and see and places to visit that you really do need an entire weekend to explore them all. 

Danish Windmill

Stopping at the Danish Windmill and taking a tour needs to be high on your priority list. For just a few dollars you can actually go up into the windmill and see just how it works. Learning about the history of the windmill and how they brought it to their town piece by piece from overseas is truly fascinating and just adds more love to the heart and soul of this town. 

Make certain to check out the gift shop while you’re there and try some of their salty licorice as well…it’s a true Danish treat that caught me by surprise! 

Shop at their local shops

There is so much shopping to do here! The picture below is for a store on the main street called Copenhagen Friday and it’s full of unique and fun gifts for all ages. I loved going from room to room and exploring everything that she was selling. (super cute and affordable as well!) 

Other shops to have on your radar include:

• The Egg Krate (a super fun flea market and antique store full of finds!)
• Nest Egg (women’s clothing and accessories) 
• NextGen (customer furniture shop)
• Wood Shop (fun woodworking items)
• Log Cabin Quilt Shop (buy quilting material or sewing items) 

All of these stores are within walking distance to one another and are so much fun to browse in. You can park in the same parking lot as the Danish Windmill and easily walk around to them all.

This fun picture below is from the Log Cabin Quilt Shop and shows all the different sewing machines throughout the years. The Log Cabin Quilt Shop even offers people a place to stay the night where they can hang out, quilt and have fun! (You can even book a weekend and have a retreat for all your sewing friends as well. It’s a really cool set up!) 

Visit the Museum of Danish America 

If you’re looking to learn more about Danish history, you won’t want to miss stopping at this museum. It’s so beautiful inside and they do a wonderful job of showcasing the history and some awesome artifacts and memorabilia as well. 

The staff was so helpful and the museum was extremely informative. I loved looking at everything on each level and furthering my knowledge about Danish history. 

Related: Luxury Camping: Glamping at Catherine’s Landing in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Tour Bedstemors Hus

Touring this beautiful house allows you to take a step back in time and see how the immigrants lived. The Danish word used to describe this house actually means “grandmother” which is so perfect and fitting. We were able to see a quick video giving some of the history and take a tour of the whole house. 

Visit the Family History and Genealogy Center

Genealogy has a special place in my heart as I grew up doing the research with my own grandmother. Being able to tour this place was a lot of fun because the ladies and people who volunteer and work here have such pride in researching all the Danish immigrants. If you get a chance, stop in for a visit and see just what it takes to track down the family history of someone.

Fall in love with Brun Ko Farms

I just can’t rave enough about this farm. This family is doing what I want to do and that is living off the land and providing food for others to enjoy as well. From the moment that we arrived, Emily (owner) was all smiles and welcoming..even with this “city” girl stepped in the biggest pile of mud with my flip flops…

Growing their own food, sharing with others, creating date night packages for fun, selling at the farmer’s market…and wearing the cutest little baby as she does it all is just another day in their lives. (and they have a toddler helper, too!)  What they’ve done here for the community is pretty awesome and I seriously only see good things in their future. The town of Elk Horn really is lucky to have this farm as a resource. 

Catch a sunset at Danish Countryside Vines and Wines 

This little winery in Elk Horn, Iowa knows its stuff. And if you talk to the owner, Lauren, he’ll tell you that he’s still learning more every single day. His love of life and attitude are contagious and just add to the long list of reasons why this winery needs to be on your radar. He’s passing his knowledge on to an apprentice, which also happens to be his son. His son also shows the same love and understanding of crafting and creating the wine as well and both are adament about taking no shortcuts to create the perfect wine. 

Make certain to partake in a wine sampling while you’re there and keep this winery on your radar…big things are going to be coming in the future for them..I just know it. 

Tour the VikingHjem

Located on the same grounds as the Danish Windmill, you’ll want to take a tour of the VikingHjem. This is a replica of a 900 A.D. Viking home with sleeping quarters, blacksmith tools and open living space.

We were able to take a tour with a “real” Viking and even cheers to some delicious Viking’s Blood. Sitting inside was warm and cozy but maybe that was just because of all the mead we were drinking…

Take a Ride in a military vehicle

While this may have been something that we were fortunate enough to get to do only, it’s something that I’ll never forget. Mike Howard was generous with his time, his vehicles and his knowledge of the military and he proudly showed us some of his personal vechiles that he owned and others that he was currently restoring. He even drove us over to the next town as well. 

While our speeds didn’t go over 40 MPH on the highway, it was one of the most fun rides that I’ve ever actually had. This experience was truly amazing and it was awesome to see all that he had done to restore and bring this history to the town of Elk Horn.

Check out the LITTLE MERMAID STATUE GARDEN

If you love the old Hans Andersen fairy tales, don’t miss out on this garden. While it happens to be in the next town over, this quick trip is worth it. There’s an audio button that gives a good explanation and you can literally see several statues depicting many of the fairy tales. 

Where to stay in Elk Horn

We were able to stay at the Tivoli Inn, which was a perfect location to be close to the Danish Windmill. All we had to do was literally walk out the door and across the street to start in on our day. 

The rooms were clean and affordable and there was a light breakfast and hot coffee available every day. There is Wi-Fi also available here as well and fridges in the room. 

If you’re looking for a great town in Iowa to explore, Elk Horn needs to happen. It’s easy to spend a weekend here and not run out of things to do! And if you’re looking for something to do during the holiday season, they do have an Ugly Sweater Celebration that they’re going to be having on December 14th. That would be the perfect time to check out this little town in Iowa, and who knows…maybe we’ll bump into each other during our next visit as well! 

Have you ever been to Elk Horn before?