Winterset shines as a charming setting for a festive love story. (Photo: Explore Madison County)
It might be time to swap the hustle of city life for twinkling lights, snow-dusted streets and a charming Main Street straight out of a holiday movie. According to a recent analysis by Action Network, Winterset has officially been crowned Iowa’s most Hallmark-worthy town. And honestly, we’re not surprised.
After crunching the numbers — population, small business density, historic landmarks, average snowfall — Winterset checked every festive box. With just over 5,300 residents, it’s the perfect size for that cozy “everybody knows everybody” energy.
So picture this: A big-city professional heads home for the holidays, rediscovers her roots and somehow runs into a former high school crush wearing flannel and running the family business. Conveniently, Winterset has hundreds of small businesses, many with charming storefronts that could host a festive meet-cute.
Add in dozens of historic landmarks and an average of 5 inches of snow every December — just enough sparkle without the stress — and you have a timeless setting made for a Christmas love story.
The four other towns that made Iowa’s Hallmark list: 2) Maquoketa, 3) Urbandale, 4) Oskaloosa and 5) Iowa Falls.
