Iowa's Fast-Growing City Is A Charming Midwestern Escape With Outdoor Fun And Local Sweet Treats

Iowa is known for its cornfields, massive state fair, and presidential caucuses every 4 years, as well as a literary-themed rest-stop off Interstate 80 that pays homage to Iowa's most famous writers. While it's sometimes overlooked in favor of lakefront Midwestern destinations, there are plenty of stops worth visiting in the Hawkeye State, including Tiffin, a small community just south of Cedar Rapids. Although it's home to just 7,659 people according to World Population Review, it's growing at a steady rate — about 66% since 2020, in fact — and the population is projected to skyrocket to over 12,000 people within the next few years, per Iowa City Press-Citizen. In other words, it's by far the fastest growing community in Johnson County, Iowa.

In the late 1800s, Tiffin was home to just a few buildings including a depot, dry goods store, and post office. Today, you'll find a small bar and restaurant scene downtown, which is surrounded by quiet, suburban streets. Not far away are miles upon miles of picturesque hiking trails and other outdoor escapes, such as golf driving ranges and parks with athletic fields and picnicking areas. 

Out of state visitors can easily fly into the area through Eastern Iowa Airport, which is just 20 minutes away in Cedar Rapids. Overall, whether you're in the area for just a few hours, a few days, or you're hoping to put down roots, there's certainly plenty to explore in and around Tiffin.

Several parks anchor the growing community of Tiffin, many of which are home to athletic facilities. Tiffin City Park, for instance, has baseball and soccer fields as well as plenty of space for dogs to run around. Part of the Clear Creek trail – which extends about 8 miles from Iowa City — also winds through the park. "It is a wide paved trail so it is good for walking and biking (if you have little kids keep an eye out for fast bikers)," says one reviewer on Google Maps, adding, "This trail is alongside Clear Creek and is very scenic. Lots of ephemerals in the spring." The park also hosts events such as the Tiffin Summer Social, complete with food trucks, live music, and bounce houses.

After exploring Tiffin City Park, cross the train tracks and continue along the paved trail toward Clear Creek Area, where you'll be surrounded by tall trees, flowers, and the sound of songbirds, depending on the season. The recreation area, which spans 87 acres according to Johnson County's website, also has spaces reserved for archery and hunting.

From Tiffin, it takes about 20 minutes by car to reach the nature preserves on the banks of the Iowa river, which is considered one of the best places in the Midwest for a day of tubing, according to reviews. There, you'll also find ponds and prairies ripe for exploring in Waterworks Prairie Park and Devonian Fossil Gorge, where you can examine millions of years' worth of fossil formations.

After a day of walking the area's many scenic trails, you can refuel with a sweet treat or something heartier in downtown Tiffin. Jon's Ice Cream Store, for instance, is open daily until 9 p.m., and includes a menu of American comfort food such as corn dogs, grilled cheese, and burgers, as well as ice cream. Jon's has been in business since 1980, and it's developed quite the reputation in town. "I think there's a sense of nostalgia that we have here; it's a small town, we're not filled with technology, they just come here they have a family environment, a good place to be with friends," manager Victoria Mufson told KCRG in a 2019 interview. First-hand accounts from customers often highlight the sundaes and fresh waffle cones.

Deja Brew Coffee House & Bakery is 15 minutes away on foot. Its menu features German chocolate and cookie butter lattes — the necessary mix of sweetness and caffeine to get you through a long road trip or upcoming hike. Reviews on Google Maps also highlight the stocked pastry case and cinnamon rolls, which the coffee shop's website advertises as "jumbo." All in all, there's no shortage of sweetness in downtown Tiffin.

If your trip to Tiffin is just one stop in a longer journey through the Midwest, consider checking out other nearby destinations. North Liberty, a classic Midwestern city with idyllic lake views, is 5 miles east while Kalona is an underrated Midwest city with old-school German charm just 30 minutes' drive south. If you're hoping to spend the night in the area, there are plenty of quaint hotels, like Belmont Hill Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Cedar Rapids.