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10 General Stores to Visit During Your Travels Through Iowa [PHOTOS]
There's nothing like a good, old-fashioned general store! Here are ten of the general stores across the state that you can stop and shop during your next Iowa road trip!
Historic Greef General Store, Bentonsport
The Historic Greef General Store has definitely earned the title of "historic" - its been around since the 1840s! It was owned by a German immigrant named Herman Greef, and it was very popular during that time, thanks to the town's location on the Des Moines River. Unfortunately, when the railroad came to Bentonsport in 1855, the once-bustling port town began to empty out. The population of Bentonsport today is somewhere between 40 to 50 people.
Today, Greef General Store is a National Historic Registered Building and is home to Addie May Fudge & Antiques. The shop offers a variety of homemade fudge, locally-made crafts, specialty foods, and a large selection of antiques, and also hosts tea and other events in the cellar. During the summer months, the store is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
High Amana General Store, Amana
High Amana General Store is one of two historic general stores located in the Amana Colonies. Located at 1308 G St, the building was constructed back in 1857 and the "exterior and interior have remained virtually unchanged all these years." The Amana Heritage website says that the shop still features the "original tin ceiling, wooden floor, and glass-topped display cases."
Today, High Amana General Store is still going strong, offering unique treasures and trinkets, specialty foods, toys, books, locally-made products, housewares, and much more. It's open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
West Amana General Store, Amana
The West Amana General Store is the other historic general store in the Amana Colonies, and it's located right on the main road at 4423 220th Trail. It was established in 1858, just one year after the High Amana General Store.
Much like the other business, the West Amana General Store contains many locally-made products. But, it also has two specialized areas for customers: the Amana Coffee & Tea Co., which is located downstairs, and the year-round International Christmas Christmas (my favorite!). You could easily spend a couple of hours looking through everything that the store has to offer. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dutchman’s Store, Cantril
Dutchman's Store was started by Clair and Virginia Zimmerman in November of 1985, but its roots stem from a business the couple started years earlier in another Iowa town. According to the website, after Clair was forced to sell his cows and return his farm to the bank during the Farm Crisis in the early 80s, the couple opened Jordan Country Market in Mount Sterling. They brought the business with them when they moved to Cantril, and changed the name to Dutchman's Store as a way to honor the family's Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.
After three expansions at the original location, Dutchman's Store officially opened a new 50,000‑square‑foot store along Highway 2 in 2024. But, it still contains some original signage from the former location as a tribute to the business' history. The store offers "Bulk Foods, Bakery, Deli, sewing supplies, clothing, gifts, groceries, sporting goods, and ready‑to‑eat foods." It also features a café with a lunch buffet.
Dutchman's Store is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's closed on Sundays.
Elkader General Store and More, Elkader
Elkader General Store and More may be located in a small town, but it's got a BIG inventory! Opening in 2011, the store offers a "thoughtfully curated selection of goods that satisfy cravings, inspire creativity in the kitchen, and bring joy to everyday life." That includes premium meats & cheeses, fresh pasta, pantry essentials, ice cream, nostalgic candies, kitchen gadgets, baking supplies, and homemade take-and-bake pizzas.
The hours at Elkader General Store and More are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's closed on Sundays.
The Amish Country Store is more than just your average general store. The family-owned shop offers "high-quality Amish goods from local families," an original Maid-Rite Diner, and a coffee shop, and it also serves as an official Iowa Visitors Center! It's a popular stop for folks traveling on I-35 near the Iowa-Missouri border.
Whatever you're looking for, you'll probably find it at Amish Country Store. Handwoven baskets, heirloom quilts, hand-carved woodwork, leather belts & pet collars, goat milk lotion, embroidered dish towels, jams, beef sticks, honey... the list goes on! You can check out some of the inventory online HERE. Oh, and don't forget to grab a classic Maid-Rite before you head out!
The Amish Country Store is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the Maid-Rite Diner opening at 10:30 a.m. Buggy’s Coffee Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Whiffle Tree Mercantile, Monticello
Although "general store" isn't in the business' name, Whiffle Tree Mercantile is described as a local shop that offers "almost 10,000 sq/ft of general store merchandise across two levels." It definitely gives off those old-school, general store vibes, featuring barrels of candy, vintage toys, specialty foods, Iowa-made products, and much, much more.
Whiffle Tree Mercantile is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Kalona General Store, Kalona
The town of Kalona has a long history of general stores. According to an article from The News, a general store "has existed in some form since 1883," with the latest iteration opening its doors back in the spring of 2025. The previous owners of the Kalona General Store were Susan and David Finley, who announced that the store was closing in 2024 so they could retire. That's when local business owner Lori Witthoft took over.
The article from The News says that Lori wanted the new version of the Kalona General Store to have "the charm and nostalgia of an old-fashioned general store," but with a few modern additions. The shop offers barrels of candy, specialty foods, Iowa-made products, craft supplies, home decor, and more. Plus, it's also home to a little restaurant called The LunchBox.
Kalona General Store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and The LunchBox is open those same days from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Both are closed Sundays and Mondays.
Barn Happy, Cedar Falls
One of the things that sets Barn Happy apart from other general stores is the fact that its located inside of a BARN! The website reads:
"Transformed from a dairy barn built in 1925, Barn Happy has become a one-of-a-kind business that works to preserve the agricultural heritage and values of the heartland in Cedar Falls, Iowa."
Barn Happy offers Iowa-made foods, baked goods, gift baskets, books, candles, kitchenware, jewelry, home decor, and more. There's also a little cafe that serves coffee, soups, sandwiches, pastries, and quiche, as well as an additional shopping area upstairs with vintage items and antiques.
Barn Happy is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's closed Sunday through Tuesday.
Cherokee General Store, Cherokee
Located in Northwest Iowa is Cherokee General Store, a cute little gift shop offering a wide variety of items. The constantly-changing inventory features seasonal & holiday items, jewelry & accessories, home decor, specialty foods, toys, kitchen supplies, coffee, and more.
Cherokee General Store is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's closed on Sundays.
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