Discover Nashua: History, Hymns & Life on the Lake
There’s something about Nashua that makes you want to slow down for a while. Located along the Cedar River in western Chickasaw County, Nashua is a town with a little bit of everything. There’s a famous little church tucked into the countryside, a lake made for getting out on the water, local history around every corner, and a calendar full of the kind of community events that bring everyone together.
Start With a Little History
One of Nashua’s most well-known landmarks isn’t actually in town.
Just outside Nashua sits the Little Brown Church in the Vale, a historic church that became famous because of the hymn “The Church in the Wildwood.” The story goes back to 1857, when music teacher William Pitts traveled through the area and was inspired by the Cedar Valley landscape. He later wrote the song describing a little brown church in the wildwood.
When he eventually returned to the area, he was surprised to find that a church had actually been built on the very spot he had imagined.
Today, the Little Brown Church welcomes visitors from all over the country. The church is open to visitors daily, and tours can also be arranged for groups. It has also become one of Iowa’s best-known wedding destinations, with tens of thousands of couples having been married there over the years.
Right next door, you’ll find Old Bradford Pioneer Village, where you can step even further back in time. The living history museum features historic buildings and artifacts that tell the story of Bradford and the people who settled this part of Iowa.
Together, the two stops make for an easy history-filled afternoon and give you a glimpse into what life looked like in Chickasaw County long before today's Nashua took shape.
Get Out on Cedar Lake
If you're more interested in being outside than looking back in time, Nashua has plenty for you, too.
Cedar Lake sits right along town and gives Nashua a beautiful waterfront setting. The lake is actually an impoundment of the Cedar River, covering about 200 acres and reaching a maximum depth of around 10 feet. Bring the fishing gear, launch the boat, or simply find a spot to enjoy the view.
Cedar View Park is one of the best places to make a day of it. The park sits along the lake and offers camping, boat access, a swimming area, playgrounds, picnic areas and more. The campground has both RV and tent sites, making it an easy option if you want to turn your Nashua stop into a weekend.
And if you’re just looking for a quiet place to take in the scenery, Lakeshore Park and Canon Park offer smaller spaces to sit back and enjoy Nashua’s lakeside setting.
Make a Stop at the Gateway to Northeast Iowa
Traveling through Nashua on the Avenue of the Saints? Make time for the Gateway to Northeast Iowa Welcome Center.
It’s more than just a place to stop for a break. Inside, you’ll find travel information, maps and brochures for the area, along with a craft shop featuring handmade items from Iowa vendors.
It’s also a pretty good place to get some ideas for where to go next. If you're not sure what to do in Chickasaw County, this is a great first stop. Grab some information, pick up a locally made item to take home, and then head out to explore.
Don’t Miss the Community Events
Nashua knows how to put on a good small-town celebration!
Every June, Water Over the Dam Days kicks off the summer with a weekend of activities, including a parade, golf tournament, kids' pedal tractor pulls, tug-of-war, horseshoes, entertainment and more.
Then comes one of the biggest weekends on the local calendar: the Big 4 Fair over Labor Day weekend. Head to the fairgrounds for live music, a demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, kids' activities and plenty of fair food.
And for something a little more unique, the Little Brown Church hosts its Annual Marriage Reunion and Vow Renewal on the first Sunday in August. Couples who were married at the church, along with those who simply want to celebrate their marriage, return to Nashua for the annual tradition.
Grab a Bite Before You Head Home
Exploring works up an appetite, and Nashua has a few spots worth checking out!
Stop by Dairy Treat for a classic small-town meal and an ice cream treat, or head downtown to Rooster's on Main to grab a delicious coffee or sweet treat!
And if you're heading out of town, you might want to make one more stop at Apples on the Avenue. The orchard offers apples and seasonal treats, along with a farm store featuring apple products, honey and other local goods.
Make a Day of Nashua
A little history. A little time on the water. Good food. Community traditions. And plenty of reasons to come back.
So the next time you're traveling through Chickasaw County, don't just drive through Nashua. Stop awhile. There's more here than you might expect.
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