Bentonsport Bridge Duckworth Building Van Buren Co Courthouse Villages of Van Buren

Welcome to the Villages of Van Buren

The rush of life races the blood, but the quiet life restoreth the soul . . the quiet life is what Bonaparte Retreat Restaurantyou will find when you visit the Villages of Van Buren County, in southeast Iowa. Off the beaten path, but near to history, nature and the spirit of America's heartland. Visitors say life in the Villages moves at a slightly different pace, that friendliness is a virtue among residents and that village heritage is sacred ground. The Villages are a unique cluster of towns in Van Buren County. It is simple to relax as you drive through the countryside, picnic in a park, hike the trails, stroll through the shops, enjoy the historic architecture, or relax and take in the solitude and beauty of the surroundings.

Six-Time Tourism County of the Year

  • Awarded "Iowa Tourism County of the Year" in 1989, 1991, 1997, 2000, 2002 and 2004 . . it's easy to see why the Villages of Van Buren are one of Iowa's top tourist destinations. We are also proud to be included as one of only nine Iowa locations in the best-selling book "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" in the U.S. and Canada. (see us on pages 521-522)

Twelve Unique Villages:

The Villages of Van Buren consists of Birmingham, Bentonsport, Bonaparte, Cantril, Douds, Farmington, Keosauqua, Lebanon, Milton, Mt. Sterling, Selma and Stockport. all historical communities located within Van Buren County in Southeast Iowa. Visitors and locals alike enjoy taking a relaxing drive or walk through our beautiful woodland areas, or having a quiet picnic in Bentonsport Horse Wagonone of our many parks. We have no fast food restaurants and not a single stoplight to alter the ambience that our county prides itself on. The peace and tranquility of small town life offers you the opportunity to enjoy the season to the fullest. We invite you to come experience the Villages of Van Buren ... a world left untouched by time.