North Central Iowa Travel Guide • 2023

Webster County webstercountyia.org

ATTRACTIONS

The Fort Museum and Frontier Village

Fort Dodge

The Blanden Memorial Art Museum

Fort Dodge

Dolliver State Park

Between Fort Dodge and Lehigh

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area

South of Duncombe

Hawkeye Community Theatre

Fort Dodge

John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

North of Fort Dodge

Sports Park Raceway

Fort Dodge

The Annual Dayton Rodeo Dayton

Webster County Fairgrounds

Fort Dodge

Webster County Historical Museum

Otho

Gypsum City

Off-Highway Vehicle Park

Fort Dodge

Community Orchards Fort Dodge

What Sets Webster County Apart?

Webster County may be near the bottom of the alphabetical list of Iowa’s counties (94th out of 99), however, it is at the top when it comes to population in the area. With nearly twice as many residents as the next most populous county in the nine-county region, Webster County is the hub which provides some of the largest venues for shopping, entertainment, and recreation in the area. With so many people, there’s always something happening you will want to be a part of! Webster County invites you to explore the area while enjoying our mid-western hospitality.

New or Hidden Gems

While many people return to Webster County to visit favorite attractions, stores and restaurants, there are plenty of new or lesser-known places to explore as well! Fort Dodge’s summer sensation is Rosedale Rapids, an aquatic center featuring a lap pool, walk-in children’s pools, several water slides and a lazy river. The Oleson Park Splash Pad is a lower impact fun zone for people of all ages to cool off. It is located in Fort Dodge’s Oleson Park which also includes the Karl L. King Bandshell. The bandshell is named after famed bandmaster and composer Karl L. King who resided in Fort Dodge and started the Karl L. King Municipal Band which is now more than 100 years old. If architecture and history interests you, be sure to take a walking tour of the historic Oak Hill Historic District surrounding the Blanden Memorial Art Museum. (Don’t forget the camera!) Located at the Fort Dodge Public Library, visitors will find the Webster County Historical and Genealogical Societies. Outdoors enthusiasts take note: Webster County continues to improve and expand its extensive trail system, including access to the Des Moines River Water Trail. The Fort Dodge Area Farmers Market can be also found seasonally (typically June through October) near Brown’s Shoe Fit in Fort Dodge and boasts locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as crafts, honeys, and locally made goods.

Indoors and Out

Shopping and dining venues line Fort Dodge’s improved “Corridor of Commerce,” including Kohl’s, Perkins, Harbor Freight, Applebees, and more. Downtown Fort Dodge is home to several locally owned businesses including a quilt shop, bridal shop, resale shops, home decor stores, fashion and accessories shops and much more!

If the arts interest you, make your first stop the Blanden Memorial Art Museum. Not only does the museum offer several galleries featuring works from both its permanent collection and traveling shows, it also offers classes and events for all ages. From there, branch out to visit the Chronicle, Cyclus, and Floyd of Rosedale sculptures in downtown Fort Dodge. The Painted Piano Project is also located throughout the downtown area. Just a short jaunt across town, will take you to Webster County’s Freedom Rock which was painted by famed artist Ray “Bubba” Sorenson and depicts local servicemen Captain Darrell Lindsey, pilot Willis Moeller, and Fort Dodge Dragoon, Dr. Bill Ryan. Iowa Central Community College has an active arts program as well, featuring visual arts, dance, theater and music. Check the college’s website for a schedule of events and offerings.

On the weekends, local establishments throughout Fort Dodge and Webster County offer a variety of live music events. Fort Dodge is home to the Sonshine Singers, Harmony Brigade (men’s barbershop chorus), the Fort Dodge Chorale Society, the Fort Dodge Symphony and the Karl L. King Municipal Band

which offers free concerts on Sunday nights in June and July at the Oleson Park Music Pavilion. Seasonal celebrations such as the annual Frontier Days, Shellabration, Badger Lake Dragon Boat Races, Fall Fest and Octoberfest also provide visitors and residents opportunities for great music, food and community spirit. Be sure to check The Messenger www.messengernews.net for special celebrations in surrounding communities, typically held in summer or fall.

Webster County offers sports enthusiasts a number of venues as well. During racing season, Sports Park Raceway and Gypsum City OHV Park are the places to be. Lizard Creek Mountain Bike Trails and Prairie Rivers Bike Trail offer bicycle riders fun and scenic trails. Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex (by the Fort Dodge Airport) is a 100 acre complex that hosts many regional tournaments on it’s 11 softball and baseball fields, 13 soccer fields, permanent batting cages, and boulevard of champions entrance. Iowa Central Community College also has many different collegiate sports which offer another venue for sports enthusiasts. Fort Dodge and Webster County are also home to several golf courses.

Outdoor recreation is a plentiful option when visiting Webster County. Dolliver State Park and John F. Kennedy park (north of Fort Dodge) offer camping, hiking, fishing, boating, rental cabins, wildlife and bird watching, trails, playgrounds, and picnicking. During the winter months Kennedy Park’s trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. The park’s naturalist regularly offers programs of interest to all ages through the Nature Center at Kennedy Park or out in the field at one of the lands managed by Webster County Conservation. You can also visit The Children’s Forest featuring wood carvings by Gary Keenan of characters from The Lorax book. Brushy Creek State Recreational Area offers those same amenities while also making equine facilities and trails and a shooting range available to visitors. Other public parks and areas in the county include: Becker Wildlife Area, Bob Hay Memorial Conservation Area, Deer Creek, Liska-Stanek Prairie, The Diggins, Whispering Wings, and Holiday Creek (all near Fort Dodge); Carlson Recreation Area and Skillet Creek Indian Mounds (Dayton); Oak Park (Dayton); Lindquest Wildlife Sanctuary (Gowrie); Lost Acres and Lundgren Church Nature Park (Lehigh); Miller Marsh (Badger); Moorland Pond (Moorland); Prairie Pond (Duncombe); and Rossow Prairie (Vincent). Fort Dodge has a host of city parks featuring a wide variety of amenities. In addition to Oleson Park, other favorites include SnellCrawford Park, Loomis Park, and numerous smaller, neighborhood parks. Communities throughout Webster County each offer city parks and recreation areas for residents and visitors.

Calhoun County ATTRACTIONS

Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes State Park

Featherstone County Park

Twin Lakes 7 mile Walking/Biking Trail

Swede Bend Church, the Pomeroy Train

Depot & Charles Knapp Round Barn

Rockwell City

Calhoun County Museum

Calhoun County Courthouse

Manson

Welker Cochran (billiards champ) birthplace

Farnhamville

Roetta Vineyard and Art Studio

Landus Cooperative Elevator

Lake City

Fountain on the Square and Bandstand

What Sets Calhoun County Apart?

Nestled in the center of three regional retail centers, Calhoun County is brimming with unique communities and friendly people. Crisscrossed by U.S. Highway 20 and State Highways 4, 7, 124 and 175, Calhoun County is a convenient destination in the heart of the area. Calhoun County’s future was shaped in part by natural events of the distant past. Visitors can discover the time when a giant meteor hit Earth near Manson or let the cool, blue waters of a lake carved out by the receding glaciers of the Ice Age splash over them at Twin Lakes. Calhoun County is also home to the largest farmer’s co-op in the state of Iowa. Come and explore Calhoun County!

New or Hidden Gems

One of Calhoun County’s treasures is actually a collection of buildings and structures registered with the National Register of Historic Places. Lake City’s Historical and Architectural Resources include eight business, home and civil buildings. Among them, visitors will find a Carnegie Library which is also home to Carnegie Café. Just south of Lake City off Iberia Street is Rainbow Bend, a park along the Raccoon River boasting the only remaining, triple span Rainbow Bridge, also on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to Rockwell City will also find the restored Chicago Milwaukee, St. Paul Railroad Depot. The Round Barn, located at Twin Lakes Bible Camp, is also a site to be seen as it’s one of only four true round barns in Iowa. The Calhoun County Freedom Rock, painted by Bubba Sorenson, is on display in the central town square in Rockwell City. The Freedom Rock was completed in 2008 and is one of nearly 100 throughout the State of Iowa.

Indoors and Out

Calhoun County offers shopping enthusiasts a wide variety of venues. Rockwell City’s shops around city square have two floors with more than 5,000 square feet filled with consignments, clothing and antiques. Shoppers in Lake City will find unique boutiques offering everything from wood craftsmen and a hometown bakery, to one-of-a-kind gifts, quilting supplies, flowers, furniture, fine jewelry and accessories, unique antiques and collectables. Make a stop at the Capri Movie Theater on the west side of the town square while you’re in Lake City. The Capri Movie Theater was originally opened in 1966, but closed its doors in the early 2000s. The community re-opened the theater in 2003 where it serves residents with fun, low-cost movies. Shoppers in Manson will find covered walkways and friendly shopkeepers lining Main Street. If history is your passion, make a stop at the Calhoun County Museum, located at the former Rockwell City High School. The museum includes history from throughout the ages including details of a visit from baseball great Babe Ruth! The Historic Central School is also a fantastic museum to visit. Located on Center Street in Lake City, the building served as a school from 1884 until 1980, and now serves as a historic-cultural center.

With 26 parks, recreation, and wildlife areas throughout the county, outdoors adventurers will find Calhoun County full of things to do as well. Twin Lakes is the ideal place to begin your outdoor exploration. The lakes offer boating, camping, a 7-mile multi-use trail, fishing and hunting. Cabin rentals are available at Featherstone Park on the north side of North Twin Lake. An annual triathalon is held at Twin Lakes in early August. All areas in Calhoun County are open to visitors year round. Primitive camping may be done at any park. Please keep fires in camp stoves where available and park vehicles in parking areas only. In areas that allow hunting and/or fishing, please follow state rules and regulations.

Accommodations in Calhoun County include two bedand-breakfast stops (Rockwell City and Twin Lakes) and motels and suites (Rockwell City and Lake City). Twin Lakes Christian Center also offers lodging for larger groups of 25 or more. A bite to eat can be found at local convenience stops, pubs, and the many restaurants offering everything from pizza to barbecue and steaks.

Lake View has something fun for everyone! You can spend the day enjoying water sports on Black Hawk Lake, camping at our two large campgrounds or splashing in the Speaker Park splash pad. Home to the northwest end of the Sauk Rail Trail, bikers can ride through the countryside from Lake View to Carroll. Lake View also hosts unique annual events throughout the summer including:

• Stone Pier Concert Series, June 3, July 1, Aug 5 and Sept 3

• 70th Annual Water Carnival, July 14-16

• Men’s Club Carp Competition, Aug 19-20

One of the largest draft horse hitch shows in North America, featuring 18 of the finest six-horse hitches in the United States and Canada

Qualifying Show for the North American Six-Horse Hitch Classic Series.

Dakota City

Corydon Brown House/ Humboldt County Historical Museum

Humboldt

Frank A. Gotch County Park

Joe Sheldon Park

Humboldt County Fairgrounds

Humboldt Aquatic Center

Humboldt Library

Frank A. Gotch Birthplace

Near Bradgate

Three Rivers Trail

Avery’s Hill

Humboldt County

What Sets Humboldt County Apart?

Named in honor of Baron Friedrich Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt, a famous German scientist, explorer and statesman, Humboldt County was established as the smallest county in Iowa in 1851. Four years later, in 1855, the county lines were drawn anew, adding land from Kossuth County to the north and Webster County to the south. On February 26, 1857, the old borders were reestablished, but Webster County would not return the land, leaving Humboldt County with only twelve townships rather than the standard sixteen. Although Humboldt County has less square mileage than its neighboring counties, it is home to thirteen towns: Bode, Bradgate, Dakota City (county seat), Gilmore City, Hardy, Humboldt, Livermore, LuVerne, Ottosen, Pioneer, Renwick, Rutland, and Thor.

New or Hidden Gems

Two of Humboldt County’s lesser known but beloved treasures include Lotts Creek Area/Old Settlers Park and Oxbow Park. Lotts Creek Area/Old Settlers Park is located a 1/2 mile west of Livermore. The park is a 40 acre parcel that has shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, and electric facilities for camping. Located on this property is a small log cabin constructed by earlier settlers. Oxbow Park was acquired by the County Conservation in 1990. It has a two story building which was constructed in 1994 to replace the old Izaak Walton building. Meetings, wedding receptions and other parties rent this facility. This park features picnicking, grills, a boat ramp and fishing.

A mile east of Humboldt, visitors to the county looking for speed thrills will find the Humboldt County Dragway, a local sports complex and race track.

If traveling through Dakota City, be sure to stop at Petro Pete’s Texaco restored vintage service station. Located on the main road through town, travelers will feel as though they’ve stumbled back in time thanks to owner Peter D. Holt’s attention to detail. Inside the station there is a mini museum of gas station memorabilia. Each year the Humboldt County Fairgrounds also hosts an annual Polka Fest with three dance floors available and Harness Racing during the summer months. In addition to picnicking, boating, fishing and camping at Joe Sheldon Park, visitors will also find a disc golf course and archery range.

Indoors and Out

If looking to find some unique souvenirs, antiques or simply visit some local shops begin in the county’s largest town, Humboldt. Shoppers will find a welcoming and wide main street shopping destination with plenty of parking and covered walkways so that, whatever the weather, customers can shop in comfort. Continue east through town and up the hill to Dakota City’s business district. Other shopping opportunities can be found on the north end of Humboldt, along U.S. Highway 3 as well as the Highway 169 corridor. Humboldt County invites you to visit its smaller communities for more one-of-a-kind shops.

Humboldt County offers outdoors lovers several county parks and public lands providing the full gambit of outdoor recreational activities. Joe Sheldon Park, located 1 3/4 miles west of Humboldt, consists of 80+ acres. It contains 3 separate campsites, picnic areas, boat ramp, shelters, showers/restrooms and an 18-hole disc golf course. Pioneer Prairie Pothole land is located southwest of Humboldt on blacktop road C49. This is an 80 Acre upland and wetland habitat area where hunting is permitted. Banwart Prairie, located 1 mile west of the town of Ottosen on 110th Street, is a 30 acre upland habitat area. Hunting is permitted. Frank A. Gotch Park (4 miles south of Humboldt) offers an inviting and quiet atmosphere for camping (rental cabin available) with access to the east and west forks of the Des Moines River and the Three Rivers Bike trail. Jointly managed by Humboldt and Wright County Conservation, Oakdale Park is southeast of Renwick. Shelters, electric hookups and restrooms are available. The Izaac Walton league maintains a clubhouse and trapshoot range on the area. Rutland Marsh, northwest of Humboldt on blacktop road C29, is a 70 acre upland and wetland habitat area. Hunting is permitted. The Three Rivers Trail runs along 32 miles of the old Chicago and Northwestern Railroad right of way between Rolfe and Eagle Grove. As the name implies the trail crosses three rivers. These rivers include the West Branch of the Des Moines River, the East Branch of the Des Moines River, and the Boone River. Great food can be found in local pubs and grills. Unkie’s Entertainer (bar & restaurant) in Thor offers shrimp, chicken, steaks and hashbrowns that are renowned throughout the area. Humboldt and Dakota City offer nationally recognized fast-food chains in addition to terrific local eateries such as Pasquale’s Italian Restaurant, Caribbean Coffee House, Miller’s Landing, and Vinny’s BBQ.

Hamilton County

Hamilton County Speedway Webster City

Briggs Woods Park South of Webster City

Briggs Woods Golf Course South of Webster City

Bonebright Depot Historic Complex Webster City

Swedish American Log Cabin Stratford

Swedish Immigrant Museum Stratford

Kendall Young Library Webster City

Hemken Collection Car Museum Williams

Blairsburg Opera House Blairsburg

Hamilton County Fairgrounds Webster City

What Sets Hamilton County Apart?

Hamilton County boasts several historical diversions and recreational opportunities to draw visitors. The Boone River crosses through the north and west parts of Hamilton County. Webster City is the county seat and home to Hamilton County’s fairgrounds, courthouse and hospital facilities. Hamilton County, along with neighboring Webster County, were named one of Iowa’s Great Places in 2012.

New or Hidden Gems

Beginning in Webster City, the Boone River Recreational Trail–a 5.7 mile, multipurpose, handicap accessible trail–offers users many recreational opportunities. In addition to walking, biking, or running, the trail also provides fishing jetties and picnicking. It winds through local parks and campgrounds as well. The Webster City Community Theatre has been at the heart of Hamilton County’s performing arts scene since its beginning in 1968. If touring the area, be sure to check the theatre’s performance schedule to see if a show coincides with your visit. The Jane Young House is home to Webster City’s Women’s Club. The home is available for tours by appointment. As you travel along Highway 20, take note of the Hamilton County Barn Quilt project. Produce Station Pottery in Webster City is a fully equipped professional pottery studio that also provides art classes and a sales gallery. If you’re looking to take in a movie, stop by The Webster Theater in downtown Webster City. The theater is now a non-profit organization and is well supported by the community.

Indoors and Out

Webster City’s business district features brick-lined sidewalks, planters full of blooming beauty, and vintage street lights. Shoppers will find an engaging mix of retail shops and eateries. The historic downtown district in Stratford hosts a tea room, museum and several shops offering gifts and collectibles.

Looking for antiques? Don’t miss D & D Antiques in rural Jewell, Hamilton Antiques in Webster City, Sister Act in Ellsworth, and Sweet Williams Station in Williams.

Outdoor adventurers will find many venues awaiting them in Hamilton County. Briggs Woods park offers camping, riverfront cabin rentals, hiking paths, river and lake boating or canoeing, fishing, picnicking, shelters, and an 18-hole golf course. In the winter, cross-country skiing is popular both at Briggs Woods and along the Boone River Recreational Trail. Four other trails for walking, biking or running as well as three other golf course can be found in Hamilton County. Public lands for wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, hunting and exploring provide adventurers with a variety of settings including sloughs, marshes, and wildlife areas. Little Wall Lake State Park is another popular camping, fishing and boating destination. Altogether, Hamilton County has 17 county parks in addition to the numerous city parks in each of the county’s nine communities.

For a taste of Hamilton County, visitors will find some familiar big-name fast stops in Webster City. If you are looking to try more local fare, consider a stop at: Mornin’ Glory Coffee Shop, Leon’s Pizza, the Grid Iron Grill & Sports Bar, or Seneca Street Saloon in Webster City. Area residents enjoy the pizza at Pickles Pub in Kamrar. Stratford serves diners at the Copperhead Saloon & Grill.

Most travelers looking for a place to spend the night are traveling through Hamilton County via U.S. Highway 20 or Interstate Highway 35. Several hotels are available along both routes at Webster City (US 20) and the William exit on Interstate 35. Available from May through August, the Valkommen House guest house in Stratford is another option for road weary visitors needing overnight refreshment.

Kossuth County

Camp Algona

POW Museum

Algona

Louis Sullivan Building

Algona

Silo House

Titonka

Grotto of the Redemption

West Bend

Smith Lake

Algona

Historic POW Nativity Scene

Algona

Sod House replica

West Bend

Steier’s Roadside Village

Whittemore

Veteran’s Memorial and Betsy Ross style flag mural

Whittemore

Algona Aquatic Center

Algona

What Sets Kossuth County Apart?

Located on the northernmost tier of counties, Kossuth County is the largest county in land size of the 99 counties in Iowa. Named for Hungarian patriot, Lajos Kossuth, the county was estab lished in 1851 with three town ships. The present-day bound aries for the county were fixed in 1857 when Bancroft County was blotted out of existence and added to Kossuth County. In 1870, Crocker County was formed where Bancroft had once existed, however it was declared unconstitutional because it did not contain enough land. Although there have been sever al attempts to divide the county, none have succeeded in making Kossuth the largest county in the state.

ATTRACTIONS

What sets Sac County apart?

When passing through Sac County on four-lane

U.S. Highway 20, one is struck by the rolling farm ground, beautiful trees, and clean air. Leaving the highway provides countless opportunities to discover the area’s hidden gems. One scratches the surface by visiting the World’s Largest Popcorn Ball and Blackhawk Lake, Iowa’s southernmost glacier lake. This only scratches the surface of county attractions. To dig deeper, one visits the Odebolt Community Center to learn about the founding of the Cracker Jack popcorn company, travels to Auburn and Grant Park to discover every tree native to Iowa; visits wonderful museums in Auburn, Lytton, Lake View, Wall Lake, Odebolt, and Sac City; tours one of the few remaining Chautauqua Pavilions in the nation, and visits the birthplace of Andy Williams. Along the way, everyone will discover more hidden gems that transform make a visit to Sac County into a lifetime County a lifetime of memories.

New and Hidden Gems

Sac City is the home of the world’s largest popcorn ball and it resides in its own little building. The oversized snack was made in 2016. It weighs about 9,300 pounds. Also awaiting the visitor to Sac County is the birthplace of singer Andy Williams, whose song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” can be heard every Christmas season. The home is in Wall Lake.

Outdoors

The North Raccoon Water Trail offers paddlers a path through Sac County. It covers 41 miles of the Raccoon River, from the Vogel Access Point northeast of Nemaha to a point south of Grant Park in Auburn.

Blackhawk Lake and Arrowhead Lake, both near Lake View, offers lots of opportunities to get out on the water.

The Sauk Rail trail traverses 33 miles in Carroll and Sac counties.

ATTRACTIONS

Emmetsburg

Wild Rose Casino and Resort

Five Island Lake

Palo Alto Co Historical Museum

Hobson Rock Collection

Vandervelde Primitive Cultures Collection

West Bend

Sod House, School House and Post Office

West Bend Historical Museum

Grotto of the Redemption

Ruthven

Lost Island Lake

Lost Island Prairie Wetland Nature Center

What Sets Palo Alto County Apart?

Palo Alto’s county seat, Emmetsburg, has a rich Irish heritage–and is a sister city to Dublin, Ireland! The county courthouse square is home to one of only four Robert Emmet (Irish nationalist and patriot) in the world and Iowa’s own Blarney Stone–a gift from the people of Dublin. Several of Emmetsburg’s businesses celebrate this Irish background, making it a unique area to visit in the region.

Also located at Emmetsburg, Five Island Lake is Iowa’s 9th largest natural lake. It is five miles long and 1,000 acres. Like many of northern Iowa’s lakes, Five Island Lake was formed as receding glaciers gouged out scars on the land. There is plenty of fishing, swimming, camping, and outdoor activities at Five Island Lake. If you’re visiting, Five Island Lake Cabins are now available for rental and sleep four or nine people and have full amenities including a kitchen, air conditioning, wi-fi, gas grills, fire pits, and more.

Iowa Lakes Community College along with major employers Ag Processing Inc., POET, and Aluma LTD are all located in Emmetsburg.

New or Hidden Gems

Palo Alto county hosts what is frequently called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” - the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend. Also deemed a “miracle in stone,” the Grotto is the largest man-made grotto in the world and is home to one of the largest collection of precious stones and gems found anywhere in one location. Guided tours are available daily from 10 AM to 5 PM from April through October.

While visiting Palo Alto county, be sure to explore at least one of the county’s many attractions including: the New Lost Island Nature Trail near Ruthven, Smith Wellness Center in Emmetsburg, and the privately owned Little

House On the Prairie–replica of buildings–also in Emmetsburg.

The Victorian on Main Museum is another chance to step back in time and see what life was like in an earlier era. The restored Victorian home is complete with period furnishings and memorabilia.

If heading to Lost Island Lake for fishing, boating, swimming, camping or other outdoor activities, don’t miss the Lost Island Prairie Wetland Nature Center. Friendly, knowledgeable volunteers work with the park’s naturalist to provide visitors with wonderful hands-on experiences and occasional workshops and classes which will enhance your appreciation of the local flora and fauna. Great displays, information and a gift shop round out your experience.

IOWA’S 9TH LARGEST NATURAL LAKE ENJOY FISHING, SWIMMING, BOATING, KAYAKING, AND RELAXATION AT FIVE ISLAND LAKE

Wright County

symbols used to help guide slaves to freedom in the north. Information for the tour can be found at many public facilities.

What Sets Wright County Apart?

Wright County is unique in the fact that it is the only county seat in the state of Iowa to be located in the exact center of the county. Wright County is also unique because it ranks top in the nation for the richest topsoil, making the land ideal for farming. For the outdoor recreation enthusiasts, they will enjoy the fact that the county boasts four glacial lakes which include Wall Lake, Morse Lake, Elm Lake, and the most popular - Lake Cornelia. This lake is located between the cities of Clarion and Belmond, which offers not only boating fun, but camping, picnicking, playground equipment, fishing and more.

New or Hidden Gems

Water fun is a big part of Wright County’s attraction to people who call the area home, as well as those who just come for a visit to enjoy all we have to offer. Whether you’re looking for the “big lake” experience (Lake Cornelia) for boating, tubing, or a day at the beach; a lazy day floating down the river or getting your canoe/kayak in the water (at Outdoor Adventures, Inc. & River Disc Course in Belmond); or something in-between like the peaceful sound of rapids followed by glass-like waters down the way (Goldfield River Park), Wright County has it. Wright County offers walking/biking trails, hunting, ice fishing, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing…need we tempt you more to join us? How about taking the Northern Iowa Greenbelt Scenic Driving Tour that runs through 50 miles of rolling hills and gentle swells of the Iowa River Valley? You can find a map at one of the tourist information centers in Wright County (or follow the special signs that mark the route). The Franklin Grove Heritage Trail is a 3.4 mile trail in Belmond ending at Pool Park. The trail runs on a converted rail bed and includes benches that were placed along the trail as part of an Eagle Scout Project. Belmond public librarians also updated the trail with a story walk. There is also an Underground Railroad Quilt Block Driving Tour that focuses on

Wright County is also filled with beautiful golf courses, disc golf courses, camping sites, parks, bird watching at the Lower Morse Lake Grassland & Bird Conservation Area, artesian wells, and more. Of course, we can’t forget about all of Wright County’s quaint shopping opportunities. There are many great treasures to be found in these shops owned by hometown folks, one of the biggest being their friendly dispositions. If you’re looking for antiques and collectibles, boutique clothing, or five-and-dime items, we’ve got that. Looking for furniture, home décor, or second-hand treasures? We’ve got that too. Looking for a place to eat or a beverage to enjoy. You’ll find a wide variety of selections in Wright County ranging from coffee shops and nutrition shakes, fast food to date-night dining, or a place to meet up with friends and enjoy the nightlife. We invite you to join us in enjoying one of the items mentioned above, or one of our many outstanding events in the County, like the Wright County Fairgrounds in Eagle Grove that grows with excitement every year; Clarion’s Festival in the Park, Belmond’s annual 4th of July Celebration, Rowan Fun Days, Dows Corn Days, Summerfest in Eagle Grove, Goldfield Fountain City Day…and the list goes on. You’re sure not to be disappointed.

Jenison-Meacham Memorial Art

Center & Museum

Belmond

Belmond Historical Museum

Belmond

Heartland Museum

Clarion

Wright County Historical Museum

Clarion

Rock Island Train Depot

Clarion

4-H Schoolhouse Museum

Clarion

Iowa Welcome Center & Rock Island

Depot

Dows

Dows Historic District (mercantile, blacksmith shop, school, prairie house)

Dows

Eagle Grove Historical Museum

Eagle Grove

Veterans Memorial Tower

Eagle Grove

Boone River Rapids

Goldfield River Park

Historic Log Cabin

Goldfield

Rowan Historical Museum

Rowan

Historical French Lutheran Church

Woolstock

Greene County

Mahany Bell Tower

(14-story carillon tower with glass elevator ride to 120-ft high observation deck)

Jefferson

Greene County Historical Museum

Jefferson

Jefferson Telecom Telephone Museum

Jefferson

Raccoon River Valley Trail Trail head in Jefferson

RVP ~ 1875

Historical Furniture (working museum)

Jefferson

Artisan Coloby and Historic Boy Theatre Company

John 15 Vineyard

Jefferson

Greene County Courthouse

Jefferson

Deals Orchard

Jefferson

Community Players of Greene County

Historic Milwaukee Railroad Depot

Jefferson

Squirrel Hollow Campground and Horse Trails

Jefferson

What Sets Greene County Apart?

Selected as an Iowa Tourism award winner as well as a Great American Main Street award semi-finalist, Jefferson is the hub of the arts, outdoor recreation, and historical tourism sites.

Jefferson is the county seat for Greene County which was named for Revolutionary War hero General Nathaniel Greene. The current Greene County Courthouse is the third erected on the site in Jefferson. It was placed on the National Register of Historic places in 1979 and features beautiful stained glass in its dome. One of Greene County’s native sons is George Gallup, founder of the Gallup Poll. His childhood home is just one of the things visitors will enjoy. Thanks to donations from local citizens, Greene County also holds the distinction of having had the first stretch of the Lincoln Highway (Old Highway 30) to be paved in the state of Iowa.

New or Hidden Gems

Visitors to Greene County can shop, eat, play, and stay in Jefferson with many sites and experiences to take in. Don’t miss the Doreen Wilber Olympic Statue in Jefferson. Wilber won a gold medal for archery at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany. When you visit, be sure to notice the other half of the statue, the bronze target across the street. This distance is similar to the one Wilber shot during competition. The Mahanay Carillon Bell Tower, located on the southwest corner of the downtown square is a must visit. Take the elevator to the top of the tower to view the historic square and the five unique rooftop artwork murals. Painted murals also dot the downtown area, including ‘Eyes on Washington,’ designed by Roger Aegerter and painted by volunteers. It’s a picture perfect place to stop for selfies. Also around the square are renovated alleys that include ornate archways and castings designed by artist David Williamson.

While you’re in town, make sure to stop by the historic Lincoln Highway Museum, the Lion’s Tree Park which is located at the intersection of the new Highway 30 and the Lincoln Highway, and the Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County.

Enjoy an ice cream break at Twiins Shoppe where you can also view murals painted by local high school students, and put your feet up at the Wild Rose Casino & Resort.

www.discoverpoco.com

Upcoming Events in Pocahontas County:

July 7-9: Laurens Summer Celebration

Bring the whole family for this event! There will be tasty food and numerous activities throughout the town to choose from!

July 7-9: Greater Rolfe Days

There will be tons of activities going on in Rolfe during this weekend event. Come check it out!

July 12-17: Pocahontas County Fair

Come to the fair to see all the animals and exhibits, eat a variety of food, and see who will be crowned this year’s fair queen!

July 14-16: Pocahontas Heritage Days

Come enjoy the parade and activities for the whole family! You don’t want to miss this one!

August 19: Princess City Car Show

Show off your ride and check out dozens of shiny classics at the annual car show in Pocahontas.

August 25-27: Gilmore City Fun Days

Plan to visit Gilmore City for their fun days! There will be activities for the entire family during this event.

September 2-4: Fonda Labor Day Celebration

Spend labor day in Fonda this year! Come check out the rodeo and demo derby as well as activities for the whole family!

August 18-19: Poca-Fest

Make plans to attend the Poca-fest event in Pocahontas!

Check out our website for trip ideas and other things to see and do in Pocahontas County!