My Local Guide

Crossroads, Courthouse Squares, and Open Country

Clarke County, Iowa

Clarke County sits at a southern Iowa crossroads where Interstate 35 meets U.S. Highways 34 and 69. Osceola anchors the county with a historic downtown, Amtrak service, local shops, and community events, while Murray, Woodburn, parks, wildlife areas, trails, and nearby state forest land add a rural outdoor side. It is a compact county with easy access to history, recreation, local food, festivals, and practical services.

Clarke County at a Glance

Population9,574 (2025 estimate)
County SeatOsceola
Largest CityOsceola
Established1846
ZIP Codes3 primary community ZIP Codes
Total Area432 sq mi
Major RoutesI-35, US 34, US 69
Area Code641
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Clarke County

Clarke County

Clarke County was established in 1846 and named for James Clarke, Iowa Territory’s third governor. Osceola was chosen as the county seat in 1851 and developed into the county’s transportation and commercial center. The county’s story includes early settlement, Mormon Trail migration, farming, railroads, and small-town growth. Today the courthouse square, historic depot, museum collections, rural communities, and working landscapes continue to connect Clarke County’s past with everyday life.

Clarke County is easy to explore from Osceola. Walk the historic downtown, catch a movie at the restored Lyric Theater, visit the Carnegie library, or use the historic Amtrak depot. Outdoor time can include East Lake Park, Q-Pond, Grade Lake, county wildlife areas, and Stephens State Forest near Woodburn. Seasonal markets, the county fair, community festivals, shops, restaurants, and trail connections make the county a practical stop for both quick visits and longer weekends.

What Shapes Us

Crossroads History

Historic rail service, U.S. highways, the courthouse square, and migration routes helped shape Osceola and Clarke County into a long-standing southern Iowa crossroads.

Parks & Prairie

Lakes, trails, wildlife areas, wooded hills, farmland, and nearby state forest land give the county an outdoor identity beyond its highway corridors.

Local Connection

Osceola, Murray, Woodburn, schools, libraries, fairs, markets, and community events keep local life active across a compact rural county.

Southern Iowa crossroads with history, trails, and hometown energy
My Local Guide

Clarke County

Our County - Our Stories
Clarke County Wire

Clarke County Wire

Local Stories - DailyPhoto Credits
Radio Iowa

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Clarke County

Stories from every corner of Clarke County.

Iowa Business Council survey shows postive outlook on state’s economy

The Iowa Business Council (IBC) has released its third quarter Economic Outlook Survey that gauges the outlook for…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Horror film fest is highlight of Ottumwa’s Halloweenapalooza

The leaves are starting to change color, pumpkins are appearing on porches, and a scare is in the…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Names of northeast Iowa boaters who died in Mississippi River accident released

The Iowa DNR has identified two northeast Iowa men who drowned after their fishing boat hit a submerged…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Iowa farmers didn’t get much field time last week waiting for drier conditions

The harvest didn’t advance much last week as farmers waited for fields to dry out. The lastest U.S.D.A.…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Celebrating Iowa 4H from calves and canning to astronomy and robots

This is National 4H Week, recognizing the accomplishments of the program that reaches more than 120,000 young people…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
CLARKE COUNTY WEATHER
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Clarke County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find useful Clarke County links for government, schools, health care, public safety, parks, trails, utilities, libraries, courts, transportation, veterans services, and employment.

Government

Clarke County Government
County departments, services, notices, and public information.
Official Website

Clarke County Board of Supervisors
County legislative and administrative oversight.
Official Website
Phone: 641-342-3641

Clarke County Auditor
Elections, county records, and related administrative services.
Official Website
Phone: 641-342-3315

Clarke County Treasurer
Property tax, motor vehicle, and driver’s license services.
Official Website
Phone: 641-342-3311

City of Osceola
Municipal services and city government for the county seat.
Official Website

City of Murray
Municipal information and services for Murray.
Official Website

Clarke County Conservation
County parks, wildlife areas, recreation, and conservation programs.
Official Website
Phone: 641-342-3960

We’re Here To Help.

Useful answers for visiting, exploring, and living in Clarke County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

From Osceola’s historic district and Amtrak stop to county parks, trails, events, and rural communities, these answers cover the details people actually ask about Clarke County.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

Build a Clarke County day around trails, parks, downtown Osceola, local food, shops, history, and family-friendly stops.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Fern Underwood Family Aquatic Center
  2. Becky Persels Skate Park
  3. Osceola Public Library
  4. Lyric Theater

Restaurants

  1. Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill
  2. Nana Greer’s Family Table
  3. Junction Creamery
  4. The Family Table

Shopping & Retail

  1. Harvest Barn Marketplace
  2. Acquisitions
  3. The Grassroots Home
  4. Historic Downtown Osceola Shops

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Downtown Osceola Boutiques
  2. The Grassroots Home
  3. Harvest Barn Marketplace

Outdoor Fun

  1. East Lake Park
  2. Q-Pond Park & Trail
  3. Coyote Canyon Wildlife Area
  4. Green Pine Wildlife Area
  5. Stephens State Forest

Free Things To Do

  1. Walk Historic Downtown Osceola
  2. Osceola Public Library
  3. Hopeville Square Park
  4. East Lake Park
  5. Osceola Trail Network
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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