My Local Guide

Balloon Skies, Prairie Trails, Growing Communities

Warren County, Iowa

Warren County sits just south of Des Moines, blending fast-growing metro communities with historic small towns, productive farmland, prairie, river valleys, parks, and trails. Indianola serves as the county seat and cultural hub, known for Simpson College, hot-air-balloon history, the National Balloon Classic, downtown shopping, and arts. Norwalk and Carlisle connect the county closely to the Des Moines metro, while communities such as Milo, Lacona, New Virginia, Martensdale, St. Marys, and others preserve a strong rural Iowa identity.

Warren County at a Glance

Population57,331 (2025 estimate)
County SeatIndianola
Largest CityIndianola
Established1846
ZIP Codes16 incorporated cities, including partial-city areas
Total AreaAbout 573 sq. mi. total
Major RoutesI-35, U.S. 65, U.S. 69, Iowa 5, Iowa 28, Iowa 92
Area Code515
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Warren County

Warren County

Warren County was created in 1846 and named for Revolutionary War hero General Joseph Warren. Indianola was selected as the county seat in 1849, and the county developed through agriculture, river corridors, rail connections, and small-town commerce. Over time, its location immediately south of Des Moines brought new suburban growth while historic communities, farms, prairie, and local institutions preserved a distinct Warren County identity.

Today, Warren County combines metro access with extensive outdoor recreation and small-town character. Indianola anchors the county with education, arts, health care, shopping, dining, and signature events such as the National Balloon Classic and Warren County Fair. Warren County Conservation manages more than 2,700 acres, while the Summerset Trail, Great Western Trail, Annett Nature Center, Hickory Hills, and nearby Lake Ahquabi create year-round recreation opportunities.

What Shapes Us

Local Heritage

Historic town squares, county museums, Simpson College, ballooning traditions, farms, old rail corridors, and community festivals connect Warren County’s present-day growth with its past.

Prairie & Trails

Prairie remnants, wetlands, wooded river corridors, county parks, lakes, and paved trails give the county a strong outdoor identity just beyond the metro.

Connected Communities

Schools, businesses, arts, health care, trails, public services, and local events link fast-growing cities with smaller rural communities across the county.

Growing forward while keeping prairie roots close.
My Local Guide

Warren County

Our County - Our Stories
Warren County Wire

Warren 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 Warren County

Stories from every corner of Warren 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
WARREN 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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County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find trusted county, city, school, health, safety, recreation, transportation, library, court, veteran, and employment resources serving Warren County’s growing cities, small towns, and rural communities.

Government

Warren County Government
County departments, supervisors, records, elections, public notices, meetings, and services.
Official Website

Warren County Department Directory
Direct contact information for county offices and services.
Official Website

City of Indianola
Municipal services and information for the county seat.
Official Website
Phone: 515-961-9410

City of Norwalk
Municipal services and community information for Norwalk.
Official Website

City of Carlisle
Municipal services and community information for Carlisle.
Official Website

State of Iowa
State agency directory and online public services.
Official Website

We’re Here To Help.

Quick answers for visiting, living, exploring, and getting around Warren County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Get practical answers about Indianola, ballooning, parks, trails, events, dining, shopping, attractions, and everyday life in Warren County.

Indianola is a great starting point. Visit the National Balloon Museum, explore the historic downtown square, walk through Buxton Park, or catch performances at Simpson College and the Des Moines Metro Opera. For outdoor recreation, use the Annett Nature Center, Summerset Trail, Great Western Trail, or nearby Lake Ahquabi State Park.

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.

Beem's Towing & Recovery advertisement
My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

From ballooning history and a lively downtown to prairie trails, nature centers, parks, boutiques, and local dining, Warren County offers plenty to explore.

Kids’ Fun

  1. National Balloon Museum
  2. Annett Nature Center
  3. Indianola Aquatic Center
  4. Buxton Park
  5. Pickard Park

Restaurants

  1. Brickhouse Tavern
  2. Z’s Eatery & Draught Haus
  3. Sports Page
  4. The Groggy Dog
  5. The Outside Scoop

Shopping & Retail

  1. Soul Full
  2. Feed & Foster
  3. Adorn
  4. Pageturners
  5. The Little Shed on Salem

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Lula Belle Designs
  2. Roots
  3. Cozy Corner Boutique
  4. Crosses & Cattle Boutique
  5. Still Waters Boutique & Consignment

Outdoor Fun

  1. Summerset Trail
  2. Great Western Trail
  3. Annett Nature Center & Park
  4. Lake Ahquabi State Park
  5. Hickory Hills Park

Free Things To Do

  1. Buxton Park
  2. Indianola Downtown Main Street
  3. Annett Nature Center Trails
  4. Summerset Trail
  5. Great Western Trail
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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