My Local Guide

Rolling Hills, College Energy, and Open Water

Decatur County, Iowa

Decatur County stretches across the rolling hills of southern Iowa, combining courthouse-town history in Leon, college-town energy in Lamoni, working farmland, lakes, parks, and quiet rural communities. Interstate 35 makes the county easy to reach, but its strongest character comes from local places: Little River Recreation Area, Graceland University, historic downtowns, county parks, Amish-country roads, and long-standing community traditions.

Decatur County at a Glance

Population7,655 (2025 estimate)
County SeatLeon
Largest CityLamoni
Established1846
ZIP CodesMultiple community ZIP Codes
Total Area533 sq mi
Major RoutesI-35, US 69, IA 2
Area Code641
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Decatur County

Decatur County

Created in 1846 and organized in 1850, Decatur County was named for War of 1812 naval hero Stephen Decatur. Leon became the county seat after a colorful early dispute over where county records would be kept, and the present courthouse has anchored the community since 1908. Agriculture, transportation, small-town commerce, education, and faith communities all shaped the county, while Lamoni developed a distinct identity around Graceland University and regional travel.

A day in Decatur County can move easily from the courthouse square in Leon to Little River Recreation Area, then south toward Lamoni for Graceland University, local shops, parks, and the historic theater. County parks and nearby Nine Eagles State Park add camping, hiking, fishing, and lake access. Smaller communities, rural roads, Amish-country businesses, community celebrations, and local restaurants give the county a slower pace that rewards exploring beyond the highway.

What Shapes Us

Courthouse Heritage

Leon’s courthouse square, county museum, early settlement stories, and surviving historic architecture preserve Decatur County’s long civic and community history.

Hills & Water

Rolling farmland, Little River, wooded parks, fishing lakes, and rugged southern Iowa terrain give the county a strong outdoor identity.

Campus & Community

Graceland University, local schools, libraries, theaters, fairs, markets, and small businesses bring activity to Lamoni, Leon, and surrounding communities.

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Decatur County

Our County - Our Stories
Decatur County Wire

Decatur 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 Decatur County

Stories from every corner of Decatur 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
DECATUR COUNTY WEATHER
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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Decatur County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

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

Government

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

Decatur County Board of Supervisors
County legislative and administrative oversight.
Official Website

Decatur County Auditor
Elections, county records, and administrative services.
Official Website

Decatur County Treasurer
Property tax, motor vehicle, and driver services.
Official Website

City of Leon
Municipal services and information for the county seat.
Official Website

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

Decatur County Development Corporation
Economic development, community profiles, business resources, and county information.
Official Website

We’re Here To Help.

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

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

From Little River and Leon’s courthouse square to Lamoni, Graceland University, rural communities, and outdoor recreation, these answers focus on the Decatur County details people actually ask about.

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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Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

Build a Decatur County day around lakes, trails, campus life, local history, rural scenery, food, shops, and community stops.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Little River Recreation Area
  2. Coliseum Theatre
  3. Graceland University Campus
  4. SCIT Theatre

Restaurants

  1. Maid-Rite
  2. Sale Barn Cafe
  3. La Cocina Real
  4. Brick House Cafe

Shopping & Retail

  1. Amish Country Store
  2. Hy-Vee Lamoni
  3. Main Street Brick House
  4. New-2-U Thrift Store

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Later Gator Children’s Consignment Boutique
  2. From the Ground
  3. Graceland University Bookstore

Outdoor Fun

  1. Little River Recreation Area
  2. Slip Bluff County Park
  3. Nine Eagles State Park
  4. Graceland University Disc Golf Course

Free Things To Do

  1. Walk Graceland University Campus
  2. Decatur County Courthouse Square
  3. Little River Recreation Area Day Use
  4. Leon Public Library
  5. Lamoni Public Library
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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