My Local Guide

Prairie Trails, Lake Days, and Hometown Pride

Franklin County, Iowa

Franklin County blends productive north-central Iowa farmland with active small towns, historic downtowns, lake recreation, trails, manufacturing, and a strong countywide community identity. Hampton anchors the county as its seat and largest city, while Sheffield, Latimer, Coulter, Dows, Ackley, and smaller communities add their own character. Beeds Lake State Park, county parks, local businesses, schools, fairs, and community events make the county easy to explore at a relaxed pace.

Franklin County at a Glance

Population9,868 (2025 estimate)
County SeatHampton
Largest CityHampton
Established1855
ZIP CodesMultiple community ZIP Codes
Total Area582 sq mi land area
Major RoutesI-35, US 65, IA 3
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 Franklin County

Franklin County

Franklin County was organized in 1855 and developed around agriculture, rail lines, small-town trade, and county government in Hampton. Over time, manufacturing and agribusiness became major parts of the local economy, while communities preserved distinctive civic spaces and local traditions. Historic Hampton, restored rail resources in Dows, Sheffield’s manufacturing presence, and the Civilian Conservation Corps legacy at Beeds Lake all contribute to a county story rooted in work, transportation, community, and the land.

A Franklin County day can start in Hampton with downtown shops, the courthouse area, coffee, or a movie, then head to Beeds Lake for hiking, fishing, or a picnic. Sheffield offers parks, a paved trail, and strong manufacturing history, while Dows, Latimer, Ackley, Coulter, and other communities reward slower exploration. Seasonal fairs, local restaurants, county parks, golf, museums, and hard-surfaced trails give visitors plenty of reasons to move beyond the main highways.

What Shapes Us

Prairie Heritage

Farm communities, rail lines, courthouse history, restored buildings, and long-standing civic institutions connect Franklin County’s present to its north-central Iowa roots.

Lake & Land

Beeds Lake, county parks, trails, creeks, timber, and open farmland give Franklin County a mix of working landscapes and accessible outdoor recreation.

Community Drive

Hampton, Sheffield, Latimer, Coulter, Dows, Ackley, and smaller communities support schools, businesses, fairs, libraries, parks, and strong local connections.

Built by agriculture, industry, recreation, and community
My Local Guide

Franklin County

Our County - Our Stories
Franklin County Wire

Franklin 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 Franklin County

Stories from every corner of Franklin 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
FRANKLIN 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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Franklin County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

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

Government

Franklin County Government
County departments, services, public records, elections, and courthouse information.
Official Website

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

Franklin County Auditor
Elections, county records, and administrative services.
Official Website
Phone: 641-456-5622

Franklin County Treasurer
Property tax, motor vehicle, and related county services.
Official Website

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

City of Sheffield
Municipal services, parks, library, pool, and community amenities.
Official Website

Franklin County Development Association
Economic development, community information, business resources, and relocation guidance.
Official Website
Phone: 641-456-5668

We’re Here To Help.

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

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

From Hampton and Beeds Lake to Sheffield, trails, county parks, local events, shopping, and small-town communities, these answers focus on what people actually want to know about Franklin County.

Start with Beeds Lake State Park for hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and the landmark limestone CCC dam. In Hampton, explore the historic downtown area, Windsor Theatre, local shops, and community events. The county also offers the Rolling Prairie Trail, county parks, museums, golf, the Franklin County Fair, and small-town stops in Sheffield, Latimer, Coulter, and Dows.

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 Franklin County day around lake time, trails, downtown shops, local food, parks, history, community events, and family-friendly stops.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Beeds Lake State Park
  2. Hampton Aquatic Center & Progress Park
  3. Windsor Theatre
  4. Franklin County Fair

Restaurants

  1. Rustic Brew
  2. B & C Kitchen
  3. Seven Stars Restaurant
  4. Willie’s Bar & Grill
  5. Block 10 at 1921 City Hall

Shopping & Retail

  1. Christensen Jewelry
  2. Everbloom Flower Co.
  3. Fireside Gifts
  4. First & Second Vintage
  5. The Wood Cellar

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Britts Boutique
  2. Got You Covered!
  3. First & Second Vintage

Outdoor Fun

  1. Beeds Lake State Park
  2. Mallory Memorial Park
  3. Popejoy Conservation Park
  4. Path of Progress Trail
  5. Rolling Prairie Trail

Free Things To Do

  1. Walk the Beeds Lake Shoreline Trail
  2. Visit Hampton City Parks
  3. Hampton Public Library
  4. Sheffield City Park & Path of Progress
  5. Explore Downtown Hampton
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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