My Local Guide

River Trails, Prairie Towns, and Local Legends

Humboldt County, Iowa

Humboldt County pairs north-central Iowa farm country with river scenery, strong small towns, trails, local history, and a surprising amount of outdoor recreation. Humboldt is the county’s largest city and commercial center, while neighboring Dakota City serves as the county seat. The Des Moines River, Three Rivers Trail, Frank Gotch heritage, county parks, fairs, schools, and longtime local businesses give the area a distinct identity built around community and place.

Humboldt County at a Glance

Population9,409 (2025 estimate)
County SeatDakota City
Largest CityHumboldt
Established1857
ZIP CodesMultiple community ZIP Codes
Total AreaAbout 434 sq mi
Major RoutesUS 169, IA 3
Area Code515
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Meet Local Businesses

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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover the County

Humboldt County

Humboldt County was formed in 1857, with Dakota City chosen as the county seat. The county grew along the Des Moines River and across a landscape dominated by agriculture, small-town trade, rail connections, and river-powered early industry. Humboldt founder Stephen Taft envisioned a tree-filled river community, while later generations built institutions, fairs, parks, and businesses that remain central to local life. The county’s history also includes world-champion wrestler Frank Gotch and a distinctive PWA-era courthouse.

A visit can begin along the Des Moines River in Humboldt, where parks, trails, dams, bridges, and the Frank Gotch statue create an easy outdoor route through town. From there, follow the Three Rivers Trail, explore Frank A. Gotch Park, visit Dakota City’s courthouse, or head into the county’s smaller communities. Local restaurants, libraries, recreation facilities, fairs, museums, rural scenery, and community events make Humboldt County feel active without losing its relaxed small-town pace.

What Shapes Us

River Heritage

The Des Moines River, historic dams, early mills, bridges, parks, and water trails have shaped Humboldt County’s settlement, recreation, and community identity.

Prairie & Trails

Farmland, river valleys, county parks, rail trails, natural areas, and water routes connect the county’s agricultural landscape with year-round outdoor recreation.

Hometown Strength

Humboldt, Dakota City, Bode, Gilmore City, Renwick, Livermore, and smaller communities support schools, businesses, fairs, libraries, parks, and local traditions.

Where river country, local legends, and communities meet
My Local Guide

Humboldt County

Our County - Our Stories
Humboldt County Wire

Humboldt 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 Humboldt County

Stories from every corner of Humboldt 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
HUMBOLDT 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.

County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

Find useful public services, community organizations, schools, healthcare information, transportation resources, and everyday contacts serving Humboldt County, Iowa.

Government

Humboldt County Government
County departments, services, notices, records, conservation, public safety, and courthouse information.
Official Website

Humboldt County Board of Supervisors
County legislative and administrative oversight, agendas, minutes, and meetings.
Official Website

Humboldt County Auditor
Elections, county records, payroll, and administrative services.
Official Website
Phone: 515-332-1571

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

City of Humboldt
Municipal services, parks, recreation, police, utilities, and city information.
Official Website

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

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

We're Here To Help.

Practical answers for visiting, living, working, and finding your way around Humboldt County.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Get clear, local answers to common questions about places, activities, travel, and community life in Humboldt County.

Start along the Des Moines River in Humboldt with Bicknell Park, the Frank Gotch statue, Cottonwood Trail, and Lake Nokomis Park. For a longer outdoor day, use the Three Rivers Trail or visit Frank A. Gotch Park. The county fair, historic courthouse in Dakota City, local museums, and downtown Humboldt round out the county’s visitor options.

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.

My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day.

Browse places to eat, shop, explore, and spend time throughout Humboldt County.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Humboldt Recreation Center
  2. Taft Park & Wildcat Wonderland
  3. Humboldt County Fair
  4. Humboldt Public Library

Restaurants

  1. 716 Main
  2. El Valle
  3. Miller’s Landing
  4. Pasquale’s

Shopping & Retail

  1. Humboldt Engraving & Gifts
  2. V & S Variety
  3. The Protea Collective
  4. LeeAnn’s Creations

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. The Protea Collective
  2. Midwest Printed
  3. Renae K Dreyer

Outdoor Fun

  1. Frank A. Gotch Park
  2. Three Rivers Trail
  3. Bicknell Park
  4. Lake Nokomis Park
  5. Humboldt County Water Trails

Free Things To Do

  1. Walk the Cottonwood Trail
  2. See the Frank Gotch Statue
  3. Visit Liberty Fountain
  4. Humboldt Public Library
  5. Humboldt County Courthouse in Dakota City
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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