My Local Guide

Missouri River Energy, Loess Hills, and Living History

Woodbury County, Iowa

Woodbury County brings together Sioux City’s regional energy, the Missouri River, dramatic Loess Hills, working farmland, historic towns, cultural institutions, and outdoor recreation. Sioux City anchors the county as its seat and largest city, while Sergeant Bluff, Moville, Correctionville, Anthon, and smaller communities add their own character. Visitors can explore Lewis and Clark history, hike prairie ridges, visit museums and art centers, camp beside oxbow lakes, and experience one of Iowa’s most distinctive western counties.

Woodbury County at a Glance

Population106,649 (2025 estimate)
County SeatSioux City
Largest CitySioux City
Established1851
ZIP CodesMultiple community ZIP Codes
Total Area872.9 sq mi land area
Major RoutesI-29, US 20, US 75, IA 12, IA 31, IA 140, IA 141, IA 175
Area Code712
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Meet Local Businesses

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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Woodbury County

Woodbury County

Woodbury County was established in 1851 as Wahkaw County and renamed in 1853 for Levi Woodbury, a U.S. Supreme Court justice and former cabinet official. The county seat moved to Sioux City in 1856, where Missouri River access and later rail connections drove rapid growth. Agriculture, industry, immigration, transportation, Native and Lewis and Clark history, and the Loess Hills all shaped a county that became a major economic and cultural center for the Siouxland region.

Start in Sioux City with the riverfront, public museum, art center, Lewis and Clark sites, historic courthouse, and downtown dining. Then head into the Loess Hills at Stone State Park and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Brown’s Lake, Snyder Bend, Southwood, and Little Sioux Park add camping, fishing, cabins, and quiet outdoor time. Beyond the metro, Woodbury County’s smaller communities reward visitors with local history, parks, shops, agriculture, and classic western Iowa scenery.

What Shapes Us

River & Rail

The Missouri River, Lewis and Clark history, railroads, industry, and Sioux City’s role as a regional transportation hub define much of Woodbury County’s story.

Loess Hills

Prairie ridges, oak woodland, river bottoms, oxbow lakes, parks, and conservation areas give the county one of Iowa’s most distinctive natural landscapes.

Siouxland Culture

Museums, arts, schools, health care, immigrant communities, local businesses, and smaller towns make Woodbury County a diverse regional center.

Where river history, prairie ridges, and communities come together
My Local Guide

Woodbury County

Our County - Our Stories
Woodbury County Wire

Woodbury 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 Woodbury County

Stories from every corner of Woodbury 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
WOODBURY 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.

Dave's Wood Floors advertisement
Sioux Valley Automotive advertisement
Woodbury County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

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

Government

Woodbury County Government
County departments, services, records, notices, and courthouse information.
Official Website
Phone: 712-279-6525

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

Woodbury County Auditor & Recorder
Elections, real estate records, vital records, and county administration.
Official Website

Woodbury County Treasurer
Property tax, motor vehicle, and county financial services.
Official Website
Phone: 712-279-6500

City of Sioux City
Municipal government and services for the county seat and largest city.
Official Website
Phone: 712-279-6313

City of Sergeant Bluff
Municipal services and information for Sergeant Bluff.
Official Website
Phone: 712-943-4244

We’re Here To Help.

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

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions

From Sioux City and the Missouri River to Stone State Park, the Loess Hills, county parks, museums, and smaller communities, these answers focus on the Woodbury 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.

Dave's Wood Floors advertisement
Sioux Valley Automotive advertisement
My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day

Build a Woodbury County day around riverfront history, Loess Hills trails, museums, local food, shopping, parks, and family attractions.

Kids’ Fun

  1. LaunchPAD Children’s Museum
  2. Sioux City Public Museum
  3. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
  4. Cone Park

Restaurants

  1. The Crown Rooftop Bar
  2. Bodega 401
  3. Trattoria Fresco
  4. Diving Elk
  5. Marto Brewing Co.

Shopping & Retail

  1. 3 Rivers Art Gallery
  2. Patricia’s Imports
  3. Kaleidoscope Gift Shop
  4. Games King

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Rooted Boutique
  2. Haus of Ivory Bridal Co.
  3. Keith & Lux Maternity and Baby
  4. The Whistle Stop Consignment Shop

Outdoor Fun

  1. Stone State Park
  2. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
  3. Brown’s Lake-Bigelow Park
  4. Snyder Bend Park
  5. Southwood Conservation Area

Free Things To Do

  1. Sioux City Public Museum
  2. Sergeant Floyd River Museum
  3. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
  4. Sergeant Floyd Monument
  5. Sioux City Riverfront Trails
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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