Cities and Towns in Cass County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Cass County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Cass County was formed from Pottawattamie County. The city of Atlantic is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Cass County has a population of 13,050 and area of 564 square miles (1,461 km²).
List of all cities in Cass County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Anita, IA | 50020 | 712 |
| Atlantic, IA | 50022 | 712 |
| Berea, IA | 50020 | 712 |
| Cumberland, IA | 50843 | 712 |
| Griswold, IA | 51535 | 712 |
| Lewis, IA | 51544 | 712 |
| Lorah, IA | 50022 | 712 |
| Marne, IA | 51552 | 712 |
| Massena, IA | 50853 | 712 |
| Wiota, IA | 50274 | 712 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cass County, Iowa
Atlantic
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 8.35 square miles
- Population: 6,792 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50022
- Latitude: 41.4030° N
- Longitude: 95.0139° W
Location and History
Atlantic, the county seat of Cass County, is located in southwestern Iowa, along U.S. Highway 6 and near Interstate 80. The city was founded in 1868 during the expansion of the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad. Legend says that early settlers flipped a coin to decide whether to name the town “Pacific” or “Atlantic,” with Atlantic winning. Atlantic became a vital hub for trade and agriculture, serving as a major stop along the railroad. Agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming, has long been the backbone of its economy. Over time, Atlantic has developed into a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and education, while retaining its small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Atlantic is part of the Atlantic Community School District, which includes Atlantic High School. Major landmarks include the Rock Island Depot, a historic train station that now serves as a community center. The Cass County Historical Museum offers a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage, showcasing artifacts from its early days. Sunnyside Park is a popular outdoor space for recreation, featuring walking trails, a swimming pool, and picnic areas. Each year, Atlantic hosts the Coca-Cola Days festival, celebrating the town’s history with the Coca-Cola bottling company and featuring parades, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Anita
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.46 square miles
- Population: 963 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50020
- Latitude: 41.4456° N
- Longitude: 94.7656° W
Location and History
Anita is located in eastern Cass County, approximately 15 miles east of Atlantic and along U.S. Highway 6. Founded in 1869, Anita developed as a small agricultural town, serving the needs of the surrounding farming communities. The town was named after Anita Walker, the daughter of an early settler. In its early years, Anita thrived due to its position on the railroad, which facilitated the transport of grain and livestock. While agriculture remains central to its economy, Anita has evolved into a peaceful residential community known for its scenic surroundings and strong community spirit.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Anita is part of the CAM (Cumberland-Anita-Massena) Community School District, with CAM High School serving the local area. The town’s major landmarks include Lake Anita State Park, a popular destination for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park’s 1,062-acre landscape and 171-acre lake make it a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Another notable site is the Anita Historic District, which preserves several buildings from the town’s early days. Each year, Anita hosts the annual Anita Fall Festival, which features parades, games, and local entertainment that bring the community together.
Griswold
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.12 square miles
- Population: 944 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51535
- Latitude: 41.2339° N
- Longitude: 95.1386° W
Location and History
Griswold is located in southern Cass County, about 16 miles south of Atlantic, near the East Nishnabotna River. The town was founded in 1869 and named after railroad executive Phelps Griswold. It developed as a small farming community, with agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock, forming the foundation of its economy. The construction of the railroad helped boost Griswold’s growth, as it became a local hub for agricultural trade and transport. Today, Griswold maintains its agricultural heritage and small-town character, offering residents a quiet, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Griswold is part of the Griswold Community School District, which includes Griswold High School. Notable landmarks in the town include the Griswold Community Building, which serves as a venue for local events and gatherings. The East Nishnabotna River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, while nearby Cold Springs State Park offers camping and hiking. Griswold hosts the annual Griswold Old Soldiers Reunion, a tradition dating back over a century, featuring parades, fireworks, and other festivities that celebrate the town’s history and community spirit.
Lewis
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.53 square miles
- Population: 402 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51544
- Latitude: 41.3081° N
- Longitude: 95.0842° W
Location and History
Lewis is located in southeastern Cass County, about 10 miles southeast of Atlantic, along U.S. Highway 6. Established in 1853, Lewis is one of the oldest towns in Iowa and was originally a stop for pioneers heading west on the Mormon Trail. The town was named after Lewis Whitman, an early settler. In its early days, Lewis served as a supply center for travelers and later developed into a small agricultural community. Despite its small size, Lewis played an important role in the westward expansion of the United States.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lewis is part of the Griswold Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Griswold. One of the key landmarks in Lewis is the Hitchcock House, a National Historic Landmark and a former stop on the Underground Railroad, which offers guided tours. The Lewis Freedom Rock, part of Iowa’s Freedom Rock Tour, honors local veterans and is a popular attraction. The annual Lewis Day festival celebrates the town’s history and features parades, games, and community activities. The Nishnabotna River, which runs nearby, provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Massena
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.57 square miles
- Population: 310 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50853
- Latitude: 41.2486° N
- Longitude: 94.7728° W
Location and History
Massena is located in southwestern Cass County, about 20 miles southwest of Atlantic. The town was founded in 1883 and named after Massena, New York, from which some of its early settlers hailed. Massena grew as a small agricultural community, with its economy largely based on grain and livestock farming. The town’s growth was aided by its location on the Atlantic Northern Railroad, which connected it to larger markets. Today, Massena remains a close-knit rural town with a rich agricultural tradition and a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Massena is part of the CAM Community School District, with students attending CAM High School in nearby Anita. Key landmarks in the town include Massena City Park, which provides recreational facilities for local residents. The town is also home to the Cass County Historical Museum, which preserves the region’s heritage and displays artifacts from the early pioneer days. Massena celebrates its agricultural roots with the annual Massena Tractor Ride, a community event that brings together local farmers and residents for a day of festivities, parades, and family-friendly activities.
Cumberland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.39 square miles
- Population: 264 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 50843
- Latitude: 41.2731° N
- Longitude: 94.8728° W
Location and History
Cumberland is located in southwestern Cass County, about 15 miles southwest of Atlantic. The town was established in 1885 and named after Cumberland, Maryland, from which many of its early settlers originated. Cumberland grew as a small agricultural community, with its development tied to the expansion of the railroad in the region. The town has maintained its rural charm and agricultural roots, with farming remaining central to the local economy. Although small, Cumberland has a strong sense of community and a history that reflects Iowa’s agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cumberland is part of the CAM Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Massena and Anita. Notable landmarks include the Cumberland Public Library, which serves as a hub for local events and educational programs. The town’s proximity to the Nishnabotna River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as fishing and canoeing. Cumberland hosts the annual Cumberland Fun Days, a community festival that includes parades, games, and local entertainment, reflecting the town’s strong community spirit and rural traditions.
