Cities and Towns in Emmet County, Iowa

Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Emmet County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Emmet County was formed from Dickinson County and Kossuth County. The city of Estherville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 63, Emmet County has a population of 9,321 and area of 396 square miles (1,026 km²).

List of all cities in Emmet County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Armstrong, IA	50514	712
Dolliver, IA	50531	712
Estherville, IA	51334	712
Gruver, IA	51334	712
Maple Hill, IA	50514	712
Ringsted, IA	50578	712
Wallingford, IA	51365	712

Major Cities and Towns in Emmet County, Iowa

Estherville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 5.34 square miles
• Population: 5,904 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51334
• Latitude: 43.4030° N
• Longitude: 94.8328° W

Location and History

Estherville, the county seat of Emmet County, is located in northwestern Iowa along the Des Moines River, near the Minnesota border. Founded in 1858, Estherville was named after Esther A. Ridley, the wife of one of the town’s founders. The town’s early development was fueled by agriculture and its position on the Des Moines River, which provided water resources and transportation. Estherville gained attention in 1879 when a large meteorite struck nearby, making it one of the most well-documented meteorite falls in North America. Today, Estherville remains a central hub for agriculture, with corn and soybean production driving the local economy, and it has developed into a regional center for education, healthcare, and commerce.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Estherville is served by the Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District, with Estherville Lincoln Central High School as the primary educational institution. Iowa Lakes Community College also has a campus in Estherville, providing higher education opportunities. Major landmarks include the Estherville Public Library and the Estherville Meteorite Site, which commemorates the meteorite fall. Fort Defiance State Park, located just outside the town, offers hiking trails and picnic areas, drawing nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The town celebrates the Sweet Corn Days festival annually, featuring parades, live music, and local food, showcasing its strong community spirit.

Armstrong

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 1.04 square miles
• Population: 875 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50514
• Latitude: 43.3964° N
• Longitude: 94.4813° W

Location and History

Armstrong is located in eastern Emmet County, approximately 17 miles east of Estherville. The town was founded in 1892 and named after Thomas Armstrong, an early landowner and businessman in the area. Armstrong grew as an agricultural town, with its economy based on farming and the railroad that connected it to larger markets. The fertile soil of Emmet County made the area ideal for growing crops such as corn and soybeans, and livestock farming also played an important role in the local economy. Today, Armstrong remains a small, rural community with deep agricultural roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Armstrong is part of the North Union Community School District, with North Union High School serving students from Armstrong and surrounding towns. The town’s landmarks include Armstrong City Park, which offers green spaces, picnic areas, and a playground for families. Armstrong celebrates its rural heritage with the annual Armstrong Sweet Corn Days, a summer festival that features parades, games, and local entertainment. The town’s proximity to Tuttle Lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation, making Armstrong a peaceful yet active community for those who enjoy small-town living.

Ringsted

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.37 square miles
• Population: 343 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 50578
• Latitude: 43.2925° N
• Longitude: 94.5075° W

Location and History

Ringsted is located in southeastern Emmet County, about 15 miles southeast of Estherville. Founded in 1882 by Danish immigrants, Ringsted was named after the town of Ringsted in Denmark. The town’s Danish heritage remains an integral part of its identity, and it grew as an agricultural settlement, with farming and livestock production at the heart of its economy. The railroad played a significant role in Ringsted’s early development, providing transportation for agricultural products to regional markets. Today, Ringsted retains its rural charm and celebrates its Danish roots through cultural events and community gatherings.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ringsted is also part of the North Union Community School District, with students attending North Union schools in nearby Armstrong. The town’s key landmarks include Ringsted Park, which provides recreational facilities such as sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. Ringsted celebrates its Danish heritage with events like Danish Days, which features traditional Danish food, music, and dances. The town’s surrounding farmland offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, and the nearby Iowa Great Lakes region provides additional recreational options for residents and visitors alike.

Wallingford

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.26 square miles
• Population: 178 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51365
• Latitude: 43.3050° N
• Longitude: 94.7791° W

Location and History

Wallingford is a small town located in southern Emmet County, approximately 10 miles south of Estherville. Established in the late 19th century, Wallingford developed as a rural farming community, with its economy centered around agriculture. The town was named after Wallingford, Connecticut, by early settlers. The fertile farmlands surrounding the town have supported corn and soybean production for generations, and agriculture remains a key part of Wallingford’s way of life. Although small, Wallingford provides a quiet, rural setting for its residents, with a close-knit community atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wallingford is part of the Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Estherville. The town’s main landmark is Wallingford Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and green spaces for family recreation. Each year, the town hosts small community events and gatherings, reinforcing its rural character and sense of unity. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor activities such as fishing and boating at nearby Twelve Mile Lake. Wallingford’s peaceful rural environment and strong community ties make it an ideal location for those seeking a quiet, small-town lifestyle.

Gruver

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

• Area: 0.10 square miles
• Population: 81 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 51344
• Latitude: 43.4147° N
• Longitude: 94.6983° W

Location and History

Gruver is located in central Emmet County, about 8 miles northeast of Estherville. The town was established in the early 1900s as a small agricultural community and named after an early settler, Frank Gruver. Gruver developed around the railroad, which provided transportation for local farmers to ship their products to larger markets. Although Gruver remains one of the smallest towns in Emmet County, it has maintained its agricultural roots, with farming being the primary economic activity in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gruver is part of the Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Estherville. Gruver does not have major landmarks, but the town’s rural setting provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hunting, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding farmlands. The town’s community life revolves around local farms and small gatherings that emphasize its agricultural heritage. Gruver offers a peaceful, quiet environment for those who appreciate rural living, with easy access to the amenities of nearby Estherville.