Cities and Towns in Ida County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Ida County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Ida County was formed from Cherokee County. The city of Ida Grove is the county seat. With FIPS code of 93, Ida County has a population of 6,956 and area of 432 square miles (1,119 km²).
List of all cities in Ida County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arthur, IA | 51431 | 712 |
| Battle Creek, IA | 51006 | 712 |
| Galva, IA | 51020 | 712 |
| Holstein, IA | 51025 | 712 |
| Ida Grove, IA | 51445 | 712 |
Major Cities and Towns in Ida County, Iowa
Ida Grove
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 2.52 square miles
- Population: 2,142 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51445
- Latitude: 42.3444° N
- Longitude: 95.4714° W
Location and History
Ida Grove, the county seat of Ida County, is located in western Iowa, along U.S. Highway 59 and near the Maple River. The town was established in 1871 and named after Ida Smith, the first white child born in the area. Ida Grove developed rapidly due to its prime location and its role as a trading post for the surrounding agricultural region. Agriculture, particularly corn and soybean farming, has always been a cornerstone of the town’s economy. The town gained a reputation in the late 20th century for its distinctive architectural style, influenced by local businessman Byron Godbersen, whose company, Midwest Industries, played a pivotal role in the town’s development. Godbersen commissioned several castle-inspired buildings, giving Ida Grove the nickname “The Castle Town.”
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ida Grove is served by the OABCIG (Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove) Community School District, with OABCIG High School being the main educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Ida County Courthouse, a historic building completed in 1883, and the unique Moorehead Park, which offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a medieval-style bridge over the Maple River. The town is also home to the Ida Grove Golf & Country Club, a popular recreation site. Each year, Ida Grove hosts the Heritage Days festival, a celebration of the town’s history and culture, featuring parades, games, and community activities.
Holstein
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.52 square miles
- Population: 1,465 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51025
- Latitude: 42.4881° N
- Longitude: 95.5397° W
Location and History
Holstein is located in northern Ida County, along U.S. Highway 20. The town was established in 1882 by German settlers and named after the region of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany. Holstein grew as an agricultural hub, with corn and soybeans being the dominant crops. The arrival of the railroad helped expand the town’s economy by providing transportation for farm products. Holstein also developed a vibrant cultural life, with deep connections to its German heritage, which is reflected in local traditions and architecture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Holstein is part of the Galva-Holstein Community School District, with Ridge View High School serving students from the town and nearby communities. Key landmarks in Holstein include the Lohff-Schumann Memorial Community Center, which hosts local events, and the Veterans Memorial Park, a serene spot for reflection and recreation. Holstein is also home to a number of historic churches that showcase the town’s cultural heritage. The town celebrates its roots with the annual Kinderfest, a family-friendly festival featuring parades, traditional German foods, and games. Holstein’s blend of agricultural prosperity and cultural pride makes it a thriving community in Ida County.
Battle Creek
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.07 square miles
- Population: 682 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51006
- Latitude: 42.3181° N
- Longitude: 95.5975° W
Location and History
Battle Creek is located in southeastern Ida County, near the confluence of Battle Creek and the Maple River. The town was founded in 1877 and named after a battle between Native American tribes that was said to have taken place near the creek. As with many towns in the region, agriculture has been the backbone of Battle Creek’s economy, with local farmers producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. The town’s location along the Chicago & North Western Railway helped its growth, providing a means for farmers to ship their goods to larger markets.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Battle Creek is part of the OABCIG Community School District, with students attending nearby schools in Ida Grove. The town’s key landmarks include Battle Creek City Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and space for community events. The Battle Creek Community Club is also an important part of local life, hosting various social gatherings and activities. The annual Battle Creek Days festival celebrates the town’s heritage with parades, games, and live entertainment, bringing together residents and visitors. With its agricultural roots and strong sense of community, Battle Creek is a charming town that continues to thrive.
Galva
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.65 square miles
- Population: 416 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51020
- Latitude: 42.5069° N
- Longitude: 95.4189° W
Location and History
Galva is a small town located in northeastern Ida County, along U.S. Highway 20. Founded in 1882, Galva was named after the Swedish town of the same name, reflecting the heritage of many of its early settlers. The town developed as a farming community, with its economy heavily reliant on agriculture, particularly the production of corn, soybeans, and livestock. The railroad played an essential role in Galva’s growth, allowing the town to prosper as a grain shipping point. Today, Galva retains its rural charm, with agriculture still being a key part of its economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Galva is part of the Galva-Holstein Community School District, with students attending Ridge View High School in nearby Holstein. The town’s major landmarks include Galva City Park, which features playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a ball field for local events. The community is also home to several historic churches, which reflect the town’s rich cultural heritage. Each summer, Galva hosts the Galva Fun Days festival, bringing residents together for parades, games, and community activities. Galva’s peaceful rural setting and close-knit community make it an appealing place for families and those seeking a slower pace of life.
Arthur
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.33 square miles
- Population: 222 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51431
- Latitude: 42.3331° N
- Longitude: 95.4019° W
Location and History
Arthur is a small town located in central Ida County, approximately 10 miles southwest of Ida Grove. The town was founded in 1885 and named after Chester A. Arthur, the 21st President of the United States. Arthur developed as a small farming community, with its economy centered around agriculture, especially the cultivation of corn and soybeans. Although Arthur has remained a small town throughout its history, it has maintained a strong agricultural identity and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Arthur is part of the Odebolt-Arthur Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Odebolt and Ida Grove. The town’s primary landmark is Arthur City Park, which offers a peaceful setting for outdoor activities, including playgrounds and picnic areas. Arthur also hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including an annual town picnic that brings residents together for food, games, and socializing. The town’s quiet, rural charm and strong community spirit make Arthur a welcoming place for families and retirees.
Odebolt
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.99 square miles
- Population: 994 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 51458
- Latitude: 42.3122° N
- Longitude: 95.2519° W
Location and History
Although Odebolt is located in neighboring Sac County, it is part of the Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove (OABCIG) Community School District, which ties it closely to Ida County. Founded in 1877, Odebolt grew as a major center for agriculture, particularly livestock, corn, and soybeans. The town became well-known for its production of oats, earning it the nickname “Queen of the Corn Belt.” The arrival of the railroad boosted Odebolt’s role as a key agricultural trading hub, and it continues to thrive as a farming town today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Odebolt is part of the OABCIG Community School District, with students attending OABCIG High School in Ida Grove. The town’s major landmarks include the historic Adams Ranch, which was one of the largest landholdings in the Midwest during its peak. The town also features a number of parks and recreational facilities, including Memorial Park and Odebolt Golf Course. Each year, Odebolt hosts Creek Days, a community celebration featuring parades, games, and live entertainment. Odebolt’s rich agricultural history and community pride make it an important part of the region.
