Cities and Towns in Palo Alto County, Iowa
Founded on Jan 15, 1851, Palo Alto County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Palo Alto County was formed from Kossuth County. The city of Emmetsburg is the county seat. With FIPS code of 147, Palo Alto County has a population of 8,906 and area of 564 square miles (1,461 km²).
List of all cities in Palo Alto County, IA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ayrshire, IA | 50515 | 712 |
| Curlew, IA | 50527 | 712 |
| Cylinder, IA | 50528 | 712 |
| Emmetsburg, IA | 50536 | 712 |
| Graettinger, IA | 51342 | 712 |
| Lost Island Lake, IA | 51358 | 712 |
| Mallard, IA | 50562 | 712 |
| Osgood, IA | 50536 | 712 |
| Ruthven, IA | 51358 | 712 |
| West Bend, IA | 50597 | 515 |
Major Cities and Towns in Palo Alto County, Iowa
Emmetsburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.97 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,700 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50536
- Latitude: 43.1122° N
- Longitude: 94.6831° W
City Location and History
Emmetsburg, the county seat of Palo Alto County, is located in northwestern Iowa along the shores of Five Island Lake. The city was founded in the 1850s by Irish immigrants and named after the Irish patriot Robert Emmet. Emmetsburg grew rapidly in the late 19th century, thanks to its prime location along the Des Moines River and its rich agricultural land. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with corn and soybeans being the primary crops. The town’s picturesque location by the lake has made it a popular spot for recreation, contributing to its reputation as a charming, small-town destination with a deep sense of history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Emmetsburg is served by the Emmetsburg Community School District, with Emmetsburg High School being the main educational institution. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including Five Island Lake, which offers boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The Palo Alto County Historical Museum and Victorian House preserves the area’s rich history, and the Wild Rose Casino & Resort provides entertainment for residents and visitors. Emmetsburg’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, one of the largest in Iowa, reflects the town’s Irish heritage and draws visitors from across the region.
West Bend
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.16 square miles
- Population: Approximately 850 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50597
- Latitude: 42.9592° N
- Longitude: 94.4508° W
City Location and History
West Bend is located in the southeastern part of Palo Alto County, along the banks of the West Fork of the Des Moines River. The town was established in 1856 and grew primarily as an agricultural community, with its economy centered on farming and livestock production. West Bend is best known for the Grotto of the Redemption, a massive religious shrine constructed from various minerals and stones. The Grotto, built by Father Paul Dobberstein starting in 1912, has become a significant pilgrimage site and tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
Major Schools and Landmarks
West Bend is part of the West Bend-Mallard Community School District, with West Bend-Mallard High School serving local students. The Grotto of the Redemption is the town’s most famous landmark, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” for its unique construction and spiritual significance. The town also features parks and walking trails along the Des Moines River, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Each year, the town celebrates Grotto Days, a festival that includes parades, live music, and local vendors, highlighting the community’s pride in its iconic landmark and close-knit atmosphere.
Graettinger
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.79 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51342
- Latitude: 43.2408° N
- Longitude: 94.7469° W
City Location and History
Graettinger is located in the northern part of Palo Alto County, close to the Minnesota border. The town was founded in 1883 and named after Arnold Graettinger, a railroad official. Like many towns in Iowa, Graettinger developed as an agricultural community, with its early growth driven by the arrival of the railroad. Over the years, Graettinger has remained a small, rural town with a strong focus on farming and community life. Agriculture continues to be the mainstay of the local economy, with corn, soybeans, and livestock as the dominant products.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Graettinger is part of the Graettinger-Terril Community School District, with Graettinger-Terril High School serving the town’s students. One of the town’s key landmarks is Graettinger City Park, which provides recreational spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas for residents and visitors. The town is also home to the Graettinger Public Library, which serves as a community hub. Each year, Graettinger hosts its popular Labor Day Celebration, featuring parades, games, and a carnival, drawing residents and visitors together for a weekend of festivities that highlight the town’s strong sense of community.
Ruthven
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.01 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 51358
- Latitude: 43.1281° N
- Longitude: 94.9014° W
City Location and History
Ruthven is located in the southwestern part of Palo Alto County, near Lost Island Lake. Founded in 1881, Ruthven developed as a small agricultural community, supported by the arrival of the railroad and its fertile farmland. The town is named after Ruthven, Ontario, reflecting the origins of some of its early settlers. Agriculture has always been the backbone of the town’s economy, with corn, soybeans, and livestock as the primary industries. Its proximity to Lost Island Lake has also made Ruthven a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ruthven is part of the Ruthven-Ayrshire Community School District, with Ruthven-Ayrshire High School serving local students. A major landmark in Ruthven is Lost Island Lake, which offers fishing, boating, camping, and other recreational activities. Lost Island Nature Center provides educational programs and exhibits on local wildlife and conservation efforts. Ruthven’s city park and community center host various local events throughout the year, including the annual Ruthven Fun Days, which feature parades, games, and community activities. The town’s peaceful setting and access to natural beauty make it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.
Mallard
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.68 square miles
- Population: Approximately 250 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50562
- Latitude: 42.9378° N
- Longitude: 94.6761° W
City Location and History
Mallard is located in the southern part of Palo Alto County. The town was established in the 1880s and named after the abundant mallard ducks found in the nearby wetlands. Like many small towns in Iowa, Mallard’s early development was closely tied to agriculture, with local farmers producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. The town’s location near the Des Moines River made it an important center for local trade and transportation in its early years. Today, Mallard remains a quiet rural community with a strong agricultural foundation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mallard is part of the West Bend-Mallard Community School District, with students attending West Bend-Mallard High School in nearby West Bend. A notable landmark in the town is Mallard Park, which offers green spaces, playgrounds, and a community center for local events. The town’s close proximity to the West Fork of the Des Moines River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and boating. Mallard’s annual Duck Days festival celebrates the town’s namesake and agricultural heritage with parades, games, and local entertainment, bringing the community together for a weekend of festivities.
Cylinder
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.11 square miles
- Population: Approximately 85 (as of 2023)
- Zip Code: 50528
- Latitude: 43.0861° N
- Longitude: 94.4981° W
City Location and History
Cylinder is a small town located in central Palo Alto County. The town was established in the late 19th century and takes its name from Cylinder Creek, which runs nearby. Cylinder developed as a small farming community, with its economy centered around agriculture, particularly corn and soybeans. Although its population has remained small throughout its history, Cylinder continues to serve as a rural residential area for local farmers and those who enjoy a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cylinder is part of the Emmetsburg Community School District, with students attending schools in nearby Emmetsburg. The town’s main landmark is Cylinder Park, a small green space that provides a gathering place for local residents. The park hosts community events, such as picnics and town meetings, that bring the community together. Cylinder’s quiet, rural location offers opportunities for outdoor activities, with nearby farmland and streams providing a scenic backdrop. Although small, Cylinder’s strong sense of community and its ties to local agriculture make it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
