Cities and Towns in Winneshiek County, Iowa

Founded on Feb 20, 1847, Winneshiek County is one of 99 counties in the state of Iowa. Historically, Winneshiek County was formed from Native American lands. The city of Decorah is the county seat. With FIPS code of 191, Winneshiek County has a population of 19,892 and area of 690 square miles (1,787 km²).

List of all cities in Winneshiek County, IA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bluffton, IA	52101	563
Burr Oak, IA	52101	563
Calmar, IA	52132	563
Castalia, IA	52133	563
Conover, IA	52132	563
Decorah, IA	52101	563
Festina, IA	52144	563
Fort Atkinson, IA	52144	563
Freeport, IA	52101	563
Hesper, IA	52101	563
Highlandville, IA	52149	563
Locust, IA	52101	563
Nordness, IA	52101	563
Ossian, IA	52161	563
Quandahl, IA	52101	563
Ridgeway, IA	52165	563
Sattre, IA	52101	563
Spillville, IA	52168	563

Major Cities and Towns in Winneshiek County, Iowa

Decorah, Iowa

Overview and History

Decorah is the county seat and largest city in Winneshiek County, located in the northeastern part of Iowa. Founded in 1851, the city was named after the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) chief, Waukon Decorah, whose people inhabited the region before being relocated by the U.S. government. Decorah developed as an important regional center for trade, agriculture, and education. The city’s growth was influenced by the arrival of Norwegian immigrants, whose cultural heritage still thrives today. Decorah is home to Luther College, founded in 1861, which has played a central role in shaping the city’s identity. Known for its natural beauty, Decorah attracts visitors for its outdoor recreation and historic charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Decorah is served by the Decorah Community School District, with Decorah High School being the primary educational institution. Luther College, a private liberal arts school, is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Other notable landmarks include the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which highlights the Norwegian heritage of the area, and Dunning’s Spring Park, featuring a beautiful waterfall. The annual Nordic Fest celebrates Norwegian culture with traditional foods, crafts, and music. Decorah also offers outdoor activities along the Upper Iowa River and the Trout Run Trail, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 7.04 square miles
• Population: Approximately 7,587 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 52101
• Latitude: 43.3030° N
• Longitude: 91.7905° W

Calmar, Iowa

Overview and History

Calmar is a small town located in southern Winneshiek County. Established in 1854, Calmar grew as a key railroad junction for the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway in the late 19th century. The town’s location as a transportation hub helped it develop into a center for trade and agriculture, with local farmers relying on the railroads to ship their goods to larger markets. While rail transport is no longer central to the economy, Calmar has maintained its agricultural roots. Today, the town is known for its quiet, small-town atmosphere and its connection to local education and industry.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Calmar is home to Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), which serves as a significant educational institution for the region. The town is part of the South Winneshiek Community School District, with South Winneshiek High School nearby in Ossian. Key landmarks in Calmar include the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center, which provides insights into the unique geological and environmental aspects of the Driftless Area, and Calmar City Park, which hosts community events and recreational activities. Each year, Calmar hosts the Fall Festival, a popular event featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 1.28 square miles
• Population: Approximately 979 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 52132
• Latitude: 43.1820° N
• Longitude: 91.8668° W

Ossian, Iowa

Overview and History

Ossian is a small town located in southern Winneshiek County, founded in 1855. The town was named after a character from a popular Gaelic poem, reflecting the Irish and Scottish heritage of many early settlers. Like many towns in the region, Ossian developed as an agricultural center, with farming remaining a vital part of the local economy. The railroad played a significant role in Ossian’s growth during the late 19th century, connecting the town to larger markets. Today, Ossian is a peaceful rural community known for its strong sense of community and agricultural tradition.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ossian is part of the South Winneshiek Community School District, with South Winneshiek High School serving students from Ossian and surrounding areas. Notable landmarks in the town include Carey’s Park, which features sports facilities and a playground, and the Ossian Heritage Park, which hosts community events. The town also holds an annual Ossian Fest, celebrating local culture with parades, music, and food. Ossian’s location near the Driftless Area offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 1.17 square miles
• Population: Approximately 802 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 52161
• Latitude: 43.1434° N
• Longitude: 91.7644° W

Fort Atkinson, Iowa

Overview and History

Fort Atkinson is a small town in central Winneshiek County, best known for the historic Fort Atkinson State Preserve. The fort was established in 1840 to protect the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) people during their forced relocation to Iowa. It played a key role in maintaining peace between Native American tribes and European settlers until it was abandoned in 1849. The town of Fort Atkinson grew around the fort and became a small agricultural community. While the military outpost is no longer active, the fort’s historical significance continues to attract visitors to the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Fort Atkinson is part of the Turkey Valley Community School District, with students attending Turkey Valley High School in nearby Jackson Junction. The primary landmark in the town is the Fort Atkinson State Preserve, which includes restored buildings from the original fort and offers educational programs about the region’s history. The town also celebrates its heritage with the annual Fort Atkinson Rendezvous, a reenactment event that showcases life during the 1840s. In addition to its historical attractions, Fort Atkinson offers access to outdoor activities, including fishing and hiking along the Turkey River.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.35 square miles
• Population: Approximately 312 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 52144
• Latitude: 43.1431° N
• Longitude: 91.9344° W

Spillville, Iowa

Overview and History

Spillville is a small town located in southwestern Winneshiek County. Founded by Czech immigrants in the mid-19th century, Spillville is known for its strong Czech heritage and its historical connection to the famous composer Antonín Dvořák, who spent the summer of 1893 in the town. The town was originally an agricultural settlement, with farming playing a central role in its development. Spillville has maintained its Czech cultural roots, which are celebrated through local events and landmarks. Its charming atmosphere and historical significance make it a unique community in the county.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Spillville is part of the South Winneshiek Community School District, with students attending nearby schools in Calmar and Ossian. The town’s major landmarks include the Bily Clocks Museum, which houses intricately carved wooden clocks created by the Bily brothers, and the St. Wenceslaus Church, the oldest Czech Catholic church in the United States. The Inwood Ballroom, a historic dance hall, is another key feature of the town, hosting events and dances throughout the year. The annual Czech Days festival celebrates Spillville’s heritage with traditional Czech food, music, and crafts.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.35 square miles
• Population: Approximately 345 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 52168
• Latitude: 43.2022° N
• Longitude: 91.9500° W

Castalia, Iowa

Overview and History

Castalia is a small town located in southeastern Winneshiek County, founded in the late 19th century. The town was named after Castalia, Ohio, reflecting the origins of some of the early settlers. Castalia developed as a rural farming community, with its economy based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of corn and soybeans. Although it remains a small town, Castalia has retained its agricultural roots and close-knit community. The town offers a peaceful rural lifestyle and is known for its quiet charm and scenic surroundings.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Castalia is part of the South Winneshiek Community School District, with students attending schools in Ossian and Calmar. While the town itself is small, it boasts access to outdoor recreational opportunities, including nearby streams and trails. Castalia’s proximity to the Yellow River State Forest offers residents and visitors opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. The town’s peaceful, rural setting provides a quiet retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities while enjoying the natural beauty of Iowa’s countryside.

Area, Population, and Coordinates

• Area: 0.29 square miles
• Population: Approximately 158 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 52133
• Latitude: 43.1122° N
• Longitude: 91.6775° W