Conrad — Population: 1,055
Conrad, Iowa, was one of the first towns in the nation to use the National Main Street
Center's Main Street Approach on a community-wide basis instead of a traditional
downtown-only focus. With Conrad Main Street serving as the economic and housing
development force in the community since 1989, Conrad has experienced a net gain of 27 new
businesses and 40 new housing units and over $20 million increase in assessed valuation.
This progressive Central Iowa community offers a quality small town lifestyle that is
safe, family-oriented and community-minded. A huge wooden playground, the Comet Trail,
Heritage Hall Museum and Conrad Public Library are available to exercise the bodies and
minds of young and old alike and numerous community events refresh the soul. Visit Conrad!
Conrad Main Street
P.O. Box 414
Conrad, Iowa 50621
phone: 641/366-2108
fax: 641/366-2109
email: cmspd@adiis.net
Town History
J. W. Conrad, Conrad's namesake, settled in southern Grundy County near Wolf Creek in
1853. In the spring of 1880, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad began work on a rail
line running through the Wolf Creek Valley; soon after, a plan for the town of Conrad was
established. In 1894, a fire broke out and destroyed nearly every downtown building. The
town rebuilt immediately, replacing wood frame structures with brick buildings. Known for
its rich black dirt, Conrad is known as the "Black Dirt Capital of the World."
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- Conrad General Store - Specializes in quilt supplies, fabrics and
gifts. Authentic furnishings take shoppers back in time over 102 years, when the building
served as a full-fledged general store.
- Dreamland - Extensive wooden playground enjoyed by the young and young
at heart.
- Comet Trail - Scenic hiking and biking trail that is part of the
American Trail system.
- Family Aquatic Center - This large outdoor facility, the only one of
its kind within 50 miles, includes geysers and a 110-foot water slide for all ages.
- Heritage Hall Museum - Ever-changing exhibits give visitors a taste of
early Conrad.
- Conrad Public Library - Houses one of the most extensive genealogical
collections in central Iowa.
Annual Events
- April - Attic, Basement, Closet, Community Garage Sale Day
- Over 60 garage sales and bargains at local merchants are a shopper's dream.
- August - Black Dirt Days - Community festival complete
with a grand parade, kiddie parade, carnival, craft sale, slow-pitch softball, fireworks
and more.
- October - Fall Frenzy - Spend the day in
Conrad touring five beautiful homes, finding bargains during downtown's Fall Frenzy and
indulging in a craft and bake sale.
- December - Christmas on Main Street - It's hard not to
get into the holiday spirit with live window displays, a pancake breakfast, Elf Workshop
for kids, craft and bake sale, merchant open houses, carriage or trolley rides and
caroling in Conrad.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property, contact Conrad Main Street at 641/366-2108.
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