Corning — Population: 1,783
Known as the tenacious "Little Town That Could," Corning is a progressive
southwest Iowa community that boasts a friendly, hometown atmosphere. Just east of town,
the French communal colony of Icaria carries visitors back to the 19th century. While in
Corning, research French ancestors and colonial history at the Icaria Museum and Research
Center, visit the Icarian School House, and get chills in the dungeon at the House of
History and thrills at the NASCAR Speedway.
Since Main Street Corning was founded in 1990, over $3 million of private money has
been invested in building improvement projects downtown, which serve as home to two
old-fashioned soda fountains and a wide variety of businesses and specialty shops. In
1998, Corning was one of only five communities in the nation to receive the prestigious
Great American Main Street Award from the National Main Street Center. In 1996, the
community was awarded the Spirit of Main Street award from Main Street Iowa for its
successful downtown revitalization efforts. Visit Corning!
Main Street Corning
710 Davis Street
Corning, Iowa 50841
phone: 641/322-5229
fax: 641/322-4387
e-mail: acedc@mddc.com
Town History
Early in 1857, surveyors began to lay out the town of Corning. Yet, for the first 12
years, the community lay dormant. The routing of the railroad through Iowa ensured
Corning's future. As the town began to grow, new business sprang up and Corning served a
wide trade territory. The community soon became known as the most progressive town in
southwestern Iowa and was one of the first in the area to install water and electrical
systems.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Downtown Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:
- Opera House
- House of History
Other Unique Historic Properties:
- Carnegie Library
- Widener Building
- Turners
- Burlington Northern Depot
- Central Park
- Post Office Mural
- Two Old-Fashioned Soda Fountains
- NASCAR Race Track
- Icarian Colony
- Wayside Inn
- Lake Icaria
Annual Events
- March/April - Easter Egg Hunt - Children are invited to search high and low for Easter egg treasures at Country Haven.
- April to September - Stock Car Races - Saturday nights zoom by at Corning's Winston-sanctioned NASCAR track.
- July - Crazy Days - Retailers open their doors to offer bargains galore at this annual sidewalk sale.
- July - Derby Down Davis - Soap box derby cars race down Davis Avenue in Corning the last Saturday of July each year. Call or email to find out how you can join the fun!
- November/December - Holiday Open Houses &
Christmas Headquarters - Enjoy the holiday and the beauty of the season.
- Light Up the Night Christmas Parade
- Holiday Craft/Art/Gift Show
- Holiday Luncheon & Tour of Homes
- Holiday Tea and Cookie Walk
- Salad Luncheon
- Soup Supper & Pie Contest
- Community Christmas Concert
- Santa's Special Visits to Main Street Holiday Hospitality Headquarters
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property and facade improvement loan and grant programs for downtown Corning business and property owners, contact Main Street Corning at 641/322-5229.
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