Osceola — Population: 4,659
Nestled among the beautiful rolling hills of south central Iowa, the community of
Osceola is at the crossroads of America. Not only do Interstate 35 and U.S. Highways
69 and 34 intersect here, the Burlington, Northern Sante Fe Railroad passes through
and more than 12,000 Amtrak passengers arrive and depart annually, making Osceola
the busiest railroad depot in Iowa.
Osceola's landscape is rich with wildlife and particularly stunning in the autumn
when trees display a burst of yellow, orange and red. Whitetail deer, wild turkey
and pheasants abound, attracting hunters from across the United States. Many hunting
and fishing recreational areas are available in Clarke County, and Osceola is the
gateway to Stephens State Forest.
Local residents are proud of their community's stately National Register homes and
abundance of historic buildings throughout town. Downtown Osceola offers a full
range of products and services with the friendly personal service of yesterday.
Osceola was designated a Main Street Iowa community in October 1997. Visit Osceola!
Osceola Chamber-Main Street
PO Box 425
Osceola, IA 50213
phone: 641/342-4200
fax: 641/342-6353
email: ocms@iowatelecom.net
Town History
Osceola was established in 1851 and named for a Seminole warrior. James Graham,
Beverly Searcy and Samuel D. Bishop were appointed to locate the seat of justice
for Clarke County and selected the present site of Osceola. By 1860, the population
of Osceola was 650. After the Burlington and Missouri Railroad was constructed in
1868, the population rapidly increased to 1,298 by 1870. The first courthouse was
completed in 1854. In 1883, it was abandoned, and a second courthouse was built
and ready to use in 1894.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
- 1930s Restored Art Deco Theater (The Lyric)
- Doc Dean House
- Rotary Band Stand
- Clarke County State Bank
- Veterans Memorial on the City Square
- High Prairie Outfitters - outdoor attire and unique gifts
- Harvest Barn - Gifts & Antiques & More
- Southern Iowa Saddle Shop
- Hart Fashion & Bridal
- Coffee Parlor & Cigar
- Berry Tree Antique Mall
- Lakeside Casino & Resort
- White's Working & Art Gallery
- AMTRAK - Depot
Annual Events
- June to September - Thursday Night in the Park - Live entertainment,
food and fun for young and old at Osceola's courtyard on the square.
- July/August - County Fair - Cow Chip Bingo - A Favorite Fund Raiser
of Main Street that is pure fun, excitement, and anticipation as participants patiently
wait, hoping that the famous "chow chip" will plop on their square.
- July 4th Celebration - All of downtown turns into a site for celebration
as the square turns into a festival of rides, food, games, and booths. The whole
community gets involved as patriotic events occur for several days throughout the
community.
- September - Osceola Flea Market - Find unique treasures as the
Osceola square fills with antiques, crafts and collectibles.
- November - Red Carpet Weekend - Main Street merchants roll out
the red carpet for customers and display their holiday finery. Refreshments and
extended hours.
- November - Holiday Brilliance on the Square - See Santa ride in
on a fire truck and flip the switch for decorated trees at the Main Street courtyard
as a lively introduction to carolers and refreshments.
- December - Lighted Christmas Parade - Bundle up and admire colorful
parade entries winding through downtown.
- December - Tour of Lights - Hop on a horse-drawn wagon to tour
holiday lights throughout Osceola.
- December - Home for the Holidays - This tour of historic homes
decked out in holiday cheer is sure to please. "Appreciative creative, classic,
and whimsical holiday decorations as you tour several remarkable homes throughout
the community. Each year's tour features a variety of home styles as well as decorating
themes. Guest and homeowners alike look forward to the tour of homes as a holiday
highlight each year.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
Local banks have partnered to create a $500,000 pool of seed money for design improvements
made on buildings located in the downtown district. The funds are available at below
market interest rates with year one being interest free. Maximum loan amount is
$35,000.
Grant dollars are available for one-half the cost of approved signage and/or awning
projects. The total Osceola Chamber-Main Street share is limited to a maximum of
$500 per applicant.
For further details about both programs, contact Osceola Chamber-Main Street at
641/342-4200.
Information about commercial property is available through Osceola Chamber-Main
Street or Clarke County Development Corporation, 641/342-2944.
Local Links
Clarke County