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
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