Calhoun County: Lakes, Rivers and History

Calhoun County brings together large lakes, river landscapes, nature trails and distinctive local history. Water activities, outdoor recreation and cultural discoveries can each play a different role in your trip. When planning, consider whether you would rather spend time by a lake, on a trail, by a river or exploring historic sites.

Lakes, Trails and Nature

The Twin Lakes in Calhoun County include a 453-acre lake to the north and a 600-acre lake to the south. The 453-acre lake in Twin Lakes State Park is suitable for boating and fishing. The park also has a sandy beach, a modern playground and park areas on the east and west shores. If you are traveling with children, the playground offers a specific additional place to visit. Check conditions before your visit if you plan to go to the beach.

The Twin Lakes Trail loops around North Twin Lake and South Twin Lake. It is suitable for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing and nature observation. This lets you consider different activities on the same loop, rather than focusing your time at the lake solely on boating and fishing. In Lake City, a five-mile Lake City Recreational Trail also starts at a park.

The rivers offer their own distinctive experiences. The North Raccoon River flows through Calhoun County and offers opportunities for paddling and fishing. At Rainbow Bend, a boat ramp provides access to the Raccoon River. The Raccoon River Wildlife Area adds a different landscape to these water-based activities: it is a wet, wildlife-rich forest area. If you want to include nature observation, paddling or fishing in your trip, you will find different options to consider without needing to combine them into a single outing.

Local History and Architecture

The first floor of the Calhoun County Historical Museum houses exhibits on historic Route 20 and the importance of drainage to agriculture. Both exhibits were added in 2024. The current Calhoun County Courthouse was completed in 1914. Its exterior walls are made of limestone, its roof is made of red clay tiles, and its architectural style is Neoclassical Revival. If you are interested in architecture, you can look for these specific features when viewing the historic building.

In Pomeroy, the Historical Society is housed in a former First National Bank building, also known as the former Mutual Insurance Building. An F5 tornado destroyed Pomeroy on July 6, 1893. The Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge, built in 1914, spans the North Raccoon River and is listed on the National Historic Landmarks register. In Lake City, the Historic Central School, built in 1882, is the oldest surviving school building in the city.

The Western Days celebration also takes place in Lake City and is accompanied by an annual rodeo. If you want to plan your trip around the celebration, check the specific dates in advance. This lets you combine a visit to local historic sites with a scheduled event without planning your entire stay around it.

Choose the Right Focus

When choosing a vacation rental, you can start with a simple question: Should water, outdoor recreation or local history shape your stay? The Twin Lakes offer opportunities for boating and fishing, while the Twin Lakes Trail connects the loop around both lakes with several activities. The river and wildlife area offer a different kind of nature experience, while the museum, courthouse, bridge and historic sites provide insights into the past. First decide which experiences matter to you, then factor the rental’s specific location into your plans.

Explore More Places

For more ideas in the county, you can also visit Manson.

Explore more destinations: Shelby, Pocahontas County, Monona County, Clinton County, Jasper County, Pottawattamie, Audubon.

For the main travel overview: Iowa.