Old-fashioned architecture beckons visitors to Clarke County

By Maggie Mills
For Iowa.com

A view of the natural resources found in East Lake Park in Clarke County / Photo courtesy of Osceola Chamber-Main Street

Beautiful parks, renovated architecture, and gambling are just a few of the attractions drawing visitors to Clarke County, Iowa. The county plays host to a number of different fairs and festivals throughout the year, and its natural resources are appealing year round.

Osceola, the county seat, is home to the entertaining Terrible’s Lakeside Casino, where you can catch a ride on the USS Osceola through the West Lake during the summer months. A new aquatic park is a favorite spot for families living and playing in Osceola as well.  East Lake Park provides shelters, picnicking areas, fishing, a playground and a lookout tower that offers visitors to the park a chance to get a better view of the wildlife that thrives there.

The county’s largest celebration is held over Fourth of July annually. Osceola dedicates two to three days each July to celebrating with entertainment, parades and of course fireworks.

Driving through the city can serve to highlight another one of the city’s assets. Renovated older homes with striking architecture are scattered throughout Osceola, and the railroad depot is a prime example of the charm of such sites.  The Historical Museum is located just outside of town and pays homage to some of the most influential people in the history of Clarke County. The museum is run wholly by volunteers, which is a sort of testament to the kind of welcoming, generous people that are characteristic of the area.

The county offers proof of a long and rich history in other respects, as well. It was established in 1846 and named for the James Clarke, who was the third Governor of the Iowa Territory. The town of Murray also displays a bit of Mormon history. The city is part of the “Mormon Trail,” which marks the route taken by Mormons traveling from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah in the mid 19^th Century.

The county’s largest employers include Osceola Foods, Terrible’s Lakeside Casino, Clarke County Hospital and Clarke Community Schools.

Sources:  osceolachamber.com; clarkecountyia.org

Murray pop. 766
Osceola pop. 4659
Woodburn pop. 244