Natural resources, historical sites offer Midwestern charm

By Maggie Mills
For Iowa.com

In the heart of southern Iowa, on the tip of the Missouri border, is a county that evokes a sense of a rich heritage and warm community. With outdoor activities, historical attractions, pleasant locals and charming downtown shops, Davis County is a prime example of the kind of Midwestern appeal found in small-town Iowa.

Bloomfield, the county seat, features the old-fashioned Iowa Theater in Bloomfield shows movies and also local and national entertainment acts. Another local entertainment favorite is the Davis County Fair, which is hosted each year in July and includes a rodeo, entertainment, food and family activities. 

Aside from the established entertainment and attractions, the natural resources found in the county are abundant. The McGowen Recreation and Wildlife Area offers 290 acres of timber, ponds, wetlands, grasslands and plenty of wildlife. Lake Fisher Park has a 180 acre lake just outside of Bloomfield. The park contains a 100 acre lake that hosts fishing, wildlife and a new campground.

There are several more unique experiences visitors can take advantage of while touring Davis County, too. The county has three Mormon Trail sites; a Mormon Log Cabin built in 1846 in Drakesville, another Mormon Log Cabin that has been restored and is open at the Davis County Historical Society in Bloomfield, and trail ruts that can be seen in several places in the county.

A thriving Amish community is also present in Davis County. Visitors and locals can take a peek into the 21^st Century simple life by stopping by Amish businesses that are open to the public.

The largest employers in Davis County include Performance Pipe, Bloomfield Foundry, Bloomfield Health Care Center, Christensen Farms & Feedlots and American Welding & Tank.

From the ever-present heritage of the county’s past, to the welcoming atmosphere of 21^st Century southern Iowa, Davis County has something for the whole family.

Sources: daviscountyiowa.org; visitdaviscounty.com; cityofbloomfield.org