Beautiful bronze statues can be found throughout Howard County/Photo courtesy Howard County Economic Development

Wind energy, attractions make Howard County shine

By B.J. Smith

If there are two or three things Howard County has plenty of, they must be wind, outdoors and bronze statues, hence its wealth of wind energy projects and recreational opportunities and its slogan: “The Statues of Howard County.”

Financial incentives and the presence of a number of exposed ridges in the county make it increasingly attractive to companies like enXco, Horizon Wind Energy and EcoEnergy, which have big wind energy projects in the works here. County residents also hope to attract wind-related manufacturing, distribution, warehousing and support operations.

Howard County has long been popular for hunting, fishing, snowmobile trail riding, camping and canoeing on the Upper Iowa River and Turkey River. It’s sure to become a popular destination for bicyclists, too, when its 26-mile bike trail connects with the Root River Trail in southern Minnesota.

Bronze statues depicting children having fun can be found throughout the county, which will be publishing a map to help tourists find all 20 of them.

Historical highlights include the boyhood home of Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug, the restored Cresco Opera House, the Brown Opera curtains in Riceville and the Lidtke Mill just outside of Lime Springs.

Golfers are encouraged to tour the courses in Vernon Springs, Elma and Riceville. Other visitors will enjoy the flower and produce market in Cedar Valley, a number of Amish and Mennonite greenhouses and shops; art galleries and other specialty shops in various communities.

Howard County’s two largest employers are Featherlite Trailers and Donaldson Company, both in Cresco.

Sources: Ken Paxton, Executive Director, Howard County Economic Development

Cities in Howard County

Chester pop. 151
Cresco pop. 3905
Elma pop. 598
Lime Springs pop. 496
Protivin pop. 317
Riceville pop. 840

Source: Iowa League of Cities