Belmond is a small town that’s big on pride
From its Main Street lined with flower baskets to its preserved classic homes, Belmond is a small northern Iowa community that locals make an effort to take care of. “We actually have a program that we run for a few months, called Yard of the Month. It’s kind of an extra incentive for [people] to beautify their homes,” says Ronnie Martinez, the executive director of the Belmond Growth Alliance, an organization that supports local businesses and events. “I’ve seen people actually really take advantage of it. A lot of people take a lot of pride in their home. So, neat yards, beautiful plants. I think that’s a growing trend in our town.” The practice adds a sheen to an area that offers a medley of amenities despite its population of just about 2,400, including popular local restaurants and tranquil parks.
Established houses give buyers a diverse mix of options
Towering trees line most of Belmond’s wide neighborhood streets, and homes built anywhere between 1900 and 1990. Bungalows, ranch-style homes and gable-front options are common. Floor plans average about 1,700 square feet, and most houses come with lawn room on lots stretching at least one-fifth of an acre. The Belmond Growth Alliance’s Yard of the Month program runs from May through September. Winners receive a “Yard of the Month” sign and $50 in “Belmond Bucks,” which can be used at certain local businesses. Properties still needing work sell for $30,000 to $70,000, while move-in ready houses usually range from $90,000 to $200,000.
Extracurricular scholastic programs cross multiple disciplines
The area’s Belmond-Klemme Community School District maintains a B-minus rating from Niche. “I think we have a really strong school system — really brings in lots of new and growing families,” Martinez says. Activities at the C-plus-rated Jacobson Elementary include a Battle of the Books competition in which students compete by answering questions about titles they read. Students can progress from Jacobson to the B-minus-rated Belmond-Klemme Jr./Sr. High for grades 7 to 12, where they can participate in groups like a robotics club and a trap-shooting team.
Central highway helps residents reach other cities
Part of U.S. Route 69 cuts through Belmond, a highway that flows all the way to Texas. Locals can use Route 69, in combination with Iowa Highway 3 and U.S. Route 218, to access the Waterloo Regional Airport. The airport is just over 80 miles from Belmond and offers direct flights to Chicago.
Parks and a trail accommodate a range of activities
The Iowa River flows through this community, providing a setting for Belmond’s River Park. This 12-acre spot features a nine-hole disc golf course and a river access point for canoers. Spots like City and Crown Point parks include playgrounds. Pool Park is anchored by a public pool that dates to 1958 but is set to be renovated. “Our pool is another big attractor when it’s up and going,” Martinez says. Pool Park also has a skate park, tennis courts and pickleball courts. Belmond Bark Park has separate, fenced areas for small and large dogs. The Franklin Grove Heritage Trail is accessible via Pool Park and provides an over 3-mile path for walking, jogging and biking.
Downtown businesses come with cohesive look
Belmond’s downtown has a unique character thanks to its arcade, a wooden overhang that stretches from business to business on Main Street. The arcade is adorned with the names of the restaurants, shops and offices located here and, in the summer, decorated with hanging flower baskets. “Our downtown is special,” Martinez says. “I don’t even know of any other town that has an arcade.” The Golden Hopper is a coffee shop on Main Street known for the quality of its brews. The Press Room Brewery across the street sells small-batch craft beers. An assortment of clothing items, furniture and collectibles is available at House of Treasures, a longtime thrift store in town. “Over 20 years in business,” Martinez says.
The Iowa Specialty Hospital, which has a 24-hour emergency department, is accessible from First Street, a block over from Main Street. River Avenue intersects Main Street and features Fareway Meat and Grocery and Belmond Drive-in. The pork tenderloin sandwich is the drive-in's signature item. “They’re also one of the few places that do ice cream,” Martinez says. “The drive-in's a hot spot to hit when you’re in town. I know people that will drive over 40 minutes just to come to the drive-in.”
Fourth of July is an explosive time of year
The Fourth of July is a jam-packed affair in Belmond, with several days of festivities. The schedule includes tractor pools, an art show, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a parade, a 5K run/walk and fireworks. “We take a lot of pride in it,” Martinez says of the celebration. “Each year it grows bigger and bigger. We get, I want to say, thousands of people that come in. We get people from different areas who will come simply because we have events.”
Written By
Wayne Epps Jr.
