Charles City is an active, colorful place after 1968 storm recovery
On May 15, 1968, one of the strongest tornadoes in Iowa history blew through Charles City. Rather than letting the storm define them, residents banded together to rebuild homes, businesses and schools. The city has taken measures to protect itself from future weather events, like putting in more green space and permeable paving. Today, Charles City is a thriving community along the Cedar River with many parks and colorful public art. “We like to say that we take a punch, then we survive and thrive,” says Mark Wicks, community development director of the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Whitewater activities, a vibrant art scene and agricultural history
The Cedar River winds through the area. Besides boating, kayaking and fishing, there is Charles City Whitewater, the first whitewater park in Iowa. “We draw in people from all over the Midwest because other hotspots are pretty narrow as far as the timeframe of when you can use them, and our river is open year-round,” Wick says. Several parks are throughout the community, the largest being Sportmen’s Park and Lion’s Field Park. Both have athletic fields and playgrounds, and the former has a disc golf course. At Lion’s Field Park, a pool and waterslide are open during the summer. The Charley Western Recreational Trail is a 5-mile-long, multiuse path that goes over the river and through the city. Wildwood Park and Golf Course has a nine-hole public course.
There is a rich art scene, from the Charles City Arts Center inside the Carnegie Library to the Mooney Art Collection at the Charles City Public Library, which includes pieces from artists like Picasso and Dali. Residents can learn about local history at the Floyd County Historical Museum. One of the exhibits explores the city’s role in the tractor industry in the early 20th century. In fact, the term tractor was coined in Charles City in 1901.
Charles City homes vary from National Folk-styles to Queen Annes
Shaded sidewalks and grassy lawns line most of Charles City’s residential streets. Many of these late 19th and early 20th-century properties are along brick roads and come in a variety of styles, from minimal National Folk-style homes to more ornate Queen Annes, Italianates and Craftsman houses. The rest of the area has mid-to-late-20th-century residences, like split-levels and ranch-style homes. Depending on size and condition, houses generally range from $80,000 to $320,000. Investment properties have sold for as little as $30,000.
Students attend Charles City public and private schools
Most students go to Charles City Community Schools. Preschoolers through first graders attend Washington Elementary, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Lincoln Elementary, which serves second through fourth graders, and Charles City Middle School get a C. At the C-plus-rated Charles City High, students can take concurrent courses through North Iowa Community College to earn college credit. Immaculate Conception Catholic School is a private institution that serves kindergarten through sixth grade and is unrated by Niche.
Locals dine at Dave's Restaurant and go to the Charles Theatre
Charles City prides itself on the local shops and restaurants in the area. “You’re not going to find a Walmart here, but you’re going to find a lot of locally owned and operated shops that will have just about everything you’re looking for,” Wicks says. The Pub On The Cedar has a deck overlooking the water, and Dave’s Restaurant is a community favorite that is open for breakfast and lunch every day. After dinner, people can watch a movie or play at the art deco-style Charles Theatre. Residents get groceries from Fareway. The Charles City Downtown Farmers Market is on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings from May through October. Walmart is about 30 miles away.
Events include the Fourth of July celebration and SPOOKWALK
Every year, locals look forward to the Fourth of July because of the multiday celebration the chamber puts on. Day-of programming includes a parade and a fireworks show on the river, and there are games, live music and competitions every day. “Charles City likes to do the Fourth of July up good,” Wicks says. Other events include Party in the Park, a free concert series one Friday a month from May to August, and SPOOKWALK, a trick-or-treating event with decorated booths along the river.
Des Moines and other major cities are within a 150-mile drive
Charles City is about 100 miles from Cedar Rapids , and about 150 miles from Des Moines and Minneapolis . “It’s very easy for us to get almost anywhere within two and a half hours,” Wicks says. This is partially because of the two highways that go through the area, U.S. Routes 18 and 218. Charles City Public Transit has several buses that run on weekdays. The central location also means that residents have their choice of airplane travel, with all three cities having international airports. Mason City Municipal Airport is only 40 miles away and offers daily flights to Chicago . Floyd County Memorial Hospital is in Charles City.
