$212,452Average Value$112Average Price per Sq Ft26Homes For Sale
Emmetsburg is a peaceful city on the shores of Five Island Lake
Tourists visit Emmetsburg because of Five Island Lake, but locals know it as a peaceful Northwest Iowa community. Settled by Irish immigrants in 1856, the city has a hospital, library and community college. However, its main draw is the recreation in and around the city. Besides the lake, there are six parks, several wildlife management areas and the Des Moines River. Emmetsburg has restaurants and grocery stores, and Spencer is only about 25 miles away.
Around 3,700 people call Emmetsburg, Iowa their home.
The bordering Des Moines River provides Emmetsburg with areas for recreation.
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Lakefront activities include a golf course, a local park, bike paths
At Five Island Lake, residents and tourists alike boat, swim and fish. There is a beach along the shore, as well as campgrounds like those at Kearney State Park. During the winter, people go ice skating or snowmobiling. The Shores at Five Island is more than an event venue; it has a restaurant and Five Island Golf. This nine-hole course is open to the public, although members get a discounted fee. When locals want a lake day a little farther from home, they travel about 40 miles to Lake Okoboji. “That is the most attractive recreational place in Iowa, bar none,” says Thomas Geelan, Realtor and broker with Farm & Home Services.
The rest of Emmetsburg’s recreation ranges from lakeside destinations like Soper Park to the Five Island Trail, a multiuse trail that wraps around the shore. There is a playground, disc golf course and volleyball court at Harrison Park. Basswood Recreation Area has hiking trails and a boat ramp onto the West Fork of the Des Moines River about 1 mile away. It is also a popular destination for hunting and fishing, with game like deer, turkey and wood ducks. The Emmetsburg Public Library hosts events like movie nights, LEGO Club and Storytime.
Five Island Park and Golf Course serves Emmetsburg with challenging golf play and park facilities, where maintained grounds and diverse amenities attract visitors year-round.
Soper Park provides excellent recreational facilities including modern playground equipment and well-maintained picnic shelters that are perfect for summer outings.
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Emmetsburg has a mix of older homes and newer lakefront properties
Sidewalks line some of Emmetsburg’s residential roads, where oak trees shade grassy front lawns. “The housing market in town, away from the lake, is pretty typical of most small communities in Northwest Iowa,” Geelan says. Homes date back to the late 19th and early 20th century, including Victorian-era and National Folk-style properties. Mid-20th-century residences include ranch-style houses. Some older properties are near the lake, and some newer construction is also near the water. Depending on size and condition, houses generally range from $90,000 to $380,000. Investment properties have sold for as little as $20,000, and larger lakefront homes cost $500,000 to $850,000.
Most houses in Emmetsburg have ample yards.
Prospective Emmetsburg homeowners may find some newer builds.
Some residential areas in Emmetsburg feature sidewalks.
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Emmetsburg Community Schools are well-rated
Public education is available through the Emmetsburg Community School District. West Elementary earns a B-plus from Niche, while Emmetsburg Middle and High schools receive a B-minus. The high school has five Advanced Placement courses on campus, although more options are available through the Iowa Online Advanced Placement Academy. Emmetsburg Catholic School, which is unrated by Niche, is the only private education option in the area and serves preschoolers through eighth graders. Iowa Lakes Community College has over 70 degrees, certifications and pre-professional programs. It offers bachelor’s degrees through Buena Vista Community College.
Emmetsburg children may begin school at West Elementary School which educates nearly 300 students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.
Emmetsburg Middle School serves children from fifth through eighth grades, with an excellent student-teacher ratio of 7-1.
Emmetsburg High School features state-of-the-art athletic facilities that support a storied tradition of success.
Emmetsburg students may continue studies at Iowa Lakes Community College which is known for its Liberal Arts program.
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Events include St. Patrick’s Day and Palo Alto County Fair
Emmetsburg honors its Irish heritage with its multiday St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Programming includes the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a bean bag tournament, live music and community meals like a fish fry and corned beef. Every August, the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce puts on BestFest. This day-long celebration of community has a vendor market, live music and a cookout. In the evening, adults can try craft beers, wines and ciders at BrewFest and stay for the Street Dance, a late-night block party for anyone 21 and older.
As the county seat, Emmetsburg hosts the Palo Alto County Fair every summer. Events include livestock shows put on by local 4-H and Future Farmers of America chapters, antique tractor rides and kid-friendly activities and entertainment.
Dining options include regional chains and local restaurants
With a mix of chains like A&W Family Restaurant and locally owned establishments, Geelan says, “There’s plenty of places to eat.” Kirby’s Cafe serves comfort food like country fried steak and patty melts and is part of Family Table, which owns 16 restaurants across Northwest Iowa. At Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, the menu includes staples like enchiladas and fajitas. Lucky’s Sports Grill is an American-style restaurant inside Wild Rose Casino & Resort, which Geelan says attracts visitors and locals. Locals get groceries at Fareway or Dollar Fresh, and Walmart is 25 miles away. The Gardeners Market sells fresh produce on Thursdays from June to October.
Kirby's Cafe is an Emmetsburg staple for comfort food.
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant is conveniently located in downtown Emmetsburg.
Fareway is where many Emmetsburg locals go for their groceries.
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U.S. Route 18 leads about 25 miles to Spencer
Residents rely on cars to get around. U.S. Route 18 goes through Emmetsburg and into Spencer. Des Moines is about a 160-mile, or two-and-a-half-hour, drive. People can fly out of the international airport there or travel about 70 miles to Fort Dodge Regional Airport, which has daily flights to Chicago. Palo Alto County Health System is in the city.
Route 18 is the main drag through Emmetsburg, providing easy access to outlying destinations.
The water tower by the railroad is a beacon welcoming all to Emmetsburg.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Emmetsburg, IA sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Emmetsburg, IA over the last 12 months is $156,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brand new patio home in the Rockport Addition that features a large 29' x 29' garage. This home is in the process of being finished and has large bedrooms and bathrooms. A $20,000 housing grant and a $5000 appliance allowance is available to the next owner. A 5 year tax abatement is in place as well. Come take a look.
Cute 1 1/2 story home located on a large corner lot. This 3 bedroom, 2 1/4 bath home would make a great first time home purchase or rental property investment. Electrical, plumbing, foundation, furnace & C/A have all been updated within the last 6 years. There is one walk in shower, pex plumbing and a 150 AMP breaker box. Appliances and water softener stay including stack washer/dryer. Large
Nice ranch home with great curb appeal. This home offers almost 1,600 square feet on the main level which includes the kitchen, dining area, living room, sun room, 3 bedrooms & a full bath. The partially finished lower level has a kitchen, a fruit room, a family room, 2 non conforming bedrooms (just add egress windows), a 3/4 bath and the laundry. Located on a large corner lot in a quiet
Build your dream home on this large lot with a view of Five Island Lake. Located on the NW Shore of the Lake this property has the use of Nolan/Rouse Park which is close by.
Very nice brick ranch home with a double attached garage. Enter into this home and you will find a spacious kitchen with ample cabinet space and all appliances, a dining room, a spacious living room, 3 nice sized bedrooms and a full bathroom with great storage. The partially finished lower level offers a large family room, 3/4 bath and the laundry. This home also has had new windows installed.
LAKE LIFE, the BEST LIFE! Here’s your chance to own 60 feet of lakefront, mature oak trees, stunning sunsets, and your own dock—this is more than a home... it's the lakeside lifestyle you've been waiting for. Nestled along the shores of Five Island Lake, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers water views from multiple rooms—including the spacious master suite, where you’ll wake up to
Spacious ranch-style home with a 3 car garage/shop located on a double lot. This home features a newer 4 season room and a partially finished basement with a wood burning stove. Great opportunity for a growing family!
This well-cared-for two-bedroom, one-bath property offers comfortable main-level living and thoughtful features throughout. The spacious living room is filled with natural light, provides the perfect gathering space, and is flexible for any layout. Main-floor laundry hookups add everyday convenience, and built-ins throughout the home offer abundant storage, keeping everything organized and easy
Bare undeveloped land near Five Island Lake. Paved road access. Bike trail within property. This is a beautiful setting to build your dream home or you could develop this into building lots. With 18.85 acres m/l being located close to the lake, the options are great!! PRICE REDUCED! MOTIVATED SELLER!
This 3 bedroom, 1 bath house could be your next quick fix or forever home. Nestled on a quiet side of town this home offers main floor living, a nice sized yard for outdoor activities, and a basement with potential to become extra space. The enclosed porch on the back offers space for a mudroom or storage with access from the backyard and driveway. Don't miss your chance to take a look at this
Calling all remodelers - here is your chance to get into a 3-bedroom and redo it the way you want it! The main floor features an open kitchen, dining, and living area, while all bedrooms are located upstairs, each with a full bathroom.
Dana ReindersEXIT Realty Midwest- Spencer/Emmetsburg
Great curb appeal with a prime location on Broadway! Walking distance to the Catholic Church, Public Park and a Flower Shop! This 3 bedroom/2 bath farm-style home features an amazing Oak built-in room divider and trim work that is hard to find. The leaded glass window accents add old-world charm while new easy-to-use blinds keep the sun out. The kitchen has Oak cabinets and a pass-through to the
Dana ReindersEXIT Realty Midwest- Spencer/Emmetsburg
Rent is based on income. Income limits apply. Coin operated laundry on site. Stove & Fridge provided. "This institution is an equal opportunity provider."
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