Small community of Iowa Falls lives up to its Scenic City nickname
The Iowa River winds through the small community of Iowa Falls, earning it the nickname of the Scenic City. There are views of rocky river bluffs and shaded parks throughout the region, which are seen aboard the Scenic City Empress. Access to the outdoors, coupled with a vibrant downtown and close-knit community, draws people to the area. “You know your neighbor, you know your kid’s teachers, you know just about everyone,” says a representative from Iowa Falls Chamber Main Street. “I enjoy living here for the security of knowing my child is being brought up in a close, safe community.” Iowa Falls receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Recreation includes the Iowa River, parks and a private golf club
People boat, kayak and fish on the Iowa River. The Scenic Center Empress Boat Club runs boat tours every weekend from June through mid-October. During the winter, residents go ice skating. “It’s a large part of recreation here during all seasons,” says the chamber representative. Several parks across the city have playgrounds and athletic fields. The Bill Riley Bandshell at Estes Park is named for local legend and broadcaster Bill Riley, founder of the Bill Riley Talent Search, which is still one of the main events at the Iowa State Fair. At Assembly Park, walking trails lead to a swinging bridge that goes across the river. Highland Golf Club has a private, nine-hole course and clubhouse that locals can rent for events.
Mix of century-old homes and new construction in Iowa Falls
Oak trees shade Iowa Falls’ grassy lawns and sidewalks. Residences along the gridded streets are close together, with lots that are often half an acre or less and have driveways and garages. Late 19th and early-20th-century properties like Craftsman-style houses and bungalows, as well as mid-20th-century ranch-style homes and split-levels, make up most of the market. There is also some new construction. Smaller homes can cost $50,000 to $360,000, depending on size and condition. Larger ones range from $420,000 to $580,000.
Downtown has shops, restaurants and the Metropolitan Opera House
Downtown Iowa Falls has several restaurants for locals to pick from. Princess Grill & Pizzeria serves burgers, pizza and other American fare. Diners play arcade games and pool at Top Flight. Chuong Garden is a Chinese restaurant that opened in 1995. Other businesses downtown include a variety of shops, like Antique Gallery & Tabletop Antics, and the Metropolitan Opera House, which opened as a theater in 1899 and went through major renovations in 2013. Its grand reopening included a notable guest, Hugh Jackman, who attended the premiere of his films “Prisoners” and “The Wolverine.” Locals get groceries from Hy-Vee and Fareway, and the city has a Walmart. The farmers market sells fresh produce on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings from May to October at Estes Park.
Students attend Iowa Falls and Alden Community Schools
As part of the Iowa Falls and Alden Community School District, students can start at Rock Run Elementary, which earns a B from Niche. Both Riverbend Middle School and Iowa Falls-Alden High receive a B-minus. High schoolers can earn Silver Cord Honors by completing at least 100 hours of community service by the end of their senior year. Ellsworth Community College, which was founded in 1892 and is the oldest in Iowa, offers associate degrees in fields like business administration and agriculture.
Riverbend Rally is the largest celebration of the year
Riverbend Rally, the annual Fourth of July celebration, is one of the largest events in Iowa Falls. The weekend’s festivities include a disc golf tournament, craft vendors and live music. Local church groups also get involved, hosting an ice cream social and a community church service on Sunday morning. Other events include Lawn Chair Nights, a weekly free concert series in June, and the Scenic City Car Show, a vintage car show every Labor Day.
Locals can walk or bike, but most drive cars to get around
While the chamber representative says parts of Iowa Falls, like downtown, are walkable and bikeable, most residents rely on cars. U.S. Route 65 leads about 80 miles to Des Moines. Many people fly out of Des Moines International Airport, which is about 90 miles away and offers nonstop flights to over 20 destinations. Waterloo Regional Airport is a little bit closer, less than 60 miles away, and has daily flights to O’Hare International Airport. Hansen Family Hospital is in Iowa Falls.
