Quiet streets and a prime location help define Onawa
Onawa is tucked within the prairies and cornfields of western Iowa, about midway between Sioux City and Omaha , Nebraska. The city’s population of 3,000 is often supplemented by visitors due to its location on Interstate 29 and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, but that doesn’t detract from its small-town atmosphere. “It’s quiet and peaceful, with a lot of open space,” says Melissa Beermann, economic development director for the City of Onawa. Onawa Chamber of Commerce director Jenn Collison adds, “You can let your kids walk to school and ride their bikes around. It feels very family friendly and safe.”
Iowa Avenue highlights local shops and dining
Onawa claims that Iowa Avenue — which measures 150 feet from storefront to storefront — is the widest main street in the continental United States. Shops and eateries fill the brick and stucco buildings. “We have a lot of unique small businesses — boutiques, consignment shops, coffee shops,” says Collison. Morning pick-me-ups are available at Downtown Coffee & Cream, and Frannie’s Cafe serves hearty breakfast and lunch fare. Pub grub and nightlife keep things rolling at Rockin’ Robbins and Ten34 Brickhouse across the street. First-run movies and classic flicks light up the screen at the historic Iowa Theater, and groceries are available at Sunshine Foods. On the western side of the city, shoppers will find Bomgaars department store, DG Market and several fast-food chains.
National and midcentury ranch-style homes on leafy streets
Many of Onawa’s narrow residential streets resemble leafy tunnels with mature trees stretched high on either side. Most include sidewalks, but the walkways can be patchy and overgrown. Lot sizes are typically under 10,000 square feet, but some measure up to half an acre. Driveways, garages and small shaded yards are common features. The housing blend consists mainly of National builds from the 1920s and ranch-style homes from the ’60s and ’70s. Sales are infrequent, but recently, investment properties sold for $17,000, and a ranch-style home sold for around $250,000. Homes near the railroad tracks are subject to noise from passing freight trains, but the city’s comprehensive plan for 2025-2035 includes a request for a quiet zone corridor. Onawa’s CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
West Monona schools support sports and youth activities
West Monona Elementary School receives a Niche grade of B-minus, and West Monona Middle is rated B. Student athletes at the B-minus-rated West Monona High can compete in the Western Valley Activities Conference in several sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball and golf. “The schools have small classrooms and supportive teachers, and the town offers youth activities like tae kwon do and yoga,” Beerman says.
Patriotic displays, playgrounds and drag racing in Onawa
Gaukel Park spreads out next to the Monona County Veterans Memorial Museum, where military artifacts are displayed outside. Freedom Rock, a boulder with a patriotic paint job, stands at the park’s entrance. The gathering place features picnic areas, playground equipment, a disc golf course, a basketball court and plenty of shade, and the city’s public pool is right next door. Liberty Park’s playground and baseball field are within walking distance of many homes. The golf course at Onawa Country Club is open to the public, and racers come from miles around to run the strip at Onawa Dragway. On the city’s outskirts, Lewis and Clark State Park offers hiking, swimming and fishing on Blue Lake. The Monona County Arboretum and the nearby Blackbird Bend Casino are popular with visitors and locals alike.
Highways keep residents connected to Sioux City and Omaha
Iowa Avenue is part of Highway 175, which connects with I-29 for the 40-mile drive to Sioux City and the 60-mile trip to Omaha. Sioux Gateway Airport is about 30 miles away and provides flights to hubs like Chicago and Denver, but most travelers head to Omaha’s Eppley Airfield, which offers more options. Burgess Health Center is a full-service hospital right in Onawa with a 24-hour emergency room and a rotation of specialty clinics. “You don’t have to drive to the big city to see the heart doctor or the foot doctor. People come from all over to use our specialty clinics,” Collison says. Siouxland Regional Transit System provides residents with on-demand shuttle service.
Onawa hosts the county fair and a fall Harvest Festival
As the county seat, Onawa hosts the Monona County Fair in July. The weeklong event features agricultural shows, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, 4-H contests, games, carnival rides and live music. At September’s Harvest Festival, the city raffles off items like pellet grills and glamping trips while revelers enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, contests, live music, kids’ activities and fireworks.
