Palo Alto County, Iowa
Palo Alto County stretches across north-central Iowa. Its name is somewhat unusual, as it was borrowed from a Texas battlefield associated with the Mexican-American War.
Emmetsburg serves as the county seat and proudly celebrates its Irish heritage. In fact, the town has been hosting Iowa’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1961.
The population is spread out, so farming dominates much of the county. Five Island Lake, located right in Emmetsburg, offers fishing, boating, and a beach. Not bad for landlocked Iowa.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Palo Alto County |
| County Seat | Emmetsburg |
| Etymology | Named after the Battle of Palo Alto, Mexican–American War |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Emmetsburg, West Bend, Graettinger, Mallard, Ayrshire, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 18, Iowa Highway 4, Iowa Highway 18 |
| FIPS Code | 19-147 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 573 square miles (land: 572 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Emmet County (North), Kossuth County (East), Pocahontas County (South), Clay County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| Population | 16,500 |
| State | Iowa |
| Coordinates | 43.03°N, 94.68°W |
| Major Landmarks | Five Island Lake, Palo Alto County Historical Museum, and the annual Palo Alto County Fair |
