Winnebago County, Iowa

Winnebago County is located near Iowa’s northern border with Minnesota. The county takes its name from the Winnebago tribe that lived in the surrounding area.

Forest City serves as the county seat and is home to Winnebago Industries, the well-known RV manufacturer. With about 10,500 residents, it is one of Iowa’s smaller counties.

U.S. Highway 69 is the main highway running through the county. Winnebago County blends industry and natural beauty with small-town living and a major business presence.

CategoryDetails
County NameWinnebago County
County SeatForest City
EtymologyNamed after the Winnebago tribe, which historically lived in the area
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesForest City, Lake Mills, Thompson, Buffalo Center, and several smaller communities
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Highway 69, U.S. Highway 9, Iowa Highway 9
FIPS Code19-189
Total Area (Land and Water)400 square miles (land: 397 sq mi, water: 3 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Faribault County, Minnesota (Northwest), Freeborn County, Minnesota (Northeast), Worth County (East), Hancock County (South), Kossuth County (West), Cerro Gordo County (Southeast)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
Population10,800
StateIowa
Coordinates43.30°N, 93.65°W
Major LandmarksWinnebago County Fairgrounds, Pilot Knob State Park, and the Forest City Historic District
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