Calmar, Iowa is a small city located in Winneshiek County near the northeast corner of the state. The city has a population of 1,285 people and is located at the intersection of US Highways 52 and 18. Calmar is situated along the banks of the Turkey River, which provides a picturesque backdrop to this charming small town. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, camping and bird watching.
The geography of Calmar consists mainly of loess hills with elevations ranging from 875 to 1,100 feet above sea level. The area around town is mostly farmland with corn and soybeans being grown in abundance. Nearby forests provide ample habitat for wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and various species of waterfowl.
Calmar lies within an hour’s drive from both Cedar Rapids and Waterloo making it an ideal location for commuters who need easy access to larger cities while still enjoying the rural atmosphere of small-town living. It also lies within close proximity to Decorah which offers a variety of cultural attractions such as Luther College and Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum.
For those looking for outdoor recreation Calmar is home to several parks including Memorial Park which features picnic areas, playgrounds and tennis courts as well as plenty of walking paths that wind through wooded areas along the riverbank. With its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and numerous recreational opportunities Calmar provides its residents with a unique quality of life that can’t be found anywhere else in Iowa.
History of Calmar, Iowa
Calmar, Iowa is a small city located in Winneshiek County near the northeast corner of the state. It was founded in 1854 by German immigrant families who were drawn to the area for its fertile soil and abundance of natural resources. The town was named after Calmar, Germany which is located on the Rhine River.
In its early years, Calmar was an agricultural hub with a thriving dairy industry. In 1906, a creamery opened in town and quickly became one of the largest employers in the area. This allowed many local farmers to supplement their incomes by selling their milk and cream to the creamery.
The mid-20th century saw great changes for Calmar with the arrival of two new industries that would shape its future: manufacturing and tourism. In 1952, an aircraft component manufacturer opened its doors bringing much needed jobs to the area and providing Calmar with a much needed economic boost. A few years later in 1956, a tourist campground opened near town which drew visitors from all over Iowa and beyond who were looking for some rest and relaxation in nature’s backyard.
Today, Calmar is still known as an agricultural community but it has also become a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to several nearby attractions such as Lake Meyer Recreation Area, Decorah Fish Hatchery and Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. The city also hosts several annual events such as Summerfest which brings together locals and visitors alike for three days of food, fun and entertainment every June.
From its humble beginnings as an agricultural center to its modern day status as a popular tourist destination, Calmar has come a long way since it was first settled over 150 years ago. Despite all the changes it has seen over time one thing remains constant; this small city continues to be an oasis of rural charm nestled among Iowa’s rolling hills that will forever remain part of this state’s history.
Economy of Calmar, Iowa
According to Allcountrylist, Calmar, Iowa is a small city located in Winneshiek County that has seen a great deal of economic growth over the past few decades. It was founded in 1854 by German immigrants who were drawn to the area for its fertile soil and abundance of natural resources. The town grew steadily as an agricultural hub with a thriving dairy industry which was bolstered by the opening of a creamery in 1906.
In the mid-20th century, two new industries arrived that would shape Calmar’s economy: manufacturing and tourism. In 1952, an aircraft component manufacturer opened its doors bringing much needed jobs to the area and providing Calmar with a much needed economic boost. A few years later in 1956, a tourist campground opened near town which drew visitors from all over Iowa and beyond who were looking for some rest and relaxation in nature’s backyard.
Today, Calmar is still primarily known as an agricultural community but it has also become a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to several nearby attractions such as Lake Meyer Recreation Area, Decorah Fish Hatchery and Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. The city also hosts several annual events such as Summerfest which brings together locals and visitors alike for three days of food, fun and entertainment every June.
The local economy benefits from both agriculture and tourism with numerous businesses catering to visitors including restaurants, hotels, shops and other services. Agriculture continues to be important with many farms still operating in the area producing crops such as corn, soybeans, oats, hay and more. The manufacturing sector also remains strong with several major employers located near town providing jobs for local residents.
Calmar is an economically vibrant community that is able to maintain its rural charm while at the same time providing employment opportunities for its citizens thanks to its diverse economy that includes both agriculture and tourism along with manufacturing. With this combination of industries, it is easy to see why this small city continues to be an attractive place to live work and play for generations of Iowans.
Politics in Calmar, Iowa
Calmar, Iowa is a small city located in the northeast corner of the state. The local government is made up of a mayor and city council which are elected on a nonpartisan basis every four years. In addition, there are two appointed boards that help to oversee the day-to-day operations of the city. These include the Planning & Zoning Board and Parks & Recreation Board.
The current mayor is Mark Roose who was elected in 2017 and has been serving since then. Mayor Roose is an active member of the community and has been instrumental in helping to improve Calmar’s infrastructure as well as its economy. He has also worked to increase public safety by working closely with local law enforcement agencies to reduce crime rates within the city limits.
The City Council consists of seven members who are elected by citizens from seven wards within Calmar. The council meets regularly to discuss issues related to zoning, economic development, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and more. They also work closely with other local government entities such as Winneshiek County, Decorah Schools, and other municipalities in order to ensure that Calmar remains an attractive place to live and work for its citizens.
The Planning & Zoning Board is responsible for overseeing land use regulations in Calmar by reviewing proposed development projects and making recommendations for approval or denial based on established guidelines. This board meets on a regular basis throughout the year to review proposals from developers as well as responding to citizen requests related to zoning changes or other matters concerning land use regulations within the city limits.
The Parks & Recreation Board also meets regularly throughout the year in order to plan events such as Summerfest which takes place every June at Lake Meyer Recreation Area or other activities held at one of Calmar’s many parks or recreational facilities throughout town. This board works closely with other organizations such as schools, churches, non-profits and businesses in order to ensure that everyone can benefit from quality recreational opportunities offered by the City of Calmar.
In conclusion, politics in Calmar are focused on providing safe living conditions for its citizens while ensuring that economic development initiatives continue without sacrificing its rural charm or unique natural resources found within its boundaries. Through careful planning by both elected officials and appointed boards like those mentioned above, this small Iowa town continues to thrive while offering an excellent quality of life for those who choose it as their home.
