Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission

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(563) 382-6171

Decorah Location

325 Washington St

Howard

Howard County
 

Located along the Upper Iowa River in Northeast Iowa, less than an hour from the Mississippi River is Howard County. Visit the boyhood home and farm of Dr. Norman Borlaug and stop in at the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame, not only to see the Fame, but the new 40 foot tall Mural!

Throughout the year visitors and residents alike are able to canoe the Upper Iowa River, explore Lake Hendricks in Riceville, Hayden Prairie, and the Nature Center at Vernon Springs; with miles of bike trails, some of the best snowmobiling and cross country ski trails in the state, bird-watching and hiking in the area. Visit the largest fitness center in the region (indoor pool, track and basketball court, hot tub, and weights), three stunning golf courses, public driving range, excellent hunting and fishing areas and a new trap shooting range. Every city has a festival and a Farmers Market. You are invited to help us celebrate Snowfest in January with over 200 miles of groomed trails (over 400 miles throughout the county) and visit the Howard County Memorial Park featuring the Freedom Rock.

Towns include Chester, Cresco (the county seat), Elma, Lime Springs, Protivin, and Riceville

 

Howard County Business and Tourism

Here in Howard County, we understand that business and industry is the livelihood of any economy, which is why we make it easier for businesses to succeed. With lower business costs, construction ready sites, an expanding community with unquestionable growth potential, a skilled workforce, and industry initiatives designed to stimulate growth, innovation and profits, we are here to develop and grow new and existing businesses, promote community involvement, encourage business alliances, promote and increase tourism. And, as a Home Based Iowa community, Howard County connects people to jobs and offers a great quality of life.

Howard County Business & Tourism (HCBT) is an umbrella organization representing Howard County Economic Development, Cresco Area Chamber of Commerce, Howard County Tourism, and the Cresco Industrial Development Corporation. The offices of HCBT are housed within the Cresco Welcome Center and are also home to the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Visit Howard County Website HERE

Visit Howard County Business & Tourism Website HERE