Kossuth County: Nature and History

A lake with a trail, a prairie with numerous wildflower species, and memorial sites in Algona give Kossuth County a range of travel highlights. In 2023–24, the Kossuth County Conservation Board managed a total of 31 areas covering just over 2,300 acres for outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat. When planning outings, you can focus on landscapes, activity, or history.

Natural Areas and Trails

Smith Lake County Park features a 54-acre lake, as well as a hiking trail. The H.M. and Eva Smith Prairie offers a different perspective: more than 85 species of wildflowers and native grasses have been recorded there. One species is on the state list of threatened species, and one is on the federal list.

The public can fish and access the East Fork of the Des Moines River at Devine Wildlife Area. Hurlburt Wildlife Area includes floodplain forest, native prairie, pastureland, and areas enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Those interested in different types of landscapes will find this mix of habitats alongside waterways and prairie. The 138-acre Ambrose A. Call State Park in Kossuth County is characterized by rolling terrain and old-growth trees; it is located near the East Fork of the Des Moines River.

There are also a variety of ways to get around on foot or by bike. Smith Lake County Park has a hiking trail. Algona's recreational bike trail is about two miles long, paved, and scenic; it is intended for walkers, runners, cyclists, and others traveling on foot. The approximate route length and paved surface can help with planning, without specifying a walking or cycling time.

Algona's History and Collections

The Camp Algona POW Museum features exhibits with personal accounts and artifacts about World War II, Camp Algona, German prisoners of war, and local service members. The history of Camp Algona includes a total of 10,000 German prisoners of war who stayed there from April 1944 to February 1946. An exhibit also displays recovered artwork, woodwork, theater productions, and writings. You can explore both the historical context and a range of exhibited materials.

The Algona Nativity Scene offers another connection to World War II history. It consists of 65 half-life-size figures, was created by prisoners of war at Camp Algona, and was donated to Algona after the war. Visiting hours vary by season, so check them in advance before your visit.

In downtown Algona, the Louis Sullivan Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Algona businessman Henry C. Adams had the building constructed in 1913 as a land and loan office. Its original function offers a glimpse into local business history, while its listing also makes the building part of the city's historic heritage.

Two collections on very different subjects offer further insights. The working model train collection at Benschoter Train Station includes a 40 × 60-foot train layout. The Kossuth County Agriculture & Motorsports Museum is accessible at the entrance and on both floors. If you have specific accessibility needs, confirm this information again before your trip.

Seasonal Experiences and Local Offerings

Races take place on Thursday evenings in summer on the Algona Raceway's 4/10-mile track. Racing is seasonal and the schedule may change, so check the dates before your visit. For a different kind of outing, the Kossuth County Farmers Market in Algona offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, jams, honey, and handmade gifts. Market days and hours vary by season and should be checked in advance.

You can shape your trip around your preferred focus: natural areas and trails offer different highlights from exhibits and historic sites. Options range from a lakeside walk and a paved route to collections and seasonal events.

Discover more destinations: Algona, Howard County, Pottawattamie, Worth County, Linn, Scott, Floyd County, Webster County.

For the broader travel overview: Iowa.