Union County brings together traces of pioneer history, historic sites in Creston, murals in Uptown, and a focus on lake recreation. Four lakes are no more than 10 miles apart; there are also trails for pedestrians, cyclists, and mountain bikers. History, townscapes, fishing, and outdoor activities offer a variety of themes for a stay. You can prioritize these themes according to your interests rather than follow a set order.
Mount Pisgah and Pioneer History
Mount Pisgah was established in 1846 by the advance party of the Latter-day Saints as a temporary village or way station to assist emigrants in need. Today, Mount Pisgah is a certified historic site on the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail. Its role in providing assistance makes its history more than a story about a way station: it also centers on the needs of the emigrants the village was intended to serve. Its connection to the named trail also gives this chapter a clear historical context.
A Schoolhouse and a Historic Village
The history of the Union County Historical Village began in 1966, when the county schoolhouse Lincoln Township #5 was moved to McKinley Park. Today, the Village maintains 16 buildings with numerous indoor exhibits. A single, specifically named schoolhouse as its starting point thus stands alongside a larger collection of buildings and exhibits. Those interested in local history will find a different perspective here than at Mount Pisgah: the schoolhouse marks the beginning of the Village, whose present-day collection includes 16 buildings.
Depot and Murals in Creston
Creston's Restored Depot was built in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Uptown Creston has more than 30 murals on buildings. The two details offer different points of interest: the depot has a known construction date and registry listing, while the number of murals highlights a visual-art aspect of Uptown. Cultural exploration thus ranges from a dated building to a variety of images in the townscape.
Four Lakes and a Variety of Fishing Opportunities
Three Mile Lake, Twelve Mile Lake, Summit Lake, and Green Valley Lake are no more than 10 miles apart and form a center for lake recreation in southwest Iowa. Three Mile Lake has a shoreline nearly 24 miles long, as well as ten fishing jetties. Twelve Mile Lake offers year-round fishing for walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill. The lakes offer different highlights: Three Mile Lake stands out for its shoreline length and fishing jetties, while Twelve Mile Lake offers year-round fishing and the listed fish species.
Trails for Cycling, Hiking, and Mountain Biking
A paved trail more than eight miles long for pedestrians and cyclists runs through McKinley Park in Creston to the campground at Green Valley State Park, north of Creston. West of Green Valley Lake, the Park to Park Trail connects with six miles of grass trails suitable for hiking or mountain biking. The differences lie in their surfaces and uses: the first route is paved and intended for pedestrians and cyclists, while the grass trails are suitable for hiking or mountain biking.
Shooting sports are another specific recreational interest: the High Lakes Outdoor Alliance Shooting Range has five ATA-certified trap shooting fields.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Creston, O'brien County, Cass County, Cerro Gordo County, Polk, Webster County, Cherokee County, Emmet County.
For the main travel overview: Iowa.
