Located in Northeast Iowa along the banks of the Cedar River, which winds its way through town, Charles City was settled in 1851 and today is home to a population of more than 7,300. It serves as the county seat of Floyd County and is situated along the Avenue of the Saints four-lane highway that connects St. Paul, Minn., with St. Louis, Mo. That puts Charles City within easy driving distance of many larger urban centers, including Des Moines and the Twin Cities. Air, rail, and bus services are also conveniently available close by. Charles City boasts a diverse economy, quality schools and health care, ample recreational opportunities, numerous area attractions, and a variety of shopping, dining, and lodging offerings packaged with small-town charm and friendliness.
Learn more about what our city has to offer below.
Charles City Community Schools exists to reach our kids through rigorous education—and that’s what’s behind everything we do. We want to create an experience where our kids can be challenged and encouraged to become the best versions of themselves each and every day. Our mission is to challenge all students to achieve their full potential through engaging, responsive, educational experiences that inspire innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School (IC) provides an exceptional education from preschool through sixth grade to students of all faiths and abilities in the Charles City and surrounding communities. Faculty and staff take a personal, collaborative approach to each child’s learning and empower students to reach their full potential. IC develops a strong life-long foundation that embraces the child’s faith and relationship with God. The community of IC is invested in education the whole child, stimulating creativity and serving the communities of which we are a part.
North Iowa Area Community College is a progressive, comprehensive learning institution positioned to serve as the major cultural, educational, and economic development force for the North Iowa region. 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the College, which began in 1918 as Mason City Junior College (the first public two-year college in Iowa) and became North Iowa Area Community College in 1966.
Exciting annual events, intriguing specialty shops and recreational facilities make Charles City a great destination. From Old Masters at the Mooney Art Collection to the childhood home of a National Women’s Rights Leader to the vintage Hart-Parr tractors at the Floyd County Historical Museum, Charles City proudly celebrates its heritage. Take a walking tour of historic homes or public art; ride the rapids on Iowa’s first whitewater course; see a movie at the Art Deco Charles Theatre. Walk or bike along the Charley Western Recreational Trail; challenge your friends to a round of disc golf at Riverfront Park; or play tennis on the grass courts of the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club.
If you are looking for a great place to live, work, or play, we invite you to discover Charles City!
The Charles City Press, an Enterprise Media Inc. newspaper, is published Tuesdays and Fridays, except on postal holidays, by the Charles City Press, at 801 Riverside Drive, Charles City, Iowa 50616.
We are the official newspaper of Floyd County and serve all of Floyd County as well as parts of Chickasaw and Butler counties in Iowa.
Find out more about Charles City’s events, history, and local attractions .
The Charles City Area Development Corporation is the catalyst for economic development in greater Floyd County, nurturing the creation and retention of quality jobs.