The town of Spencer, Iowa made Smithsonian.com’s annual list of “America’s Best Small Towns” for 2017. Smithsonian went looking for towns with exceptional history, natural beauty, and local culture. They then narrowed their list by identifying towns that are, “especially worth making the trip this year.”
Spencer is located in Clay County in northwestern Iowa near the Minnesota border. It’s a town of just over 11,000 people. It’s also a certified cultural district in the State of Iowa.
Here is just some of what makes Spencer a very special small town:
Spencer’s beautiful downtown area is just one aspect of this marvelous small town that caught Smithsonian’s attention.
Google Maps In addition to the beautiful art deco buildings, there’s a thriving local arts scene, here.
Bogenrief Studios, 21 W 5th St., Spencer
Bogenrief Studios (Spencer, Iowa)/Facebook Bogenrief Studios specializes in blown glass art. Stop by to see a live demonstration and take home some of this amazing locally-made blown glass.
Arts On Grand, 408 Grand Ave., Spencer
Arts On Grand/Yelp This shop and gallery is a pleasure to walk through. They feature many local and well-known artists and are part of the annual Artisan Road Trip that allows people to travel the back roads of Iowa to see various galleries and studios.
If you happen to be in Spencer on a Thursday in July, be sure to stop by the Clay County Courthouse Lawn for their Mainstreet Market between 5pm and 8pm.
Spencer Main Street Website
Scott Romine/Wikimedia Enjoy crafts, locally grown produce, desserts, and free music. The Clay County Courthouse is located at 215 West 4th Street, Spencer.
Spencer has plenty of locally owned and operated coffee shops and restaurants. The Bear Coffeehouse & Wine Bar is a favorite, at 24 W Park St, Spencer.
Ashley T./Yelp This casual coffeehouse is a great place to stop for a jot of caffeine, cold beer, or glass of wine. Their food is earthy, simple, and robust. This is a great place to relax.
Carroll’s Bakery at 416 Grand Ave. in Spencer is a well-loved place to stop for a sweet treat.
Andrea J./Yelp Every small town should have a bakery like this. The atmosphere is inviting, warm, and bright. The baked goods are legendary, and there’s an amazing amount of variety.
For a proper dinner, The Prime Rib at 1205 South Grand Ave. in Spencer is highly recommended.
William S./Yelp Expect to leave full and happy. Their mushroom caps, walleye cheeks, crab legs, and of course the prime rib, are just divine.
More than 300,000 people visit The Clay County Fair in Spencer each year, and the number continues to grow.
Clay County Fair/Facebook
Clay County Fair/Facebook This is Iowa’s largest county fair. It started in 1918, so it’s a long-standing Clay County tradition.
The Clay County Regional Events Center seats over 3,400 people.
Clay County Fair/Facebook They call it the “World’s Greatest County Fair” and it’s easy to see why. Stop by between September 9th and 17th and see for yourself.
If you decide to visit Spencer, take note of Clay County’s amazing trail system. The 10.5-mile paved trail is great for biking, walking, and running. You can access the trail at E 18th Street and 10th Avenue E or W 18th Street in Stolley Park.
Google Maps
In addition to the beautiful art deco buildings, there’s a thriving local arts scene, here.
Bogenrief Studios (Spencer, Iowa)/Facebook
Bogenrief Studios specializes in blown glass art. Stop by to see a live demonstration and take home some of this amazing locally-made blown glass.
Arts On Grand/Yelp
This shop and gallery is a pleasure to walk through. They feature many local and well-known artists and are part of the annual Artisan Road Trip that allows people to travel the back roads of Iowa to see various galleries and studios.
Spencer Main Street Website
Scott Romine/Wikimedia
Enjoy crafts, locally grown produce, desserts, and free music. The Clay County Courthouse is located at 215 West 4th Street, Spencer.
Ashley T./Yelp
This casual coffeehouse is a great place to stop for a jot of caffeine, cold beer, or glass of wine. Their food is earthy, simple, and robust. This is a great place to relax.
Andrea J./Yelp
Every small town should have a bakery like this. The atmosphere is inviting, warm, and bright. The baked goods are legendary, and there’s an amazing amount of variety.
William S./Yelp
Expect to leave full and happy. Their mushroom caps, walleye cheeks, crab legs, and of course the prime rib, are just divine.
Clay County Fair/Facebook
This is Iowa’s largest county fair. It started in 1918, so it’s a long-standing Clay County tradition.
They call it the “World’s Greatest County Fair” and it’s easy to see why. Stop by between September 9th and 17th and see for yourself.
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