Physically, Charles City is by
virtue of nature's blessed bounty a very attractive community.
It is dominated visually by the beautiful Cedar River which runs
through the heart of the city and graced by a park system that
spans more than 300 acres. Picture a city that defines itself
by a wide range of community events, opportunities, and leisure
activities that bridge its rich past with its forward-looking
future. It's this unique blending of the pastoral and the cultural,
combined with the friendliness and caring spirit of its people,
that makes Charles City not only a special place to call home,
but the right place to call home. Charles City's commitment and
development efforts prompted former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad
and the Iowa Department of Economic Development to name Charles
City an official Main Street Iowa demonstration community in
1996.
COMMUNITY SERVICES & ATTRACTIONS
Parks and Recreation
The natural beauty and resources of the Charles City area offers
year-round leisure and recreational activities for people of
all ages, offering one of the most unique and pristine park systems
in the entire state. The community boasts two public golf courses
and 26 parks, a characteristic few towns with a populace of 8,000
can match. Residents and visitors also enjoy golf, tennis, swimming,
ice skating, fishing, canoeing and other forms of water recreation.
Highlights of the park system include a modern aquatic facility that was constructed in 1991 at Lion's Field; an 18-hole golf course at Cedar Ridge Golf Course ; a 9-hole golf course at Wildwood Park; a large sports complex at Sportsmen's Park; and several picturesque limestone footbridges and views overlooking the Cedar River.
The city maintains several shelters and ball diamonds throughout the community. The Family YMCA boasts facilities that one would normally find in a community three times the size of Charles City, including a full basketball court, racquet ball courts, fitness rooms and both a regular pool and training pool.
The City Improvement Association's newest
park is Garden Court, a small downtown park that has a cobblestone path,
umbrella tables, park benches, vintage lights and charming landscaping.
The City's downtown development group has developed a 5 mile loop recreational trail on the Charley Western Railway.
Museums and Historical
Sites
Charles City has preserved several sites that pay tribute to
the City's rich history and the many contributions of its citizenry.
In that respect and more, the city in its own right is a landmark
and testimonial to the resiliency of the people who live here
and their ability to climb over obstacles and achieve great things.
Carrie Lane Chapman Catt Girlhood Home
The Carrie Chapman Catt Girlhood Home, near Charles City, is on the National Register of Historical Places. It has been lovingly restored as a Woman Suffrage Museum. The home is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and by appointment. E-mail catthome@usa.net or telephone 641-228-3336 and leave a message for additional information. Further information on the Carrie Lane Chapman Catt Girlhood Home & Museum, check out the website at www.catt.org
Suspension Bridge
The Suspension bridge, known to many as the “Swinging Bridge”, has been part of Charles City’s landscape since 1906. The 270-foot suspension bridge was built over the Cedar River in 1906 and is one of the oldest brides of its kind in Iowa. In October of 1989, the bridge which is located off the west end of Clark Street in Charles City was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Floyd County Historical Society
Museum
The Floyd County Historical Society Museum underwent a major expansion
project in 1997 to accommodate the recent acquisition of two rare, Charles
City built Hart-Parr tractors - one of the first implements powered by
a gasoline engine and designed for agricultural and industrial use. The
museum's collection of 10,000 items is displayed in the 33,000-square-foot
building where Dr. Joseph Salsbury founded Salsbury Laboratories, one
of the nation's leading companies in the development and manufacturing
of animal health medicines. Exhibits highlight Dr. Salsbury's work and
Charles City's important role in the agricultural industry and feature
a complete 1873 pharmacy, a pioneer log cabin, period rooms and several
unique collections. Contact Mary Ann Townsend at (641) 228-1099 for more
information or
www.floydcountymuseum.org.
Rockford Fossil & Prairie Park and
Visitor Center
In neighboring Rockford, is the 400 acre Fossil & Prairie Park noted
for its seemingly endless array of fossils from the Devonian Period. The
new Fossil & Prairie Center provides interpretation of the park's
unique features: Devonian fossils, native prairie, Winnebago River, and
the Rockford Brick & Tile Company kilns. The Center hours are 1:00
- 4:00 P.M. daily (weekdays and weekends) Memorial Day through Labor Day
or by appointment. Prairie Heritage Days are held in October. For more
information, contact the Center at 641-756-3490 or
www.fossilcenter.com
Arts and Entertainment
Cultural and Entertainment District
Charles City is also rich with cultural opportunities thanks
to several unique attractions, special events, and music and
drama organizations such as the Charles City Singers, Charles
City Municipal Band, outdoor art festival, dance troupes and
Stony Point (drama) Players.
- On other entertainment fronts,
the 1935 art deco Charles Theater shows first-run movies in style,
and the Charles City Arts Center, located in the community's
renovated 1904 Carnegie Library, houses a permanent art collection,
traveling exhibits and offers many arts-related programs. For
more information on the Arts Center, contact
Nicole Fullard
at (641)
228-6284.
The Arthur Mooney Art Print Collection is housed in the Charles City Library. It includes fine art prints by
artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, Matisse, Thomas Hart Benton and Salvador Dali to name but a few.
In 2000, the Library was remodeled and a gallery constructed for permanent exhibition of the Mooney Collection.
The Art gallery is open during regular Library hours.
Festivals and Events
Charles City hosts dozens of festivals and events throughout the year
which attracts thousands of residents and visitors, including, Cedar River Canoe Float, Tractor Festival, America's
Hometown 4th of July Celebration, Floyd County Fair, Art-A-Fest, Pioneer Days, Spookwalk, Classic Christmas with the Holiday Lighted
Parade, Summer Band Concerts and
Party-in the-Park
to name a few.
- Charles City's year-round calendar
of events and special activities offer something for everyone
and serves as yet another testimonial to the community's positive
attitude and ongoing efforts to create, promote and celebrate
a quality of life that's second-to-none. The community calendar can be viewed by clicking here.
Community Services
Following is a listing of the major community services offered
in Charles City. For information about a specific service not
listed on this Web site, please contact the Charles City Chamber
of Commerce at (641) 228-4234.
Ambulance
Charles City and the surrounding area is served by American Medical
Response (AMR), which operates out of the Charles City Fire Station
at 704 South Grand Avenue. Three ambulances provide both emergency
response and transfer service.
In case of emergency, dial 911, otherwise the AMR office can be reached at (641) 228-4772.
Day Care
For a complete list of registered day care centers in Floyd County,
please contact Child Care Coordination Referral Services, Exceptional
Persons, Inc., 760 Ansborough Avenue, P.O. Box 40900, Waterloo,
IA 50704, or call (319) 233-0804, (or) call toll-free at 1-800-475-0804.
Fire Department
The Charles City Fire Department, located at 704 South Grand
Avenue, is staffed on a regular basis by eight paid, full-time
firefighters and supplemented by 19 volunteer firefighters. In
addition to the City's pumper, aerial trucks and a rescue boat,
there is access to the St. Charles Township-owned tanker, pumper
and mini-pumper, as well as a ski-jet operated by the Sheriff's
Department, and a County-owned Multi-Emergency Response Vehicle
(MERV).
Gas and Electric Services
MidAmerican Energy Company provides electricity and gas service
to Charles City. For service, please call (641) 228-3043 or toll-free
at 1-800-253-1097, 24 hours a day.
Human Services
The local office of the Department of Human Services is located
at 1206 South Main Street in Charles City, (641) 228-5713.
Law enforcement
All law enforcement agencies within Charles City and Floyd County,
as well as animal control, disaster services, and the Iowa State
Patrol are all dispatched out of a modern communications center
located within the police department in the City Hall Building
of Charles City, located at 105 Milwaukee Mall.
The Charles City Police Department - 13 full-time officers and 7 reserve officers - is under the direction of Police Chief Mike Wendel. The Police Department can be reached in an emergency by dialing 911. For other questions, call (641) 228-3366.
The Floyd County Sheriff's Department and County Jail are under the direction of Sheriff Rick Lynch, and are located on the fourth floor of the Floyd County Courthouse at 101 Main Street. In case of emergency, dial 911, otherwise the sheriff's department can be reached at (641) 228-1821.
Library
The Charles City Public Library, 106 Milwaukee Mall Street, offers an
extensive reference collection, Internet access and genealogical section
to go along with its fine printed, audio and video book collection. Summer
hours are from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 p.m.
until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. In the winter, the library is open
from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 1 p.m. until
5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The library also offers between
the months of October and April to residents unable to get to the library.
Housed in the library is the Zastrow River Room, a 150-person meeting
room with kitchenette. Also located in the library is the Arthur Mooney
Art Collection which includes works by Picasso, Rembrandt, Alexander Calder,
James Whistler and Grant Wood. For more information, please call the library
office at (641) 257-6319 or e-mail vruzicka@charles-city.lib.ia.us.
Licenses
Driving - State of Iowa
driver's license exams and license cards are available
in Charles City every weekday, except holidays, from 8:30 a.m. until
4 p.m. at the County Treasurer's office and driving tests are given on
Wednesdays or by appointment. For further information, call (641)
257-6121.
Vehicle registrations, renewals and titling are handled in the Motor Vehicle Department on the first floor of the Courthouse, which is open Monday through Friday, except on holidays, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Fishing, hunting and recreation vehicles - Fishing and hunting licenses, as well as permits for boats, snowmobiles and ATV's are all available through the Recorder's office on the second floor of the Floyd County Courthouse, 101 South Main Street. Business hours are from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except holidays. Fishing and hunting licenses are also available at K-Mart, 1405 South Grand Avenue, Schueth Ace Hardware, 300 Gilbert Street and Theisens, 803 Kelly Street.
Marriage - Marriage licenses are available through the Clerk of Court's Office on the second floor of the Floyd County Courthouse, 101 South Main Street. Office hours are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for holidays.
Meals on Wheels
Noon meals are available Monday through Friday for elderly or
homebound individuals. The meals are prepared by Floyd County
Memorial Hospital and delivered by local volunteers. For more
information, contact Floyd County Memorial at (641) 228-6830.
Media
Newspapers. The Charles City Press, a GateHouse Media, Inc. paper, is published Monday through Friday except postal holidays by the Charles City Press at 801 Riverside, Charles City, Iowa 50616. Two shoppers published weekly by the Charles City Press are the Northeast Iowa Shopper and the Extra. The Charles City Press office can be reached at 641-228-3211 or by email to editor@charlescitypress.com
Radio. KCHA AM & FM Radio are located at 95.9 and 1580 on the FM and AM dial, respectively. KCHA is a station of the ClearChannel radio network. The KCHA office and studio can be reached at (641) 228-1000. Website http://www.river959.com
Television. Charles City has no locally-based television stations but is covered on a regular basis by KIMT-TV (Channel 3, CBS) located in Mason City, KWWL-TV (Channel 7, NBC) in Waterloo, KCRG-TV (Channel 9, ABC) in Cedar Rapids, and KAAL-TV (Channel 6, ABC) in Austin, Minnesota.
Cable TV. The Charles City area is served by Mediacom with an office located at 314 North Main Street in Charles City. The telephone number is (641) 228-1776.
Postal Delivery
City, rural and post office box mail delivery are available in
Charles City Monday through Saturday, except on holidays. Residents
moving to Charles City or changing addresses within the City
should contact the Charles City Post Office located at 500 North
Main Street, (641) 228-3233.
The business window is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. The lobby area, which includes stamp vending machines, a copy machine and access to P.O. Boxes, is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Drive-up local, out-of-town and package mail boxes are located behind the post office and their contents are picked up at various times of the day prior to the dispatch time Monday through Friday at 4:45 p.m. and Saturday at 3:45 p.m.
Local ZIP codes include Charles City - 50616, Bassett - 50645, Colwell - 50620, Elma - 50628, Floyd - 50435, Ionia - 50645, Marble Rock - 50653, Nashua - 50658, New Hampton - 50659, Nora Springs - 50458, Osage - 50461, Rockford - 50468 and Rudd - 50471.
Recycling
Under Charles City's recycling program, recyclable materials are collected
weekly. Each household has been provided with a twenty-two gallon blue
recycling bin and lid. Clean and dry recycled material, except container
glass, is to be placed into the bin. Acceptable recycled material includes
bundled newspaper, magazines, office paper, bulk business (junk) mail,
cardboard, tin/steel, plastic containers (no lids) number 1, 2, 3 , 4,
5, & 7, and aluminum. All material (except glass) is to be placed
loose and mixed together inside the recycling bin. Clean clear, green,
or brown container glass with no lids is to be placed loose (not in a
plastic bag) next to the recycling bin at the curb on the day of collection.
Similar programs exist in the other cities of Floyd County. Also, there
is a paper products' drop-off facility at Jendro Sanitation (228-3525)
on the east end of Thirteenth Avenue.
Senior Center of Charles City
The Charles City Senior Center provides a number of resources
and activities for senior citizens, including blood pressure
clinics, fitness classes, income tax counseling, congregate meals,
holiday get-togethers and a number of other programs. The Senior
Center is located at 900 Hulin Street and can be reached by calling
(641) 228-6354.
Telephone Service
The Charles City area is served by Qwest Communications and also by Cedar
Rapids based McLeod USA.
To order local service from Qwest Communications for your home, contact U S WEST during its business hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 1-800-244-1111. To order local service from Qwest Communications for your business, call 1-800-603-6000. For telephone repair service, call 1-800-573-1311 for home repairs and 1-800-954-1211 for business repairs. To obtain a copy of the U S WEST Direct telephone directory for the area, call (641) 423-7575 (Mason City office) or call toll-free at 1-800-835-9046.
To order local service from McLeod USA for your home, McLeod USA can be contacted 24 hours a day, Monday through Sunday at 1-800-500-3453. To order local service from McLeod USA for your business, call 1-800-500-3003. To obtain a copy of McLeod USA's telephone directory for the area, call 1-800-500-3453.
Cellular service is available through U.S. Cellular and Midwest Wireless. U.S. Cellular agents include Circle K Communications (641-228-2183) and Charles City Electronics, Bike and TV Service, Inc (641-228-3125). Midwest Wireless is located at 201 North Main Street (641-228-4228).
For directory assistance, dial
1+411 within the local calling area, or 1+(area code)+555-1212
for outside the local calling area.
Telephone books can be picked up at the Community Development offices at 401 North Main Street, Charles City.
Time and Weather Conditions
Current time and weather conditions are available from Charles
City Aeronautics at (641) 228-7069.
Transportation
Charles City Taxi, 1000 Court Street, (641) 228-6846.
Waste Disposal
Waste disposal and rubbish collection in Charles City is handled
by Jendro Sanitation Services, Inc., (641) 228-3525, and includes
residential, commercial, industrial and institutional services.
Water and Sewer
Water and sewer service are provided by the City of Charles City.
Contact the City Hall business office, located at 105 Milwaukee
Mall Street, (641) 257-6300.
Well Elderly/Senior Health
Clinics
Health screenings performed on the first and third Wednesday
of each month or by appointment. Available for individuals or
groups, on or off-site. For more information, call Community
Nursing at (641) 257-6848. There is no charge for this service,
but donations are accepted to help replace supplies.
HEALTH-RELATED
SERVICES - MEDICAL FACILITIES
Following is a list of the major health services and medical
facilities serving the Charles City area. Numerous physicians,
surgeons, dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, physical therapists,
oncologists, chiropractors, massage therapists and other specialists
also practice in Charles City. For more information, contact
the Charles City Chamber at (641) 228-4234.
FLOYD COUNTY
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Currently undergoing a $3.5 million renovation, Floyd County
Memorial Hospital, located at 700 11th Street in Charles City,
provides a wide-range of hospital services, both in-patient and
out-patient, including emergency room service 24 hours a day.
The hospital has five family practice physicians, four physician
assistants, one general surgeon and one orthopedic surgeon on
staff, as well as health professionals who provide audiology
exams, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and speech therapy.
The facility also provides a wide range of clinics, utilizing
the expertise of out-of-town doctors who visit the community
on specific days each month, including specialists in endocrinology,
neurology, nephrology, oncology, orthopedic podiatry, cardiology
and urology. Psychology counseling, cataract and eye surgery,
and an ear, nose, and throat clinic are also offered by visiting
specialists.
The hospital is equipped with some of the most advanced technologies available, including teleradiology, CT scanning, Lo Rad IV mammography and other state-of-the art medical facilities.
The hospital's community nurses provide skilled nursing home visits, pre-natal and post-natal home care, enterostomal therapy nursing, diabetes education and communicable disease awareness programs. They also conduct immunization, blood pressure and well elderly/senior health clinics on a regular basis and organize community health fairs for area clubs, organizations and schools.
Located next to the hospital at 1501 Main Street is the Charles City Family Health Center and Community Family Health Clinic.
For more information, contact Floyd County Hospital at (641) 228-6830.
E-mail: fcmh@willowtree.com.
Community Nursing
The Floyd County Community Nursing Program promotes optimal physical
and emotional well-being for residents of Floyd County. They
maintain and restore health through caring and working with other
health professionals as well as encourage self-sufficiency and
incorporate disease or disability into daily lifestyles.
Services are available to everyone
in Floyd County seven days a week. Home Care Aides and Skilled
Nursing Visits are also available upon request.
Call 641-257-6848 for more information.
Home Health Care
This non-profit service is available to anyone in Floyd County.
They assist with personal care, light housekeeping, laundry,
errands, grocery shopping, money management and tender loving
care. Sliding fee based on income.
For more information, call 641-257-6111.
Hospice Care
Hospice of North Iowa-Charles City Satellite
- offers a program designed to meet the special physical, emotional,
and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their family
members. It is located at 1003 Gilbert Street, (641) 228-1303.
Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care
Facilities
Charles City has three registered long-term care facilities.
- The Salsbury Baptist Home
- 807 5th Street
- (641) 228-1612
Two of the three are owned and operated by Chautauqua Guest Homes. These three facilities include:
9th Street Chautauqua
North 9th Street
(641) 228-535011th Street Chautauqua
11th Street
(641) 228-6041
Assisted Living
Port Charles Assisted Living
Port Charles offers a supportive
quality of life for the older adult—the care that you need, the independence
that you desire. Services provided include 24-hour available staff, maintenance-free
living, weekly housekeeping, and three meals daily. Handicapped accessible
apartments are also available. Located at 801 Blunt Parkway. Contact:
Dennis Sanvig at 641-257-3003, e-mail address is pcal@fiai.net.
Riverside Assisted Living
Riverside Assisted Living
is located at 209 Park Drive. Call 228-2800 for information about this facility.
Residential Center for Seniors
The Starr Home, located at 302 North Grand, is a residential center for
seniors that offers independent living with meals and housecleaning services
available if desired. For more information, call (641) 228-7336.
Congregate Housing for Seniors
The Charles City Housing Authority, through a federal grant,
offers a congregate housing program for seniors. For more information,
contact the Charles City Housing office at (641) 228-6661.
HOUSING
For detailed information about housing in Charles City, contact
the Charles City Housing office at (641) 228-6661.
What's Currently Available
Classified listings of homes and apartments for rent are printed
Monday through Saturday in the Charles City Press classified
section, and on Tuesdays in the
Northeast Iowa Shopper.
Both of these publications are published by the Charles City
Press, 801 Riverside Drive, (641) 228-3211. The average time
on the market for a home is 6 - 10 weeks.
Housing Development Areas
High demand for home sales has contributed to an increase in
building activity in Charles City, and has promoted the development
of new subdivisions.
Allied Construction Co. Park Avenue Project
Developer: Allied Construction Co.
Park Avenue
Charles City, IA 50616
Phone: 1-800-471-6597 or 641-228-6597 (Parson Real Estate Company)
Located on the east edge of Charles City. City levy portion of property taxes will be rebated over 3 years at 75%, 50%, & 25% and one year free water, sewer, & garbage with purchase.Cedar Ridge Subdivision
Developer: Jim Hilgendorf
Phone: 641-357-4267
Cedar Ridge is a $1.6 million development that features 1,400 to 1,900 sq. ft. townhouses. The subdivision is located at 2100 East Clark St. Lawn care and snow removal will be provided by the Cedar Ridge Townhouse Association for a nominal monthly fee.Oak Creek Estates
Developer: Doug and Jean Ann Kamm
Clark Street, immediately East of Charles City corporate limits
Phone: 641-228-1111 (Larry Stewart Realty)
Oak Creek Estates is comprised of 22 one to two-acre lots immediately available for building. Located near the Cedar Ridge Golf Course, Oak Creek combines amenities of country living with proximity to Charles City services and businesses.Siems Addition
Developer: Dale M. Siems
Sunset Place
Charles City, IA 50616
Phone: 641-228-7794 or 641-228-1126
The Siems addition is composed of 1 acre lots with blacktopped streets. It is a 4-1/2 minute drive from downtown Charles City.
Average Prices for Homes and
Apartments
Homes - The majority of homes
in Charles City fall in the pricing range of $60,000 - $110,000, with
an average price of $70,000. Over the past few years, there has been indication
that the number of homes in the upper value ranges have risen whereas
the numbers in the below $39,000 category have decreased.
Apartments - There are 16 apartment complexes in Charles City with a total of 518 units (190 of which are only for the elderly). Average apartment rates are $150 per bedroom.
Housing Incentives
Both the City of Charles City and the County of Floyd each offer
tax rebate programs for new housing construction. Eligible participants
in the programs must reside in the house, with the structure
either inside the city limits for the City rebate, or outside
of any incorporated town limits and within the county for the
County's rebate. The City of Charles City also offers a new residential
subdivision reimbursement program for water hook-up. For more
information, contact City Hall at (641) 257-6300 or the Floyd
County Auditor at (641) 257-6131.
Assisted and Subsidized Housing
The City of Charles City offers public housing for the elderly,
handicapped and disabled at two complexes which feature 132 units
which are primarily one-bedroom. "Section Eight," "Voucher
Program," and "236 Program" subsidized housing
for the elderly, disabled and low-income families are also available
through the Charles City Housing Authority. For more information,
contact the Charles City Housing office at (641) 228-6661.
Some private landlords offer subsidies in cooperation with the Department of Housing & Urban Development for the elderly and low-income residents. Check with the landlord or contact the Charles City Housing office for more information.
Independent Living Project
Charles City IHA is a 24 unit
independent living project consisting of spacious one bedroom apartments.
It contains a community room and kitchen with an interior hall connecting
all units. All apartments have outside access to its own patio. Rental
assistance is available. Contact Julie Joyner at (641) 228-5471.
