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Union County Tourism

Creston • Afton • Lorimor • Cromwell • Arispe • Shannon City • Thayer

Seven towns, one county

From Creston, the regional hub of southwest Iowa, to small railroad and farm towns with shady parks and front-porch waves. Each one is worth the stop.

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County seat · Founded 1868 · Hwy 34

Creston

Founded on the railroad in 1868, Creston grew into the regional hub for business, education, health care and recreation in southwest Iowa. Trains still roll past the restored 1899 depot, Uptown is covered in murals, and Green Valley State Park is a bike ride away.

Don't miss

Restored Depot
Uptown Murals
McKinley Park
State Parks
Historic Village
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Hwy 34 & Hwy 169 · Center of the county

Afton

A friendly town square at the crossroads of Highways 34 and 169, and the gateway to Three Mile Lake. Afton is home to the Union County Fair and summer Tuesday nights in the park.

DON'T MISS

Three Mile Lake
Union County Fair
City Park Splash Pad

Small towns

Worth the detour

Quiet, mostly residential and full of stories. Pair any of them with a lake, a trail or a historic site nearby.

Lorimor

Seven miles north of Highway 34 on 169. Shady city park with a gazebo, and home of Watermelon Day every September.

Thayer

A quiet stop on the east edge of the county. Fish and camp at Thayer Lake, then visit the Mt. Pisgah pioneer site just up the road.

Cromwell

Founded as a planned railroad division point, until a water shortage scrapped the plan. Today it's a small residential town that hosts a fall Harvest Fest.

Arispe

Birthplace of Congressman H.R. Gross, famed as the "watchdog of the House." Stop for a picnic at the roadside park.

Shannon City

The town that moved. Shannon City started in Ringgold County, then relocated north into Union County after a fire. It sits right on the county line.

See all seven in a day

Highways 34 and 169 connect every town in the county. Grab a map at the Visitor's Center and make a day of it.

Start at the Visitor's Center

Maps of every town and local tips, right on Highway 34 in Creston. 

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