Welcome to Perry, Iowa: Where Culture + Community Thrive!

Strolling through downtown Perry, each step reveals people and places that honor the past and celebrate a vibrant future. Sculptures and public art installations that pay homage to the city’s railroad history, its industrial background, its agricultural underpinnings and its artistic character line the streets. Indeed, the city’s well-earned reputation as an arts community is evident in its galleries and artisan shops, as well as in the artwork that graces the walls of many downtown buildings.

Renovated historic structures house thriving businesses. Restaurants serving many types of food; shops selling a variety of goods; a movie theater showing first-run films; and spaces inviting you to sit for a spell dot the area.

This charming scene serves as a backdrop for a place where locals and visitors alike can share community and culture during day-to-day life or at one of the many special events that take place in Perry.

From a Farmers Market downtown each Thursday from June to September to live music and multiple art fairs, the opportunity to connect with creativity and meet friendly people spans the calendar.

Perry is a great place to do business. Its healthy and diverse economy includes large manufacturers, service providers and small businesses. A bustling downtown, as well as business and commercial parks, are part of the strong foundation. A history of public/private partnerships are forward-looking and have made the community stronger.

When it comes to recreation, the area’s natural surroundings provide opportunities to bike and hike, explore local parks or swim at the community center.

This special place with a small-town feel is just a stone’s throw away from larger cities and has retail options including home décor and home improvement stores, handmade art vendors, gift shops, antiques sellers and clothing boutiques among others.

The Perry area is a food-lover’s oasis with many options from authentic cuisine from around the world to traditional favorites and comfort food. Perry’s changing demographics has created an increased demand for not only sourcing ingredients but also an opportunity to showcase global specialties. Savvy entrepreneurs have opened restaurants, breweries, outdoor streeteries, food trucks and small-scale grocery stores, serving up food and otherwise hard to find items.

Location

Perry is located just 40 miles northwest of the Des Moines metro, 40 miles southwest of Ames, and within a short day’s drive of such major Midwest cities as Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Omaha and St. Louis. Not far from the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 35, or the Des Moines International Airport, Perry is well positioned for commuters, day trippers, and world travelers.

With great recreational trails, a vibrant art scene, shopping, restaurants, educational opportunities and more, Perry offers a friendly, small-town environment just a short drive from larger cities. An affordable cost of living and loads of small-town charm are why some 8,000 people call Perry home and many more visit each year.

Its proximity to metro areas and connection to many transportation networks – motor vehicle, air, and rail – has enabled Perry to build a strong manufacturing base with industries ranging from meat processing to agriculture equipment production and more, with easy access to major Midwestern cities and global markets.

Perry’s Rich History and Bright Future

Perry, Iowa, was founded in 1869. It was built and thrived as a railroad town ideally situated in a rich agricultural area. Brothers John and Harvey Willis laid out the original town plat of 220 acres, donating five to the Des Moines Valley Rail Road – which was planning to extend its service to Fort Dodge – for a depot. The new town was named after Colonel Perry, a railroad official from Keokuk, Iowa. Train service began on July 4, 1869, and eventually the Rock Island and the Milwaukee railroads ran through Perry.

While the railroads ceased running through Perry and surrounding towns in the late 1970s, the former tracks have been converted to biking and walking trails that allow residents and visitors to enjoy well-maintained paths for miles.

From its humble beginnings, Perry grew into a market center to provide products and services to the surrounding countryside, as well as smaller nearby communities. Being recognized as the ideal location for light and heavy industries, as well as wholesale and retail operations, Perry expanded and prospered.

From a population of 952 people in 1880, it grew to more than 7,000 in 1980. The growth has continued even as population in many rural towns has declined. People living in Perry have access to good jobs at home or choose to commute to the Des Moines metro area for work. Manufacturing and food processing have boosted the local economy, as have the many commercial and professional businesses located here. Great city services and other amenities make Perry a great place to call home.

While the city honors its rich history, it is always moving forward. As public and private partnerships continue to thrive here, the Perry community looks forward to future growth.

Collaboration and partnerships among community organizations is the key to so much of our success. A dedicated staff and passionate volunteer network work to improve and strengthen the community and businesses, big and small. Whether you’re looking to start or grow your business, vacation in “Perrydise” for a short stay, or even relocate to our great community – the Perry Chamber of Commerce is here to help.