CLAY COUNTY FAIR

The Clay County Fair is the go-to event in Northwest Iowa each September. For over 100 years, the Clay County Fair has grown bigger and better than ever. The fair, usually starting on the second Saturday in September, attracts more than 300,000 visitors. Those guests enjoy world-class grandstand entertainment, daily livestock and horse shows, more than $125,000 in free entertainment, thousands of competitive exhibits, the Goldstar Amusements Midway, every type of fair food one can imagine, hundreds of commercial vendors and the largest farm machinery display of any fair in the United States.The fair is a true community event, with a large percentage of the population working, volunteering, exhibiting or just enjoying the nine-day run.

Rough It

Clay County offers a variety of campgrounds for all types of campers. East Leach Park in Spencer has 100 electrical outlets and picnic tables. Outside city limits, visitors and residents can enjoy the natural beauty of Scharnberg Park, maintained by the Clay County Conservation Board. This 55-acre park features a 15-acre pond, 61 modern campsites and three cabins - available year-round. Electricity water, sewer, showers, cable television and wireless internet services are also available.

Historic Sites

A southern trip in Clay County can take you to Peterson, the original county seat of Clay County. The historic Kirchner family home, along with a pioneer fort and antique shops make the community a must-see stop for history buffs. Stop by the Clay County Heritage Center, which brings the past to life. Located in Spencer, the center houses two galleries and archives, and works to illuminate the varied history of Clay County and Northwest Iowa.

Go For A Drive

Follow the Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, a 36-mile loop which takes some surprising dips and turns as it moves through the rural towns of Peterson and Linn Grove. The Prairie Heritage Center, located outside of Peterson, is a great stop for families. InnSpiration Vines and Wines, on your way to Linn Grove, offers delicious libations in a beautiful natural setting.

Museums

Step back in time with a visit to the Parker House, located in Spencer. This 1916 Arts and Crafts period house and the adjacent Duroe Building show life in Clay County 100 years ago. The artifacts in the museum’s permanent collection date primarily from 1860-1950 including a rosewood piano, Victorian organ and 1918 LaFrance fire truck.

Peterson, at the south end of the county, also features a variety of museums. The first frame house built in Clay County is in the Kirchner Park Complex which includes the Machinery Museum, the Rock Forest Country School House, the Veterans Memorial and Jim’s History Barn.