RECREATION
Anamosa, Iowa’s location near the Wapsipinicon River and State Park provides excellent opportunities for recreation. The Hale Bridge is a historic structure erected in 1879 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Anamosa, IA is the birthplace of Grant Wood, a painter best known for his iconic American Gothic painting. The Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum showcases the history of the state’s largest prison. Fawn Creek Country Club and Wapsipinicon Country Club offer golfers of all skill levels challenges. Starlighters Theatre is dedicated to bringing the best live theater to eastern Iowa. Anamosa also hosts celebrations like the Vintage Motorcycle Rally, Anamosa Pumpkinfest and Christmas Tree Walk.
AMENITIES
Our diverse economy features major employers like Bennett Machine & Fabricating, Energy Manufacturing Company, NCI Building Systems, Oak Street Manufacturing and Polo Custom Products. Jones Regional Medical Center is also a major employer as the only hospital in Jones County. Students in K-12 are served by public and parochial schools including Anamosa Community School District and Monticello Community School District. Kirkwood Community College features an 885-acre campus with a working farm and vineyard/winery. In addition, the University of Iowa is also accessible.
CLIMATE
Located within a humid continental zone, the area normally experiences hot summers, cold winters and wet springs. Annual averages in Anamosa, Iowa are 38 inches of rain, 22 inches of snow and 188 days of sunshine each year.
HISTORY
Anamosa was founded as Buffalo Forks in 1838 and incorporated as Lexington in 1856. The name was changed to Anamosa in 1877 to avoid confusion as several towns were named Lexington at this time. There are numerous stories on how the name was chosen. In 1993, the Iowa State Legislature selected Anamosa as the Pumpkin Capitol of Iowa.