Ainsworth, IA

Ainsworth got its start in 1858 as a stop along the new railroad line crossing Washington County. Named after its founder, D. H. Ainsworth, the town quickly developed a reputation for looking out for its own. One favorite piece of local lore involves an early dispute with the railroad: after a train passed through without letting locals board, residents coated the tracks with soft soap, forcing the return engine to slide to a halt. That neighborly, tight-knit spirit still defines the community today.

ATTRFarragutful / CC BY-SA 4.0

At the center of town, the historic Ainsworth Opera House continues to serve as the main gathering place for local events and celebrations. Families are part of the Highland Community School District, with elementary classes held in neighboring Riverside and the middle and high school campus situated in the countryside between the two towns. It is a quiet, comfortable place to put down roots, offering a relaxed small-town pace while keeping you close to surrounding communities.