Nora Springs, IA

Nora Springs grew from water, a mill, and an argument over a name. The town began as Woodstock in 1857, then became Nora Springs after Edward Greeley agreed to improve the mill, build a store, and buy 20 acres if the name changed to Elnora; Edson Gaylord added “Springs” to the compromise. More than 100 natural springs drew early settlers, who built a dam and a commercial flour mill. Nearby Nora Junction later brought the Milwaukee and Rock Island rail lines, moving wheat into town and flour out.

ATTRTheMightyMan / CC BY 4.0

That history still shows up in the town’s layout. The Shell Rock River runs through Nora Springs, the city’s parks and trail system are linked by a pedestrian bridge, and Buffalo Days gathers people in the park beneath the old water tower. A Rock Island railroad underpass built in 1889 remains on South Hawkeye Street, another clue to how rail and river once set the town’s scale. Central Springs Community School District serves the area, while Mason City is about eight miles west on Highway 122. Start with the springs, then follow the river crossings and Hawkeye Avenue; the town’s story is still legible in that sequence.