Dear Visitor:

Welcome to Hardin County, Iowa. You have discovered a place of history, where people are in touch with their cultural and the natural resources.

When you come to Hardin County, you will be coming to the western entrance to the Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, a living landscape of communities, people and resources.

Here you will find some of the richest soils in the world along the pristine Iowa River. You can canoe the entire length of the county. Or, you can enjoy a scenic drive along the river, traveling through our unique towns, taking in the historic architecture and ethnic heritage that have shaped our communities and our people. As you travel through the rural agricultural landscape, you can imagine the stories of the generations of families who have cultivated the land and created wonderful architectural structures like barns and silos.

It is peaceful and quiet here, which allows you to appreciate the magnificence of the land, and the beauty of the scenery.

Take your time when you visit. There are many lodging and camping opportunities. Hardin County is easily accessed by Interstate 35 or the newly completed U.S. Highway 20.

Historic Hardin County is the Heart of the Heartland.

We are proud of our state and we'd love to share it with you.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Vilsack Governor 2002	Sally J. Pederson Lt. Governor 2002