Buchanan County, Iowa is located in the northeastern part of the state and is bordered by Fayette, Delaware, Black Hawk, and Bremer counties. It has a population of approximately 20,000 people and covers an area of 463 square miles. According to wholevehicles.com, the county was established on December 21st, 1837 and is named after James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States.
The county seat is Independence and other cities include Fairbank, Quasqueton, Winthrop and Hazleton. The largest employers in Buchanan County are Tyson Foods which employs over 1,400 people; John Deere which employs over 1,000 people; and Agri-Industries which employs over 800 people.
Buchanan County offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy such as the historic Independence Depot Museum which houses artifacts from the area’s history as well as a library; the Wapsipinicon State Park which features camping sites as well as nature trails; and Lake Delhi which offers activities such as fishing or canoeing.
Famous people from Buchanan County include actor Wilford Brimley who was born in Quasqueton; musician Johnnie Lee Wills who was born in Winthrop; author Daniel Woods who wrote “The Life and Times of James Buchanan”; actress Jane Wyman who was born in Fairbank; singer-songwriter Justin Moore who grew up in Hazleton; and former U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley who was born in New Hartford.
In conclusion, Buchanan County offers visitors plenty to enjoy from its rich history to its outdoor activities to its famous residents. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure packed vacation you can find it in Buchanan County.
Climate and weather in Buchanan County, Iowa
According to mcat-test-centers.com, Buchanan County, Iowa has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy with temperatures averaging around 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit. Snowfall is common and can range from light dustings to heavier storms. Spring brings warmer temperatures ranging from 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit and is generally wetter than the other seasons with April being the rainiest month of the year. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures usually in the 70s to low 80s with occasional thunderstorms throughout the season. Fall is milder but still warm and is generally dry as well as sunny.
The average annual temperature in Buchanan County is 48 degrees Fahrenheit while the average annual precipitation is about 35 inches per year, mainly occurring in spring and summer months. The area also experiences high humidity levels during summer months, making it feel even warmer than it actually is due to the thick air that blankets the area during this time of year.
Buchanan County also experiences extreme weather conditions from time to time including severe thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, flooding, ice storms, blizzards, and extreme heat waves. Severe thunderstorms can occur any time of year but tend to be more frequent between April and September due to warm air masses combining with moisture from Gulf of Mexico which leads to thunderstorm development over Iowa. Tornadoes have been known to occur in Buchanan County as well although they are not common occurrences in this area of Iowa. Flooding can also be an issue if there has been a lot of rain or snow melt combined with poor drainage systems leading to water backing up onto roads or into homes or businesses. Ice storms are another winter phenomenon that can cause power outages due to downed trees or power lines as well as hazardous driving conditions on icy roads and sidewalks.
Buchanan County has a temperate climate which features four distinct seasons providing visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, biking or simply enjoying nature.
Transportation in Buchanan County, Iowa
Buchanan County, Iowa is home to a variety of transportation options for both locals and visitors alike. The county is served by two major highways, US Highway 20 and Iowa Highway 3. These highways make it easy to access the many attractions and destinations in the area. Additionally, Buchanan County is served by three airports: Waterloo Regional Airport, Cedar Rapids Airport, and Des Moines International Airport. All three airports offer flights to various domestic and international destinations, making traveling in or out of Buchanan County more convenient.
Those who prefer to travel by train can take advantage of Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer line which runs from Chicago through Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and on to Omaha. Public transportation options are also available in Buchanan County with several bus routes operated by the Greater Cedar Valley Transit Authority (GCTA). The GCTA offers routes throughout the county as well as connecting routes to nearby towns.
For those who prefer personal transportation, Buchanan County has plenty of car rental agencies located throughout the area as well as several taxi services that can be easily accessed online or through a mobile app. Carpooling is also an option for those who want to save money on gas while still getting around town efficiently.
Bicycling is popular in Buchanan County due to its flat terrain which makes it ideal for bike rides both around town and out into the countryside. There are several bike trails located throughout the county that range from easy paved paths to more challenging mountain biking trails with rocky terrain and dirt roads.
Buchanan County provides a variety of transportation options for those looking to explore its many attractions or simply get around town quickly and conveniently. Whether you prefer public buses or private taxis, car rentals or carpooling – there’s an option for everyone.
Cities and towns in Buchanan County, Iowa
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Buchanan County, Iowa is home to a number of cities and towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. Located in the western part of the county, Independence is the county seat and largest city in Buchanan County with a population of around 6,500. The city was founded in 1845 and is known for its historic downtown district which features several local shops and restaurants. Independence also has a number of parks and recreational areas including the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center where visitors can enjoy live shows year-round.
Waterloo is another major city located in Buchanan County with a population of over 68,000. This thriving metropolis has plenty to offer visitors including museums, theaters, shopping centers, restaurants, and more. Waterloo’s Riverfront Park is one of its most popular attractions which includes walking trails along the Cedar River as well as wildlife viewing areas.
Dunkerton is another small town located in Buchanan County with a population of around 500 people. This quaint community offers visitors charming shops, eateries, historical sites such as St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (built in 1917), and plenty of outdoor activities like camping or fishing at nearby Lake Waverly or hiking at nearby Big Woods State Park.
Quasqueton is another small town located in Buchanan County with approximately 500 residents. This quaint community offers visitors unique antique stores as well as restaurants like the Quasqueton Diner which serves up classic American cuisine like burgers and fries while providing views of the riverfront park area outside its windows.
Garnavillo is yet another small town located in Buchanan County with a population of around 800 people. This charming community offers visitors plenty to do including visiting Garnavillo Historical Museum which houses artifacts from early settlers to the area or taking part in outdoor activities such as fishing or kayaking on nearby Lake Delhi or hiking at nearby Yellow River State Forest Park.
Finally, Hazleton rounds out our list of notable cities and towns located within Buchanan County with a population estimated at around 500 people. Hazleton’s downtown area features several locally-owned boutiques perfect for finding unique gifts for friends or family back home while its parks provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking trails or bird watching spots throughout town.
Buchanan County provides visitors plenty to explore from bustling cities like Waterloo to charming small towns like Dunkerton or Hazleton – there’s something for everyone.