Titonka, Iowa
Titonka’s name, which is the Sioux Indian word for buffalo, commemorates a legendary buffalo hunt that took place in the area. The town of Titonka rose in the fall of 1898 with the coming of a railroad branch line from Garner. It was filed for record on January 4, 1899.
The town features a variety of attractions including Gruis Park, the unique Silo House on the southeast edge of the city, a variety of businesses, a swimming pool, and tennis courts. Section Gang Park in the southwestern part of the town features memorbilia commemorating the railroad and its workers, who served Titonka for 81 years. Indian Bluff Nature Trail and Deer Meadow is a national wildlife preserve on the banks of the Des Moines River. Maps for a walking tour of Titonka are available at City Hall and at area businesses.
Highlights
Visit the 5-story Silo House, which commemorates railroad workers, and Deer Meadow, a national wildlife preserve. Stop to see the Sculpture Garden, which features the centennial sculpture, A Furrow In Time, commemorating the early settlers of the community. The Gruis Park & Shelter House is available for community use, accompanied with a variety of playground equipment. Enjoy a drive through Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge from August 1 through the Friday of the third full week of September. There is an overlook trail, observation platform and hiking available year round in the Refuge. For more information, contact (515) 928-2850 or www.Titonka.com.
Works Cited
Much of the historical information was taken from Kossuth County history booklet. The information was compiled by Richard Schiek as part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Kossuth County and the “Kossuth on State” project, dedicated on July 13, 2001. There is a complete bibliography in the back of the Kossuth County History booklet.