The city’s name, Cresco, originates from the Latin word that stands for 'I Grow.' True to its name, the town has experienced rapid development ever since Augustus Beadle had the area surveyed and platted on June 12, 1866. Within six months of establishment, the city had already garnered a population of 1000 people. By 1890, Cresco had more than doubled in size. Fast-forward to today, and the town currently holds about 4000 people.
Initially, in 1856, Horace Barber laid the groundwork for Cresco by staking his claim to the property on which the town presently stands. After M.L. Shook purchased the property in this region, it became known as Shook's Grove. In 1866, Augustus Beadle was able to get title to the property he had long desired. After Beadle acquired the land, he successfully lobbied the railroad to extend into Cresco.
Cresco's rise to the county center may be traced back to the railroad, which served as the city's initial basis. New Oregon, Howard Center, and Vernon Springs, three adjacent towns, were compelled to uproot their whole economies and relocate to the new center. The rails were dismantled from Cresco and Howard County the year after passenger rail service terminated in 1983. The Milwaukee Road's engine, box car, flatbed, and caboose were sold, and only the one on display at Beadle Park remained.
Start by touring Beadle Park to see the remnants of the once-bustling railroad. Cresco offers a lot for its tourists in terms of fun activities, restaurants, and festivals. During one of your trips, you may be lucky enough to catch the Mower County Fair, packed with family-fun activities. Even when the festival isn't around, you can enjoy coffee at the Magpie Coffeehouse or grab a drink at Bubba’s Bar and Grille.
Santa’s Holiday Parade – This upcoming event is part of a long-standing tradition since 1982 which features a parade held in downtown Cresco on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
YMCA Maple Leaf Walk Run – This upcoming October event will help you get into shape and have fun.
Fall Festival Thursday – Enjoy live music from various choirs in this upcoming November event at Onalaska High School.
Fayette, Iowa, is home to one of Iowa's biggest state parks, the Volga River State Recreation Area. Within the recreation area's 5,500 acres, you'll find rolling hills dotted with trees, valleys, a river, and a lake. During the warmer months, many tourists usually flock to the area to hike and explore the woodlands. Additionally, the Volga River and Frog Hollow Lake are fantastic places to go fishing, boating, and enjoying other water sports. Once you’re done exploring, you can visit neighboring areas like Fayette, West Union, and Cedar Falls, which provide even more entertainment options.
Located on the scenic Mississippi River's backwaters is Merrick State Park. All campsites on the island and a few in the south campground offer direct river access, perfect for anchoring boats or casting a line. Two boat landings make it simple to launch boats of any size, and the surrounding trails stretch for three miles. When the weather is right, you can hire a canoe or kayak from the office.
George Wyth State Park houses 69 camping spots and over 11 miles of trails, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts in recent years. The longer, 80-mile route maintained by Waterloo and Cedar Falls is not far away, with several paths linking to it. George Wyth Lake and Brinker Lake are among the lakes in the area that are perfect for fishing and water sports.
Witness the birthplace of the 31st president of the United States at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The highlight of the tour is the two-room shack where Hoover and his Quaker family lived when he was a youngster. The nearby Quaker Friends meetinghouse, blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse are worth seeing if you're in the area. The museum provides a fascinating look at Hoover's rise from obscurity to the presidency and the obstacles he faced along the way.
Autumn Woods RV Park is conveniently located close to shopping destinations, golf courses, and restaurants. It also provides free internet, laundry services, and a meeting hall. Rochester/Marion KOA is another great campground with a heated swimming pool, a fire pit, and picnic tables. You can enjoy fun games at the site, including billiards and darts. For a more family-themed setting, you can visit Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort. Aside from its waterpark, the campground also hosts numerous events year-round. You can engage the family in outdoor games and activities during your stay.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Cresco, IA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Cresco?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Cresco from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Cresco?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.