Charles City Chamber & Tourism

05/13/2026

PLEASE LEND A HELPING HAND! Charles City will observe a 'Day of Service' on Friday, May 15th, with everyone asked to do something of their choosing to help a neighbor, improve their neighborhood or assist in cleaning up their community. What you do is up to you!

A volunteer downtown cleanup organized by Main Street Charles City will be held Friday beginning at 4:30 p.m. People are asked to bring a broom or leaf blower and meet at Central Park. The more hands, the merrier! The Charles Theatre will be giving out free movie popcorn to all volunteers at its outdoor concession window between 4:30-6 p.m.

Other suggested ways to help include:
• Cleanup your storefront, front and rear entrances
• Wash your business windows – all floors
• Wash your neighbor’s windows (with permission) if they are unable
• Cleanup along the community recreational trail
• Park cleanup – any and all parks in town
• Parking lot cleanup (Adopt-A-Lot)
• Riverbank cleanup
• Help clean up a neighbor’s yard if they can’t (with permission)
• Take a neighbor to the store or run errands if they need assistance
• Clean up around the bushes along Gilbert Street
• Clean up around your family cemetery sites

Let's all pitch in and help make Charles City a little better for everyone!

05/13/2026

They're off to a great start!

05/12/2026

HOW FUN! A variety show is being planned for Saturday, July 4th, in Charles City at the Charles Theatre. See details for auditions below!

05/12/2026

Elementary school students in Charles City took time out Tuesday to help bring the new street mural on Blunt Street by Central Park to life with color! Under the supervision of artist Robin Macomber and the Town of Colors Committee, along with volunteers and teachers, the students brought their creativity and energy to the mural project. The unique 230-foot corn stalk mural will be touched up by Macomber and finished off by members of the general public at the May 29th Party in the Park event from 5-9 p.m.

05/12/2026

Share your tornado stories this Friday at the Community Center in Charles City!

05/12/2026

05/10/2026

Celebrate 25 years of the Fossil & Prairie Center with us!

Join us Sunday, May 10 from 12:30–4:00 p.m. as we celebrate 25 years of visitors, school groups, and historic preservation at the Fossil & Prairie Center.

Enjoy an afternoon of activities, memories, and community pride, including:

🦅 Bird Friendly Community designation ceremony for Floyd County
🎥 Preview the new season of Iowa PBS Road Trip Iowa: Hwy 18, featuring Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve
🦴 Explore new and updated displays inside the Fossil & Prairie Center
🎁 Enter drawings for great prizes featuring hidden treasures of Floyd County
📜 View documents, photos, and stories about the businesses and individuals who helped make the Center a reality
✨ And much more!

After celebrating Mother’s Day with your family, come celebrate with us as we commemorate 25 years of welcoming guests from across the world to the Fossil & Prairie Center.

05/08/2026

Celebrate Mom. Celebrate Local. Celebrate the moments that turn into memories.

As National Travel & Tourism Week comes to a close, we’re reminded that some of the best getaways are the simple ones. Like discovering a new favorite shop, sharing a meal together, enjoying time outside, or finding that perfect gift you didn’t even know you were looking for.

Whether you’re visiting Charles City for the weekend or spending Mother’s Day close to home, there’s something here for everyone. Shop for flowers, clothing, gifts, and more. Grab brunch, coffee, a craft beer, or a sweet treat and enjoy time with the people you love most.

From thoughtful gifts to quality time together, Charles City is the perfect place to treat Mom - or yourself - this weekend! 🌷


Travel Iowa
U.S. Travel Association
Iowa Travel Industry Partners

05/08/2026

GRAND OPENING! The Chamber Ambassadors were on hand Friday for the ribbon-cutting at the new Valvoline Express Care in Charles City. Located at 600 Gilbert St., the express oil change operation was purchased by Brittany Megrath (cutting the ribbon) in November, who brought the “best in class and trusted name” Valvoline brand with her. In addition to oil changes, Express Care will provide a full systems check of your vehicle – all while you stay in it. Megrath said it usually takes 10-12 minutes and you are on your way!

Friday’s grand opening festivities include swag giveaways, discount specials on oil changes, a car and motorcycle show, and food trucks. Watch for more on the Ambassador visit in an upcoming edition of the Charles City Press.

05/07/2026

National Travel & Tourism Week is the perfect time to celebrate one of Charles City’s true treasures - the Floyd County Museum!

From the iconic Hart-Parr tractors to the historic log cabin and Legel Drug Store, the museum brings Floyd County history to life through exhibits, artifacts, events, and research opportunities for visitors of all ages.

We’re proud to have such an incredible attraction right here in Charles City, and grateful for all the volunteers, supporters, and staff who help preserve and share our local history. Be sure to add the Floyd County Museum to your must-visit list during National Travel & Tourism Week and beyond!


Travel Iowa
U.S. Travel Association
Iowa Travel Industry Partners

05/07/2026

New banners have been installed along Main Street, featuring line-art designs inspired by different parts of the community, including local history, recreation, parks, art, and more.

The project was led by the Main Street Charles City Design Committee with support from local attractions, the Charles City Hotel/Motel Tax Commission, and the Floyd County Community Foundation.

Thank you to the City of Charles City Street Department for helping install the banners throughout downtown!

We're excited to have the new Main Street banners go up on the light poles today after a lengthy process by the Design Committee of Main Street Charles City to replace the old, faded ones. The new banners promote the various attractions in town, including Arts, History and our Parks. Thank you to all involved in creating them, and to the City Street Department crew for putting them up!

Both the Charles City Hotel/Motel Tax Tourism Grant and a Floyd County Community Foundation Grant helped in the funding of the new banners.