EVENTS & TOURISM
Experience the Heart of Iowa in Full Bloom
There’s always something happening in State Center—and we invite you to be part of it. From long-standing traditions like the State Center Rose Festival to seasonal markets, parades, and community gatherings, our calendar is packed with small-town charm and big community spirit.
Explore the rich history that sets us apart by visiting our local landmarks, including Watson’s Grocery Store, the 1880 Train Depot, and the One-Room Schoolhouse.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, passing through on Highway 30, or looking to reconnect with your roots, State Center offers a warm welcome and a meaningful experience.
Join the Festivities
Spring Beautification Days
Holiday Festival
Discover State Center
Where History, Hospitality, and Hometown Pride Meet
State Center offers visitors a refreshing blend of small-town charm, rich history, and welcoming community spirit. Known as the “Rose Capital of Iowa,” our town invites you to slow down, take in the scenery, and experience the stories that built this community.
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From our beautifully preserved historic landmarks—like Watson’s Grocery Store, the 1880 Train Depot, and the One-Room Schoolhouse—to our vibrant downtown and local events, there’s something here for history lovers, road trippers, and curious travelers alike.
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Whether you’re planning a stop on your way to Ames or Des Moines, or spending a full weekend exploring, you’ll find that State Center lives up to its name: At the Center of It All.
Watson's Grocery Store
A Glimpse into Community Life​
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Step through the doors of Watson's Grocery Store and be transported to a time when the local grocer was more than just a place to buy necessities – it was a hub of community interaction. This preserved storefront offers a fascinating look at the retail practices and daily life of State Center residents in the 1900’s. Imagine the aromas of fresh produce, the friendly banter between neighbors, and the importance of this local establishment.
Watson’s Grocery Store was built in 1895 and remained, virtually unchanged, until 1989. Soon after, the State Center Historical Society was formed to save Watson’s Grocery as a landmark and museum.
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Admission: Free
The 1880 Train Depot
Connecting State Center to the World
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The majestic 1880 Train Depot stands as a testament to the pivotal role railroads played in the development of State Center. State Center was, and is, a classic farm to market town, created by the arrival of the railroad. The 1880s train depot was brought to State Center from Zearing through a collaboration between the State Center Historical Society and the State Center Development Association.
This beautifully preserved depot evokes the era of steam engines and bustling passenger and freight traffic. Picture the excitement of arrivals and departures, the telegraph clicking with important news, and the depot serving as a vital link connecting our town to the broader national network.
The One-Room Schoolhouse
Echoes of Education's Past
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Experience the simplicity and dedication of education in a bygone era at our meticulously maintained One-Room Schoolhouse.
Step inside and imagine the lessons taught, the recitations practiced, and the sense of community fostered within its walls. This historical site offers a poignant reminder of the foundations of learning and the vital role of the teacher in shaping young minds in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.