About Us
"Small-town living at its finest!" Located in Palo Alto County in northwest Iowa on Highway 18, Ruthven is a quaint town with about 770 residents. Founded in 1884, Ruthven has been called the "Hub of the Wetlands" since five lakes are located within 10 miles of the community. Four miles north of town, Lost Island Lake offers visitors and residents a swimming beach, campground, cafe, resorts, public boat launches and beautiful hiking trails. Ruthven residents are proud of their K-12 public school, a well-kept public park and swimming pool, a public library, fire department, five churches, and a community care facility that has assisted- and independent-living units. Ruthven celebrates "Bully Bullhead Weekend" annually on the weekend following July 4th. The event includes a parade, a tractor ride, a kid's carnival, athletic tournaments, and of course, the bullhead fishing tournament..
