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Welcome to Humeston

Humeston is a rural, agricultural community nestled within the gently rolling fields of scenic southern Iowa. This charming and progressive community has many services and unique area attractions which will make your visit or move to the community a true delight.

Founded in 1872, Humeston has a

rich history in agriculture, community spirit

and working together to make a difference.

In our community, you will find a friendly small

town atmosphere combined with the

determination of a community focused

upon growth, opportunity and teamwork.

Our community has a wide variety of businesses including an antiques store, gourmet coffee shop, art gallery, variety store, automotive repair, banking, salons and beauty services, parks, historical attractions, restaurants, agri-businesses, gas stations, medical clinic, library, rv park, lakeside camping, a 9-hole sand green golf course, ice cream shop, insurance services, and our own community owned grocery store just to name a few.

Many other unique businesses and services can

be found in our business directory.

Humeston has much to offer!

Mormon Trail Elementary School

Mormon Trail Jr./Sr. High School

First Baptist Church

Christian United Methodist Church

Front Street Market

See our video below! 

Humeston Promotional Video

A Promotional Video for the community of Humeston. Highlighting the beauty and the location of this wonderful community.

Staying at Honey Creek State Park?

Experience a scenic drive through beautiful southern Iowa

From Honey Creek Resort State Park to Humeston

Exit Honey Creek

Turn left on J18             4.5 miles

Turn left on Hwy S70    2.5 miles

Turn right on J18           4.7 miles

Turn left on S56            1.4 miles

Turn right on J22           9.7 miles

Turn left on Hwy 14        .5 miles

Turn right on J22         10.4 miles

Turn right on Hwy 65      .2 miles

Please be sure to sign our Guest Book!

Maryann Hunt said on Jul 30, 2016 8:24 AM

What an absolutely delightful video of you cute little town. Very welcoming and the flowers are delightful. We are renting a home here for a week and look forward to strolling the town.

Barb Moe said on May 8, 2016 5:23 AM

My husband, Dave, and I moved to Humeston right after he graduated from Iowa State. He became the Voc Ag teacher at Mormon Trail and the wrestling coach. In the 3 years there we had 2 beautiful girls. One house was across the street from Wiltermuths or something like that. Wonderful people. Grandma Coffee was another neighbor at another house. Can someone email me if you remember us. Thanks. (bmoe@geneseo.net)

Harold Millard said on Mar 7, 2016 8:28 PM

I was raised on a farm 5 miles south on Highway 65 and 3 miles west. I graduated from Humeston High School's class of 1945. My classmates were Dick Humeston, Barbara McKinnney, Beverly Barger. Wamda Pool, Joe Doze, Phylis Gibson, Gene Gardner and Curt Bennet. I have many fond memories of Humeston.

Catherine Bretz Selby said on Nov 25, 2015 0:46 AM

I have spent many a summers and holidays in Humeston. My grandparents were AC (Admiral or Ad) & Elsie Bretz. They had a farm outside of town most of my childhood but then moved to town. Snyders was always the highlight of our visits and my mother ended up with lots of jewelry from there for her birthday or Mother's Day. I have lots of fond memories of the small town hospitality that is offered in Humeston. Thank you for all the memories.

Kendall Kinnear said on Jul 7, 2015 3:43 AM

My family was from Humeston. My Grandfather, George Garton, owned a bank there and two or three farms. My parents had the Ben Franklin Store there which we sold in 1960. We recently moved my mother and found a painting of the train depot that was given to my Grandfather. I'd love to donate it to the museum if there is any interest. I'll always have fond memories of Watermelon Days and living next to the Gardner's motel.

Louise P Lemon said on Jun 28, 2015 9:51 PM

We've been invited to visit your town. We are really looking forward to seeing and experiencing the beauty, serenity and genuine hospitality we've heard happens there.

Kathleen Argabright said on Jun 23, 2015 3:00 AM

I lived off and on with my step fathers parents, Mary and "Guess em" Ellis, who owned and operated a restaurant "downtown" close to a feed store and the local movie show. Way back in the 50's. I was Kathi Ellis then. Many nostalgic memories of Humeston.

Brenda Elder said on Feb 26, 2015 10:48 PM

My great great grandparents were from Humeston, IA. I have pictures of Wabash Ave. that I would like to share with a historical society in your area. How would I go about sending the photo to someone that might like to have it?

Kim Howard said on Oct 4, 2014 0:57 AM

My dad, Carlos R. Brown was born there in 1925. I know that there is still family in the area. I would love to get in touch with them. My grandfather and grandmother were Charles and Edith Brown. Edith's maiden name was Chipman (i think). She had two sisters, Ethel and Mabel (Betty). My dad had one brother Orval and one sister Bonnie. Thank you

Lawson Lynne Clark said on Apr 28, 2014 7:02 AM

My great grandfather was Joseph E. Doze and my great uncle was Lynne K. Doze. My grandmother was Lora Doze Clark. My father was Paul Doze Clark.

Charlie said on Apr 16, 2014 5:49 AM

I am a drifter ,ex military, that has bn everywhere. I am LDS and have workd as a ranchhand throughout the west. While "drifting" ,i was taken in and made to feel like family. There are alot of nice people in Humeston. To the people there i met , Thanks.

Harold Condra said on Feb 17, 2014 11:22 PM

I began my career in education at Mormon Trail Junior High 50 years ago this coming fall. I enjoyed that experience very much.

PATRICIA EVANS HARRIS said on Nov 2, 2013 1:24 AM

I WAS RAISED ON A FARM SOUTH OF HUMESTON. IT IS STILL MY HOME TOWN. WONDERFUL VIDEO AND WEB SITE. HELLO TO ALL THE GREAT PEOPLE OF HUMESTON.

Kolleen Stander said on Oct 30, 2013 0:23 AM

I moved to Humeston a year and Nine months ago..I have lived in this area, Leon,Lineville since jr. high..I love humeston the most..They took me in like I always belonged..Thats just how it is here with this community to everyone who enters.

Kolleen Stander said on Oct 29, 2013 11:16 PM

I moved to Humeston a year and Nine months ago..I have lived in this area, Leon,Lineville since jr. high..I love humeston the most..They took me in like I always belonged..Thats just how it is here with this community to everyone who enters.

Carroll Eugene Vaughn said on Jun 23, 2013 10:18 PM

Born in Leon and raised in Humeston. Left at the age of 13 when my parents Raymond and Maxine moved to Calif.

Claire Brue said on Apr 14, 2013 8:42 PM

I live near Des Moines but am not an Iowa native & had never heard of Humeston. Some good friends of ours from Union County said they went to Humeston. I was curious & googled your town. After seeing the video I hope to make a visit there soon to check out your Broad St. shopping area. What a great small town!

Donovan H. Ellis / 02/13/2013 said on Feb 14, 2013 1:40 AM

Humeston is my hometown and my families roots run deep in Humeston, Richman and Washington Township and Wayne County. Marshall Richman was my great, great grandfather and Humeston will always be a special place to me. Excellent video! Thanks !

John Alexander said on Oct 9, 2012 6:32 AM

There is no city better..

Bruce Martin said on Aug 22, 2012 5:55 AM

I love the video. my mom grew up there. My Grandparents Daryl & Peggy Gardner owned the Standard Oil gas station and the Motel on Hwy 60 at the south end of town as well as the grocery store at one point. I was there for the Centennial and many watermelon days. I also remember walking to "the dog house" every time. we came up. wonderful to know that the town is still alive and glade to hear growing once again. it will always be a part of me.

Penny Donnelly said on Jan 8, 2012 8:24 AM

I was doing family research and have relatives who are listed in the 1880 census as living in Richman, IA. Curious about its location I looked it up on a map and found Humeston. Interesting because my family members I was looking up are Alvah and Monroe Humeston. So I loved being able to see the town in the video. Thank you.

Belinda Rachman, Esq. said on Aug 31, 2011 9:39 AM

I wanted to see where my friend Debbie Morgan lives. She is visiting me in CA and I just googled the name of her town and found this sweet video. What a lovely place.

Stephen Stripe said on Aug 14, 2011 1:47 AM

Very nice website. Humeston is the home town of my father, who passed away in 1972. We used to visit my grandmother many times during my childhood in Humeston. I have very fond memories of the town.

Jake and Nicole Hildebrand said on Jul 26, 2011 1:22 AM

Very nice website brought out the true nature of small town living.

marla davis said on Jul 7, 2011 5:33 AM

took some of my best friends to your great town for lunch and shopping. what a great time we had. they had no idea and where we were going. i was from chariton years ago and had lots of family in all of the cemetaries.around there. thanks marla davis altoona ia

Donna Shoemaker said on Jun 25, 2011 2:20 AM

My mother, Carolyn Evans, grew up in Humeston. Nice website and video, which you included some farm and farmhouse photos!

Sharon Bloom (Roe) said on Apr 20, 2011 9:13 PM

I grew up in Humeston. Lived there 1950-1967 Remember the Jimmys cafe that we used to stop by on the way home from school. And the Saturday night dances. And even a little bit of the Saturday night of music on the gazebo on the town street

Mike Yarbrough said on Apr 18, 2011 9:39 PM

Nice video. I hope to come soon to visit and research my family tree.

Will Davenport said on Apr 8, 2011 6:08 AM

AWESOME video,haven't attended a Watermelon Day for several years,but our 25 year class reunion is this year and plan to be there. This video REALLY makes me miss the simpler days of working and living there.

Dena Evans Dean said on Mar 19, 2011 6:15 PM

Great website - Finally can keep up with all the old news.

Sara (Moore) Ballard said on Feb 13, 2011 9:22 AM

Love coming "Home" to Humeston! Best little town in Iowa!

Donovan H. Ellis said on Oct 30, 2010 0:41 AM

Very nice and informative web site about my hometown.

Edward and Carol O'Keefe said on Aug 21, 2010 2:38 AM

We had the pleasure of visiting Humeston 2 years ago visiting our dear friends Sue and Dan White. What a great website! It brought back memories of our visit there. Wonderful community full of friendly people. It is nice to see the library complete with books-they were working on it when we visited.

Linda (Baker) Wicker said on Jul 17, 2010 10:40 PM

Nice website. Won't be there this year, but next year the 1961 graduating class of Mormon Trail High School will be having our class reunion on Watermelon Day Weekend and I will be there. Looking forward to it.

Pauline Williams said on Jul 17, 2010 6:12 PM

Well it is now the day of Watermelon and me, Joni and Wes will be starting out down there soon. Didn't miss it after all. See you all later.

Serena Patterson said on Jul 13, 2010 9:46 AM

Happy Watermelon Day! I won't be there this year, but I'm going to try for next year. I had a great childhood growing up in the parsonage next to the old Christian Church, across from the park, from 1964-1971. I'm glad to see the town thriving again.

Karen Abel-Trumper said on Jul 13, 2010 8:21 AM

I love going to Humeston and glad it was my hometown. Watermelon Day is a highlight in my summer months!! See you there!!

Betty Moler Sullivan said on Jul 10, 2010 8:13 PM

The MT Class of 1975 will have a wagon to ride on during the 10:30 parade on July 17. Classmates, find some black and gold and meet us at the SE corner of the square around 10. Hope to see many there. Stephanie has candy to throw out to the kids (or to eat, whatever).

Mitch Dahmke said on Jul 10, 2010 7:37 PM

Terrific website! Glad to see such terrific community spirit!

Ann Carter Gohman said on Jul 8, 2010 10:10 PM

I won't be there this year for HHS reunion and Watermelon Day. Our trip to the midwest this year was consumed with family affairs. I wish all well and good wishes. Have a great time everyone!

June Trisler Campbell said on Jul 7, 2010 6:11 PM

I always enjoy going home. I still have family there. I'm so happy that they still have Watermelon day. A great time to reunite with old friends.

Pauline Williams said on Jul 7, 2010 5:05 PM

Sorry I won't be with you this year, but I will be thinking of all my good friends and know you are having a good time. And lots of memories

Tiffany Andersen said on Jun 27, 2010 8:57 PM

I have only been to Humeston once so far but I completely fell in in love with your town! The people there are amazing, the shops are so nice, and the town is very clean. I can't wait till I'm back for Watermelon Day's Fun Run!

Allan Boswell said on Jun 13, 2010 11:17 PM

Very nice web site. The only problem is that it makes me homesick.

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