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Frequently asked questions

Altoona, IA

Altoona is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States, and part of the Des Moines metropolitan area. It is home to the Adventureland amusement park and Prairie Meadows horse racing track and casino.

Anthony Yant first settled in what is now Altoona in 1854, the same year Gilbert T. Taylor settled there. The land was originally surveyed in 1847 and put up for sale by the US government in 1848, but it took six years to sell. After many sales between different families, the Davis family ended up with the land on February 1, 1868.

The Davises hired surveyor Julian B. Bausman to lay out the city. He is also credited for giving the city its current name. Altoona is named for the Latin word for "high," altus, after surveyor Julian B. Bausman discovered Altoona was the highest point on the Des Moines Valley Railroad between Des Moines and Keokuk.

The plot was recorded on July 30, 1868, and the Post office opened the next day. When the Rock Island Railroad came to Altoona in September of that year, they referred to Altoona as Yant, the city's original name. Altoona was incorporated as a city on March 11, 1876.

By the turn of the 20th century, Altoona could almost be classified as a coal camp. United Mine Workers of America Local 407 was organized in Altoona in 1897, and by 1902, it had 61 members. This was close to 20 percent of the town's population at the time.

On May 5, 2003, the Altoona City Council recognized the Altoona Area Historical Society as the city's official organization to collect, secure, and preserve the artifacts and records of the city of Altoona and surrounding areas. In 2011 the Altoona Area Historical Society started major renovation work on the interior of Altoona's oldest building. The building is now a museum.

In 2013, construction began for a new Facebook data center. Facebook asked local company RPM Access to build and operate a wind farm that will put more energy into the system than the data center will consume. In February 2016, the Cinemark Altoona Theater opened.

Altoona, IA, offers a diverse array of health and wellness activities for its residents. The Altoona Campus provides a comprehensive fitness experience with a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, and a variety of group exercise classes such as yoga, spinning, and high-intensity interval training, catering to all fitness levels. Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino features a wellness center with a gym and spa services, including massages and facials, for relaxation and rejuvenation. Adventureland Resort offers recreational facilities like a water park and amusement park rides, promoting physical activity and fun for the whole family. The Altoona Public Library hosts wellness programs, including meditation workshops and health education seminars, fostering community engagement and personal growth. Additionally, Altoona’s extensive trail system, including the Gay Lea Wilson Trail, provides opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking, enhancing outdoor recreation. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department organizes seasonal sports leagues, outdoor fitness classes, and wellness events, contributing to Altoona’s vibrant health and wellness culture and enriching the lives of its residents.

The top sites in Altoona, IA are Adventureland Park, Outlets of Des Moines, Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel, and Terrace Hills Golf Course.

Population: 21,503 (2022). ZIP Code: 50009. Area code: 515. Elevation: 958 ft (292 m). Area: 11.69 sq mi (30.28 km²).

FAQs

Is Altoona, IA a suburb of Des Moines?

The Altoona community is the northeastern suburb of the Des Moines metro area, located directly off Interstate 80 and the Highway 65 bypass. It is only a 15-minute drive to downtown Des Moines and easy access to the rest of the metro area. Altoona offers a beautiful blend of residential, retail, and recreational areas. It is well known as the entertainment hub of Des Moines with some of the area’s most popular activities, like Prairie Meadows Casino and Adventureland theme park.

Why is Altoona, IA called Altoona?

Altoona is named after the Latin word “Altus,” meaning “high,” because the city was located on a high point on the Des Moines Valley Railroad. The significance of this elevated location likely played a role in the city's early development and transportation infrastructure. Over time, Altoona has evolved into a vibrant community with its own unique identity, shaped by its geographical features and historical context.

Is Altoona, IA a good place to live?

Living in Altoona offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Altoona, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Altoona and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Altoona are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Altoona

Altoona Campus

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

Adventureland Resort

Altoona Public Library

Gay Lea Wilson Trail

Parks and Recreation Department

Adventureland Park 

Outlets of Des Moines 

Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel 

Terrace Hills Golf Course

Niche

Home Sweet Des Moines

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