About Tipton
Founded in 1840, the City of Tipton, Iowa is a town of 3,200 residents located in the heart of Cedar County. A few miles north of Interstate 80, the nation's most highly traveled road, Tipton is also at the junction of State Highways 38 (the historic Herbert Hoover Highway) and 130. US Highway 30, a major east/west thoroughfare in Iowa, is just a few miles north. Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa, is 30 miles west. Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second largest city, is a 40-minute drive northwest. The Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities (Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, and Rock Island) are about 40 miles eastward.
Tipton's municipal government consists of a mayor, five councilors, and a city manager. Tipton is home to a very active Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Group (TEDCO), and Historical Society. With a downtown business district that has remained vibrant for over 100 years, Tipton captures a unique small-town atmosphere while being self-sufficient in regard to professional services and family shopping needs. The City of Tipton provides municipal utilities to its residents and businesses, including water, sewer, electrical, and natural gas.
Tipton is home to an educated labor force with a strong Iowan work ethic. Businesses ranging from large-scale manufacturing to small specialty shops represent Tipton's diverse economic community. With a highly-regarded K-12 school system and numerous post-secondary institutions nearby, high-quality educational opportunities are plentiful. Tipton is the county seat of Cedar County, and the county courthouse and administration offices are located in Tipton's city square.
The first free public school west of the Mississippi River was established in Tipton in 1854, and the original Tipton Carnegie Library constructed in 1903 still serves the population. The City is home to a wealth of historic, fully-restored victorian homes that serve as a magnet for visitors looking for unique architectural beauty. Tipton residents take pride in their community, as evidenced by the care and effort required to properly restore these homes. Tipton has a number of other housing options, ranging from large, modern new construction to multi-family rentals.
With a large, newly-renovated City Park that includes a state-of-the-art Family Aquatic Facility and two golf courses located in and near town, Tipton offers a wide range of recreational activities for those looking for family fun.
So take a day trip to Tipton and share in our unique, thriving community. Shop at our eclectic array of downtown businesses. Take a plunge down our water slides. Take a walking or driving tour of Tipton's "Painted Lady" victorian homes. No matter the reason you visit Tipton, we know you'll enjoy our community.