Shellsburg At A Glance
Water tower at sunset
Shellsburg is located a just short distance west of Cedar Rapids in Benton County. Shellsburg is a unique blend of natural beauty, small-town values, diversified shops and business opportunities, with friendly neighbors, vital services and a short commute to the city.
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Population: 989 within city limits (2023)
Location: 13 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids, 12 miles southeast of Vinton, Iowa. Crime Rate: Violent Crimes - 13.8% vs. 22.7% nationally Crime Rate: Property Crimes - 16.1% vs. 35.4% nationally Form of Government: Mayor and Council |
Property Taxes - Shellsburg is in Benton county, which enjoys a lower mill rate than Linn County.
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VITAL SERVICES
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Shellsburg Elementary School
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Elementary School - Shellsburg's elementary school, part of the Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District provides services to approximately 250 children in pre-kindergarten through 5th grade, where highly qualified staff help young people excel.
Post Office - The Shellsburg branch of the U.S. Postal Service provides the same service commitment as larger communities. Public services include window and retail services, mail and rural delivery, PO boxes and pick up/hold mail. Packages can be shipped worldwide. Public Library - Books and magazines, computer use, children's reading hour, book clubs, STEM activities, adult and children's craft events, holiday activities and informal presentations are all offered at the Shellsburg Public Library. Day Care - Family day care providers and the Creative Kids Before and After School day care program provide great options for convenient child care. Creative Kids also offers a summer program for school age children with field trips and a wide array of engaging activities, along with Preschool Wrap Around care for children enrolled at the Tiny Vikes Preschool. Grocery Store - Roy's Hometown Grocery is a locally owned third-generation store that has been in the Roy Fish family for over 75 years. Roy's is open seven days a week and has a wide variety of grocery items and is especially known for its meat department. The store supports the community by helping with the food pantry, donating to community activities and local charitable organizations. Internet/Phone/Cable TV Service - USA Communications is a progressive telecommunications company with offices in Shellsburg and Blairstown, offering state-of-the-art internet, cable tv and phone service. Fiber optic delivery to every door. Internet speeds from 60 to lightning-fast 1000 mbps. Volunteer Fire Department - Shellsburg’s all-volunteer fire department takes great pride in providing quality fire protection to those living within the fire district. They are well staffed and trained and respond to a variety of calls throughout each year. Additionally, they play an important role in the community by teaching fire prevention to school children and organizing family events. First Responders - The Shellsburg First Responders (Shellsburg EMS) is a team of community volunteers who have chosen to become trained in emergency medical services and by going on medical calls in order to provide emergency service to the community. |
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OTHER SERVICES
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Shellsburg Food Pantry
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Convenience/Gas Store - Shellsburg Quick Stop offers gasoline, diesel fuel, LP tanks, food and beverage items, and quick-grab warm breakfast and lunch items.
Food Pantry - Cooperation between five local churches provides twice monthly food distribution to serve families of the community. Other donations by local residents and organizations effectively support this local resource. Fitness Center - Train Station Family Fitness is a family friendly 24-hour gym, offering a weight room and exercise equipment. Insurance Agencies - Compass Insurance, a part of Atkins Savings Bank, offers home, auto, business, commercial and life insurance. Grow Well Financial is an independent insurance agency providing health and life insurance, as well as financial planning services. Car Wash - Wash bays and a car vacuum area are available to keep your vehicle clean. Personal Care - Family friendly salons offer a variety of beauty care options including hair styling from cuts to colors, nails, eye lash care, tanning, pedicures and manicures, massage and fine line tattooing. Barber Shop - Classic barber shop with a personable barber and a candy-striped pole in front! Pubs and Food - Local pubs provide small town friendly socializing. Along with your beverages, enjoy a little pool, card playing, or outdoor dining. Pizza! - Cranky Hank's Pizza, formerly located in Cedar Rapids, has renovated and opened in a historic bank building on Pearl Street, downtown. Auto Service - Businesses offer used vehicles for sale as well as auto repair service from oil changes and tire repair to engine overhauls. Coffee/Gift Shop - The Treasure Cottage offers an eclectic array of antiques, collectibles and one-of-a-kind items, as well as fresh brewed coffees, lattes and ice creams. Women's Apparel - Market On Pearl offers unique and interesting women's clothes, home furnishings and gifts. Museum - The Shellsburg History Museum features a large collection of all things Shellsburg, curated by lifelong Shellsburg residents. |
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RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
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Prairie Forest Trail Head
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Shellsburg Recreation Department - The Shellsburg Recreation Department is operated by community volunteers and offers T-Ball, “coach pitch” as well as girls and boys Little League.
Wildcat Golf Course - Complete with bar and grill, banquet facilities, and golf simulators, Shellsburg is home to Benton County's only 18-hole golf course, which draws golfers from all across eastern Iowa. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area - Over 1,517 acres of public hunting, a 410-acre lake, perfect for fishing, boating, and relaxation, with gorgeous beach, hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Wildcat Bluff Recreational Area - This park offers winding trails and a great experience for campers, anglers, river users, and nature explorers. It is home to a challenging 21-hole disc golf course nestled high above the Cedar River. Prairie Forest Trail - Seventeen acres of prairie wildflowers, woods, a stream and two foot bridges at the north end of town welcome hikers of all ages. Benton Fry Recreation Area - Scenic, quiet recreation area along the Cedar River offers camping, hiking and river access for boats, canoes and kayaks. A covered open pavilion is available for family gatherings. |
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OTHER AMENITIES
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SACG volunteers plant trees
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Active Community Group - Shellsburg Area Community Group (SACG) is a volunteer group of residents who offer time and talents to help improve quality of life in the community.
Active Service Organizations - From the American Legion to the Shellsburg Lions and Benton City Masonic Lodge, Shellsburg has a service organization for any interest. City Parks - City Park and Memorial Park offer playground equipment, a gazebo, a family-friendly disc golf course, shaded benches and picnic tables, fountain, basketball court, and an open air pavilion. |
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Additional information on these businesses and amenities can be found here.
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