Ruthven city entrance signRuthven-Ayrshire Community School
Welcome to Ruthven, Iowa and Lost Island Lake!
Click on any of the following images to enlarge them....
Live Weather and Webcam at Lost Island Lake courtesy of Don Peaslee Community Calendar Map of Ruthven
Calendar Icon Map of Ruthven, Iowa
     

News noteworthy events...

Ruthven Public Library has digitized newspapers!!  This has been an ongoing endeavor since receiving Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation grant monies in both 2007 and 2012.  Click on the link to access the login page for the digitized newspapers http://www.ruthven.lib.ia.us/do-research/digitizednewspapers

Our Story

Curious about Ruthven, Lost Island, or the Nature Center?  Check out the link at 'Our Story'! You can also watch the video about the Lost Island Nature Center--video link.

2012 Bully Bullhead Weekend

BBW was held July 6-8.  If you have photos you would like to submit, please send them to cityofruthven@ruthventel.com .

2012 LIRBA Membership & Informational Brochure

Want more information on LIRBA events?  Would you like to become a member and support LIRBA? Click on the 2012 Membership Brochure to view all of the details.  Membership is only $25 a year and helps fund several activities--such as Cabin Fever Weekend, Bully Bullhead Weekend, Santa's visit.  Show your support today!

Grant Activity

Ruthven was awarded several grants this year through the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation which awards grants through funding from Wild Rose Casino in Emmetsburg, Iowa. In addition to grant awards, the towns in Palo Alto County also receive a per capita award.  Ruthven's per capita grant for 2011 was $34,154.76

Grants are awarded based on a scoring system of grant applications.  Due to the efforts of dedicated individuals and community organizations, Ruthven and Lost Island received over $210,000!!  Click here to view a complete list of the PACGDC grant awards.

As grant projects are started, more information will be posted.  Go to the Ruthven Grant Activity page to view the new snow plow the City of Ruthven was able to purchase with the help of grant funds.

Photos Submitted by the Community 
Dredging at Ruthven, Submitted by Susan Hardy      
1889-First High School in Ruthven--photo donated to the city John Anderson store in Ruthven--photo donated to the city  Lost Island Church in 1905--photo donated to the city  Ruthven Store 1914--photo donated to the city 
       

If you have information or photos you would like to submit to the Ruthven City Website, please email them to cityofruthven@ruthventel.com  Click here for previously submitted community photos... 

To view great photos from past Bully Bullhead Weekends, Click here
   
 
 
View weather in Ruthven or anywhere  
   

Small town living at its finest!!!

Located on Highway 18 in northwest Iowa, in Palo Alto County, Ruthven is a small town of approximately 770 residents. We are considered the 'Hub of the Wetlands' as 5 lakes are located within 10 miles of the community. Even though it is a smaller community, Ruthven does have its own community school housing grades pre-kindergarten through 12th; a public park and swimming pool; a public library; its own fire department; a community care facility complete with assisted and independent living units; and 5 churches. The area experiences all 4 seasons and Lost Island Lake is located 4 miles to the north giving residents and visitors ample opportunity to enjoy all seasons. Lost Island Lake adds another 200 year round residents along with 200 additional seasonal residents. The lake has a swimming beach, campground, cafe, resorts, public boat launches, and hiking trails. The Lost Island Nature Center is also located on the lake; plus a recreational trail is in the works to connect Lost Island and Ruthven. The community also has an active betterment association-LIRBA (Lost Island Ruthven Betterment Association). 

Ruthven's Quasquicentennial LogoClick here to view the Quasquicentennial page celebrating Ruthven's 125 years!!