Lamoni, city in Iowa, United States
Lamoni is a small city in Decatur County, Iowa, with quiet streets and tree-lined neighborhoods featuring well-kept older homes. The city spans just over four square miles and is surrounded by gentle hills in the Loess Hills region, with parks and walking trails offering outdoor exploration.
Lamoni was established in 1879 next to railroad tracks, with the train serving as a key route for bringing settlers and goods to the area. The town was founded when members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints sought fertile farmland and named the settlement after a biblical figure from their religious texts.
The name Lamoni comes from the Book of Mormon and reflects the founders who arrived in the late 1800s as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints seeking farmland. Today, a significant Amish community shapes the town with their simple homes, farms, and handcrafted goods visible throughout the area.
Lamoni sits in a region with gentle hills and open spaces, with walking and biking trails running through town and nearby parks. The best time to explore is late spring through early fall, as summers become warm and winters can turn cold with snow.
Graceland University, founded in 1895, gives the town an academic energy and draws visitors interested in exploring campus and local events. Liberty Hall, once a home for the aged and community gathering place, now serves as a museum telling stories of early settlers and the religious community.
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