Dallas County Courthouse

The Dallas County Courthouse in Adel is a limestone courthouse with a 128-foot tower and statues of the Goddess of Justice at its main entrances. The structure was designed by architects Proudfoot & Bird and displays elaborate details throughout its stone exterior.

The current courthouse was completed in 1902 and replaced four earlier structures, including an original two-part log cabin that served from 1848 to 1853. The rebuilding reflected the county's growing development needs.

The building displays Romanesque Revival architecture through detailed stonework and a clock tower that shape the town's character to this day. Visitors can see the craftsmanship in the entrance sculptures and architectural details up close.

Visitors can access important government services including property records, tax payments, and voter registration, with free parking available on nearby streets. The grounds are straightforward to navigate for handling local administrative matters.

The courthouse preserves its historical character through restored artwork, original paint colors, and custom-made light fixtures coordinated with the Grand Staircase. These interior details reveal the care taken in maintaining the original character.