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Dakins Lake on a clear summer day, with a small dock at the left and trees along the far shore

Story County, Iowa · Est. 1883

Zearing

A great town to call home.

Our Community

Small-town Iowa with everything you need

A rural community nestled into the northeast corner of Story County, Zearing is home to nearly 600 residents and well known for its great summer festival, Zearing Days.

You can always find something to do, like visiting local shops, spending the day at Dakins Lake, or just passing through. Dakins Lake is a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike, with camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. On Main Street you'll find the Dakins Community Center, City Hall, the Library and Heritage Room, the Post Office, banking, a health clinic, auto repair, a convenience store, a pub, and more.

Zearing is one of three towns that make up the Colo-NESCO School District, home to the district's Elementary Learning Center (grades K–4) and the C-N Royals. Whether you're visiting, considering a move, or a lifelong resident, there's no doubt Zearing is a great town to call home.

Read Zearing's history
Storefronts on Main Street, including Security State Bank and the Zearing Public Library A white church with a tall steeple against a blue sky

Main Street, Zearing

Community Updates

What's happening in Zearing

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Fire & EMSJul 1, 2026 Featured

Burn Ban in Effect Until Further Notice

Due to dry conditions, a burn ban is in effect for the city and surrounding area until further notice. Open burning of any kind, including…

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City Events

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City Services

Get things done

  1. Local Government Officials, boards, agendas, minutes & public notices.
  2. Fire & EMS Emergency services, roster & how to volunteer.
  3. Local Businesses Shops, services & the businesses that serve Zearing.
  4. Attractions & Amenities Dakins Lake, parks, ballfields & community spaces.
  5. Utilities & Services Water, sewer, sanitation & utility contacts.
  6. Permits & Codes Building permits, forms & the code of ordinances.
The brick front of the Dakins Community Center on Main Street, with benches by the door Banquet hall set with round tables and chairs, facing the stage

Main Street, Zearing

Dakins Community Center

Room for the whole party

Zearing's shared living room: a banquet hall, stage, dance floor, and full kitchen on Main Street for reunions, receptions, fundraisers, and everything in between.

Capacity
Flexible layout
Rental
Full or partial
Contact
641-487-7477

Full kitchen · Banquet hall · Stage · Dance floor · Sound and video system · Partial or full facility rental

Visit Us

Find us on Main Street

Zearing City Hall

The heart of town is Main Street, home to the Dakins Community Center, City Hall, the library, post office, banking, clinic, and more.

Lobby Hours

Monday – Friday
8am – 4pm
Saturday – Sunday
Closed

Hours can vary due to emergencies and most major holidays.