Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Denison Located? - Denison is a city located in the Crawford County of Iowa, United States. Denison lies between 29.8580 Degrees North latitudes and 90.0804 Degrees West longitudes.
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Denison Map, Iowa, USA
Where is Denison?: The Google Map showing the location of Denison in the U.S. state of Iowa.
Where is Denison Located?
Denison is a city located in the Crawford County of Iowa, United States. Denison lies between 29.8580 Degrees North latitudes and 90.0804 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Denison city is 8373 people and the city has a total area of 6.53 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
No passenger rail service; freight rail operated by Union Pacific Railroad
Local Bus/Transit Service
Region XII Transit provides local and regional public transportation
US Route 30 - Major east-west highway connecting Denison with Carroll, Ames, Omaha, and eastern Iowa.
Iowa Highway 39 - Links Denison with communities north of the city and regional agricultural areas.
Iowa Highway 141 - Nearby route providing access to western and central Iowa, including Perry and Sloan.
Iowa Highway 59 - Important north-south corridor serving communities across western Iowa.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Denison, Iowa
Landmark Name
Type
Donna Reed Heritage Museum
Museum
Yellow Smoke Park
County Park
Crawford County Courthouse
Historic Building
Washington Park
City Park
Broadway Historic District
Historic District
Crawford County Historical Museum
History Museum
Denison Aquatic Fun Center
Water Park
Dow House Historic Site
Historic House
Schleswig Museum
Local Museum
Black Hawk Lake State Park
State Park
Colleges and Universities in Denison, Iowa
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
Iowa Western Community College - Denison Center
Public
Community College
Career and workforce education
Buena Vista University
Private
University
Liberal arts and business programs
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Public
Community College
Technical and transfer programs
University of South Dakota - Sioux City
Public
University
Graduate and professional programs
Denison Community School District
Public
K-12 District
Public education system
Waterbodies in Denison, Iowa
Boyer River, East Boyer River, Yellow Smoke Lake, Black Hawk Lake, Willow Creek, Paradise Creek, Soldier River, Nishnabotna River
Golf Courses in Denison, Iowa
Denison Golf Club, Dow City Country Club, Harlan Golf & Country Club, Carroll Municipal Golf Course, Ida Grove Golf & Country Club
Denison, Iowa - Key Historical Facts
Denison was founded in 1856 and became the county seat of Crawford County shortly afterward, helping establish it as a regional center for government and commerce.
The arrival of the Chicago & North Western Railway in the late 19th century accelerated economic growth by improving transportation and agricultural trade.
The city is the birthplace of Academy Award-winning actress Donna Reed, whose legacy is celebrated through the Donna Reed Heritage Museum.
Agriculture, livestock production, and food processing have remained important contributors to the local economy for more than a century.
Historic buildings in downtown Denison reflect the city's development during the railroad era and continue to serve local businesses and community events.
Today, Denison is recognized for its welcoming small-town atmosphere, cultural heritage, recreational parks, and strong agricultural traditions.