Where is Spencer, Iowa, USA?

Written and fact-checked by | Reviewed by WhereIG Editorial Team | Last updated: August 14, 2026, 18:45 ET

Where is Spencer Located? - Spencer is a city located in the Clay County of Iowa, United States. Spencer lies between 29.7958 Degrees North latitudes and 90.8229 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Spencer, Iowa

Where is Spencer, Iowa

Spencer Map, Iowa, USA

Where is Spencer?: The Google Map showing the location of Spencer in the U.S. state of Iowa.

Where is Spencer Located?

Spencer is a city located in the Clay County of Iowa, United States. Spencer lies between 29.7958 Degrees North latitudes and 90.8229 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Spencer city is 11325 people and the city has a total area of 10.93 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.

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Spencer, Iowa Quick Facts

AttributeDetails
CitySpencer
CountyClay County
StateIowa
State CapitalDes Moines
US RegionMidwestern United States
Latitude43.1414° N
Longitude95.1444° W
Elevation1,355 ft (413 m)
Land Area (sq mi)11.21
Water Area (sq mi)0.08
Total Area (sq mi)11.29
Population (2020 Census)11,325
Population Density (per sq mi)1,010.2
ZIP Code51301
Area Code712
Time Zone StandardCentral Standard Time (CST), UTC−6
Time Zone DaylightCentral Daylight Time (CDT), UTC−5
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code1974900
Congressional District4th Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Spencer

Transportation FeatureDetails
Airport NameSpencer Municipal Airport provides general aviation services. Sioux Falls Regional Airport provides major commercial air service.
IATA CodeFSD (Sioux Falls Regional Airport)
PortNo direct port access; inland transportation community.
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 18, U.S. Highway 71, and Iowa Highway 9
Train/Amtrak ServiceNo direct Amtrak station; regional rail connections are available nearby.
Local Bus/Transit ServiceLocal transportation services provide community mobility.
  • Spencer is located in northwestern Clay County, Iowa.
  • The city is located near the Little Sioux River and serves as a regional center for northwest Iowa.
  • U.S. Highway 18 and U.S. Highway 71 provide connections to nearby cities and rural communities.
  • Spencer is known for agriculture, outdoor recreation, community events, and its historic downtown.

Top Places to Visit in Spencer, Iowa

Landmark NameType
Clay County Fair Speedway and FairgroundsEvent Venue
West Leach ParkCommunity Park
Oneota ParkRecreation Area
Spencer Golf and Country ClubGolf Course
Clay County Heritage CenterHistory Museum
Spencer Municipal Golf CourseGolf Course
Little Sioux River Recreation AreasOutdoor Recreation Area
Dickens Historic DistrictHistoric Area
Okoboji Lakes AreaLake Recreation Region
Pikes Point State ParkState Park

Driving Distances from Spencer, Iowa to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
Spirit LakeIowa2530 min
EsthervilleIowa3540 min
Storm LakeIowa4550 min
Sioux CityIowa1051 hr 45 min
Sioux FallsSouth Dakota1202 hr
Des MoinesIowa1753 hr
OmahaNebraska1803 hr
RochesterMinnesota1803 hr
MinneapolisMinnesota2103 hr 30 min
LincolnNebraska2203 hr 30 min

Colleges and Universities near Spencer, Iowa

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Iowa Lakes Community CollegePublicCommunity CollegeCareer training, technical programs, and associate degrees
Buena Vista UniversityPrivateUniversityLiberal arts, business, education, and professional programs
Northwestern CollegePrivateCollegeLiberal arts, sciences, and undergraduate programs
University of IowaPublicUniversityResearch, medicine, engineering, and academic programs

Waterbodies in Spencer, Iowa

Little Sioux River, Lost Island Lake, West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake, and nearby Iowa Great Lakes waterways

Golf Courses near Spencer, Iowa

Spencer Golf and Country Club, Spencer Municipal Golf Course, Okoboji View Golf Course, and nearby northwest Iowa golf facilities

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Spencer, Iowa

Landmark NameType
Clay County FairgroundsFair and Event Venue
Clay County Heritage CenterHistory Museum
West Leach ParkCommunity Park
Oneota ParkRecreation Area
Spencer Golf and Country ClubGolf Course
Little Sioux River Recreation AreaOutdoor Recreation Area
Okoboji Lakes AreaLake Recreation Region
Pikes Point State ParkState Park
Arnolds Park Amusement ParkHistoric Amusement Park
Iowa Great Lakes Maritime MuseumMuseum

Waterbodies in Spencer, Iowa

Little Sioux River, Lost Island Lake, West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake, and nearby Iowa Great Lakes waterways

Golf Courses near Spencer, Iowa

Spencer Golf and Country Club, Spencer Municipal Golf Course, Okoboji View Golf Course, and nearby northwest Iowa golf facilities

Spencer, Iowa — Key Historical Facts

  • Spencer was founded in the late 19th century and developed along the Little Sioux River.
  • The city was named after Thomas A. Spencer, an early railroad official connected with the area's development.
  • Spencer grew as an agricultural and railroad center serving northwest Iowa communities.
  • The city became known for hosting the Clay County Fair, one of Iowa's major county fairs.
  • Spencer continues to serve as a regional center for agriculture, commerce, education, and recreation.

References

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