Every community has a story to tell and a history, allowing the memories of the past to be cherished while a course for the future is plotted. Forest City, IA, is a charming community in Winnebago County with a rich heritage as a former industrial hub with strong educational roots dating back over a century.
In 2026, Forest City is thriving, leaning into new opportunities and industries while maintaining a strong sense of identity, unique to the city’s development, forged over generations.
“Our community derives characteristics from Waldorf University, which was founded in 1903, and Winnebago Industries, which was founded in Forest City in 1958,” said Forest City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Megan Dewhurst. “The historical attitude of folks was, we’re going to be industrious, we’re going to be entrepreneurial, and we’re going to educate our youth so that they stay in Forest City or start businesses in north-central Iowa. That effort over the years has done a lot to enhance the quality of life for a town of 4,200 people.”
Amplifying Stories
Forest City Chamber of Commerce maintains strong links to local business owners. A stronger business climate contributes to a higher quality of life, and to that end, Dewhurst and the Chamber of Commerce help promote Forest City and its businesses through storytelling, marketing, and event planning that benefit the community.
“The stories of our businesses and their successes deserve to be amplified,” Dewhurst said. “We’re a very close-knit community, the median age in Forest City is 35, and we’re in this chapter where there’s an energy for the future. We want to continue showcasing our community as a place where businesses, residents, and families can prosper.”
Whereas Winnebago Industries, long based in Forest City, once set a standard in the recreational travel industry, a new generation of entrepreneurs is making its impact in the area.
Take Shelley Robson, who’s operated The Quilted Forest in Forest City since 1998. Over the last few decades, Robson has emerged as one of the premier quilt shops in the U.S., designing her own copyrighted patterns that are sold across the country and around the world. The Quilted Forest was also ranked as one of the Top 10 quilt shops in the nation.
The difference between Winnebago Industries and The Quilted Forest is obvious, but linking the two iconic Forest City businesses is a kind of entrepreneurial spirit the community hopes to continue attracting.
“At the end of the day, we want to attract people who are ready to dig deep and work hard,” Dewhurst. “That’s the kind of can-do attitude we’re looking for.”
Leveraging Forest City’s Heritage
Forest City’s heritage plays an important role in keeping the community connected. The Heritage Park of North Iowa is a one-stop shop for showcasing Forest City’s and north-central Iowa’s history. The 61,500-square-foot complex features exhibits on wheeled transportation, the railroad, farming, Native American artifacts and much more.
It also hosts a diverse array of exciting events, like flea markets, holiday celebrations and private gatherings.
Additionally, one of Forest City’s most iconic community events is just around the corner: Puckerbrush, July 17-18, downtown. Paying homage to the dense bush that once covered Forest City and the Winnebago River, Puckerbrush features a parade, fireworks, vendors, live music, and much more.
“Puckerbrush is circled in red on thousands of calendars in Forest City, to say the least,” Dewhurst said. “Events like this are so important. They bring people together, highlight small businesses, and remind folks of how unique their community is.”
To learn more about visiting or doing business in Forest City, contact Forest City Chamber of Commerce or Winn-Worth Betco with all questions.
