When most people think of Knoxville, they think about that large historic city in Tennessee, rather than the small community found in Iowa. But size isn’t everything that matters. Little Knoxville, Iowa is a gem in its own right with just as much history of the bigger Knoxville. That’s OK with little Knoxville’s residents, these 8,000 plus citizens are quite content with their peace and tranquility that their relative anonymity brings.

Located in southern Iowa’s near the southern shores of the calm waters of Lake Red Rock, Knoxville is part of Marion County, where it also serves as county seat. The city is situated just 30 miles southeast from the state capitol of Des Moines. The city was named after famed Revolutionary War general, Henry Knox, who was also the nation’s first Secretary of Defense.

Although you may think this is just some random sleepy town in middle America, there is a lot of things going on in Knoxville. Enjoying a rich history and heritage, Knoxville was the birthplace of the Iowa State flag. Knoxville’s history can be experienced at the historical attractions of Marion County Historical Village and Belinda Toy and Antique Museum. The city is also known as the “Sprint Car Capital of the World”, being home to Sprint Car Hall of Fame. For recreation, Elk Rock State Park and Lake Red Rock are popular destinations.