Mabel is snuggled in the southeast corner of Fillmore County, just 20 miles north of Decorah, Iowa.
Frank Adams was the chief construction engineer of the Narrow Gauge Railroad Line that built the first railroad through Mabel. Adams platted the Village of Mabel in the fall of 1879, naming it Mabel in honor of his young daughter.
Steam Engine Park is located on the south edge of Mabel. The park is open to the public and provides picnic shelters for family get-togethers, new playground equipment, and one of the best ball diamonds in the area.
The annual ‘50s & ‘60s Day is held the second Saturday in August. Classic cars line Main Street for all to view on Saturday afternoon. After the car show is the awarding of trophies. You can spend the day enjoying the cars, great food, music and more!
One of the biggest events in the area is Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days. The annual celebration is held in the park the first weekend after Labor Day. It features threshing machines powered by steam engines, two gigantic parades that start with old steam engines sounding their whistles down Main Street, arts and crafts, an antique show, and more. On Saturday night there is a tractor pull for the “big” kids. The weekend winds down with drawings held by various community organizations, with the grand prize being a new vehicle.
Mabel’s business community includes a bank, farm store, thrift store, hardware store, medical clinic, flower and gifts store, antique shop, a hotel, restaurants and other various businesses.
A stop at the remodeled Historic Mabel House Hotel is a must; it was built in 1879 and has been serving guests ever since.
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