The moment you arrive in Clay County you'll feel everything is exactly as it should be. From the charm of the beautiful Grand Avenue homes in Spencer, to the hospitality and friendliness of its citizens, you'll know you're in for a perfect stay. In 1866, the first settlers made their way to flat prairie area which is now known as Spencer. As more settlers followed this northern trek, it was petitioned and agreed to relocate the county seat to Spencer. In 1871, Spencer was officially selected as the county seat of Clay County. The courthouse, built in 1901, still stands today. Within only 30 years of existence Clay County was gifted to have 84 schools throughout the county and the population had blossomed to over 1,500. Spencer has long been famous for its fair. Now it has gained notoriety for its dedication to the arts. Organizers of the Clay County Fair have billed it as the “world’s greatest county fair” for more than 70 years, and for good reason. At one point, it was reportedly larger than a third of the state fairs held across the country. The Spencer area’s affair with the fair began during its earliest days. Residents began holding events that were something akin to a county fair as early as 1871, just five years after pioneers began settling in the Spencer area. Although the first “modern” Clay County Fair wasn’t held until 1918, the event took off like a rocket. Within 10 years it was drawing more than 110,000 people, and organizers began promoting it as “the world’s greatest county fair.” Although the fair takes center stage in Spencer each fall, it’s the community’s year-round dedication to the arts that’s more recently garnered it national attention. The city’s commitment to the arts was recognized when Spencer was listed in the book, “The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.” One of the most noticeable manifestations of this commitment is Arts on Grand, a favorite destination for visitors. The center – which is funded primarily by memberships and local grants – includes galleries, studios and workshop areas, and hosts poetry readings, films and other special events. The performing arts are showcased at Spencer Community Theatre, housed in a renovated 1920s warehouse (hence the nickname, “best little warehouse in Spencer.”) The troupe, which has been operating for more than 40 years, performs year-round, and also offers children’s theater and educational classes. Its costume shop serves theaters across the country. Spencer’s downtown area is a bit of an attraction in itself. Most of the original business district burned in July 1931, after a youth dropped a burning sparkler into a box of fireworks. Much of the downtown was rebuilt in art deco style, and currently contains around a dozen antique and specialty shops. Other attractions in Spencer include a growing network of bike trails, an extensive park system (including a water park) and two golf courses – with 18 more within an hour’s drive. Spencer is located just 15 minutes from Iowa’s Great Lakes region around Okoboji.