Mount Vernon (Iowa)

Mount Vernon is a city located in the I-380 Corridor region of Eastern Iowa. Home to historic Cornell College, Mount Vernon is a vibrant community uniquely influenced by the college but possessing an individual identity. It is frequently cited in travel magazines for its unique culture and excellent food.

Understand
In many respects, while they maintain separate identities, the histories of Mount Vernon and Cornell College are inextricably linked. Cornell was founded in 1853 as the Iowa Conference Seminary but, in 1857, it would be renamed after iron tycoon William Wesley Cornell, a distant cousin of Ezra Cornell (founded of Cornell University). As the college expanded, the town invariably also enjoyed the benefit. Today, many members of the faculty and staff at Cornell are also long-time residents and participants in the community, which gives the town a strong college feel. The entire Cornell campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mount Vernon has also historically benefited from its close proximity to Iowa City and Dubuque as it is the on the primary route between the two.

Get in
Mount Vernon is located primarily to the northeast of the intersection of Iowa Route 1 and US 30.

Get around
The primary method of travel within the city is car. However, many portions of the community are entirely walkable including the downtown area and Cornell campus.