Granite, Iowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Granite, Iowa
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Antique tractor in the parade at the Granite Threshing Bee
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 Granite, Iowa
Location in Iowa
Granite, Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Iowa |
| County | Lyon |
| Township | Sioux |
| Elevation | 1,309 ft (399 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 712 |
| GNIS feature ID | 464568 |
Granite is a small, quiet community in Lyon County, Iowa. It's not a big city, but a special kind of place called an "unincorporated community." This means it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. Granite is close to two interesting places: the historic Blood Run Site and the Gitchie Manitou State Preserve.
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Exploring Granite's Location
Granite is located in the very northwest corner of Iowa. It sits close to the Big Sioux River. This community is about 7 miles from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is also 6 miles west/northwest of Larchwood.
How to Find Granite
You can find Granite about 2.5 miles west of Iowa Highway 9. It is also 2 miles south of the South Dakota state line.
Granite's Past: A Brief History
Granite was officially started on June 12, 1886. Two landowners, Richard and Bessie Pettigrew, asked for it to be founded. The community was first called Iuka. Its name was officially recorded on March 14, 1887.
When Did Iuka Become Granite?
The name Iuka changed to Granite later in 1887. In 1902, Granite had 53 people living there. By 1925, its population was 51.
Local Businesses and Fun Events
Granite has a manufacturing company called Miller Loaders. This company makes special parts for tractors and other farm machines. They are located on the east side of town.
The Granite Threshing Bee: A Summer Tradition
Granite is also famous for its annual event, the Granite Threshing Bee. This fun event happens every year on the third weekend in July. It's a great way to see how farming used to be done.
What Happens at the Threshing Bee?
The Threshing Bee has many exciting activities. You can see demonstrations of wheat threshing. This is how farmers used to separate grain from the plant. There's also a kids' tractor pull, which is always a favorite. Visitors can enjoy a delicious lunch. You can also take tours of the nearby Blood Run Site. A parade featuring old tractors and cars is a big highlight of the Bee.
