//
City in Iowa, United States
Photo: Scott Romine, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Spencer is in Western Iowa. A small town with a population of roughly 11,000. It is the county seat of Clay county. It is surrounded by a large area of agricultural land. The Little Sioux River runs through the town and divides it into North and South. Spencer is home to one of the largest county fairs in the world, the Clay County Fair. Being the largest community in the area attracts many people from smaller surrounding communities for both recreation and work.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
This is marketed as the World's Largest County Fair. Usually from the 2nd to 3rd weekends in September, there are exhibits of all sorts, a midway with rides and games, tons of delicious (if not the most nutritious) food, and shows throughout the day and in the evenings. Groups such as Lynard Skynyrd, Leann Rimes, Weird Al Yankovic, ZZTop, Clay Aiken, and Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons have all performed at the Clay County fair. There is a large agricultural theme, but there is plenty more for those who are not interested. Tickets sold in advance throughout most of the community.
The best way into Spencer is by automobile. It lies on the intersection of Highway 71 and Highway 18.5 hours southeast of Sioux Falls.
Read in the guideAutomobile is the most common way to get around. However, there is a large trail system for bikes and other non-motorized methods of transportation that runs through the entire city.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Fort Dodge · Regional · FOD
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Spencer (Iowa) and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.