Communities
Blue Rapids
The only Blue Rapids in America is located in the southwest section of Marshall County.
The Round Square is the hub of Blue Rapids. The center of the square is Fountain Park which is home to the war veteran memorial with businesses and attractions on the outside of the square.
Attractions on the square are the historic Public Library, which is one of the oldest public libraries west of the Mississippi River still operating in its original building, the Swedish Holm Cabin built in 1874 was moved to the square in 1996, and murals depicting Alcove Spring, the Gypsum industry of our area and life on the prairie.
Blue Rapids is also the site of a World Tour Baseball game in 1913 between the Chicago White Sox and New York Giants. The game was held on the baseball diamond that is still used today.
Blue Rapids is home of the Marshall County Fair held in July each year.
Just north of town is Alcove Spring Park. Alcove Spring is one of the most historic camping stops on the Oregon Trail. Such people as Kit Carson, John Fremont and the Donner Party camped there while heading west. Alcove Spring is now a 200 acre park open to the public.
Blue Rapids has 3 main industries; Koch Georgia Pacific, Titan Trailer Manufacturing Inc and Sharp Trailer Manufacturing. The three main industries along with USD #498 Valley Heights School District and the Blue Valley Health Care Nursing Home are the largest employers. It also has a bank, medical clinic, veterinary clinic, pharmacy, restaurants, gas stations, grocery store and many other small town businesses to meet your needs.