Lyon County Courthouse
Rock Rapids, located in the
geographical center of Lyon County, was chosen as the first county seat. A
successful vote at a general election led to the approval of a $15,000 contract
for a courthouse in April, 1874. A two-story frame building was finished in
1875.
The second courthouse was
built in 1916 and remains in nearly its original condition. The outer walls are
made of cut Bedford stone lined with brick. The building measures approximately
110 feet by 71 feet and is 52 feet high. A full-size cast stone lion guards the
main entryway and Italian marble lines the corridors leading to a rotunda. The
building cost $109,695.13.
