reinbeck history

Reinbeck is a community of about 1,664 people.  It is located in the southeast corner of Grundy County.  In 1853 John Roebling, builder of the Brooklyn Bridge, bought over 22,000 acres in Grundy County on speculation for around $1.25 per acre.  Roebling later sold some of his land to Adolph Methfessel who then platted the town and donated portions for a school and churches.

The name "Reinbeck" may have been given by Reinbeck's first postmaster, August Lusch, who named the town after his hometown, Reinbeck/Rhinebeck, Germany.  He was one of the first settlers in the area and needed to "officially" identify his post office/stagecoach depot so mail could be received.

Reinbeck's primary industry is farming.  Other significant employers include Corteva, Peterson Contractors Incorporated, the Gladbrook-Reinbeck school system, The Little Rebels Daycare, Heartland Coop, Spahn & Rose Lumber, Napa, Van Hauen Auto and Lincoln Savings Bank

Reinbeck has an independent living facility, an assisted living facility, and a nursing home.

Unlike so many rural towns of its size, Reinbeck has not seriously suffered the decline in businesses or services.  It remains a vibrant town with doctor's offices, dentist office, insurance companies, restaurants, lawyers' offices, a hardware store, a grocery store, post office and a pharmacy filling most of the town's Main Street. Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, hair stylists, and other tradespeople are readily available.

Reinbeck has its own fiber optics network available to the community.

The town's school merged with nearby Gladbrook due to declining enrollment and the combined school system flourishes.  The addition of a large daycare facility as helped maintain student enrollment.

Reinbeck boasts two well-maintained parks and an aquatic center. Excellent soccer and little league baseball & softball complexes in Elmwood Park give kids the opportunity to engage in multiple sports activities throughout the year.  Strohbehn Park hosts a 9-hole Frisbee Golf Course.  The recently renovated Memorial Building provides space for community activities.  The town also has a Carnegie library, a modern and convenient fire station and a fitness center.

Reinbeck's religious faiths include but are not limited to Methodist, New Life Evangelical, Lutheran, Catholic, and Presbyterian.

Active organizations in town include the Mason's, the American Legion and its affiliates, Womans' Club, PEO, Lions Club, the Elks, and a Community Development organization.

Reinbeck is well known for its July 4th celebration, its Fall Arts Festival and its Christmas festival called Miracle on Main.

Reinbeck is governed by a City Council and Mayor and has a city administrator.