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Marathon
Eden Index
Climate
7.0
•
Recreation
2.2
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.6/10
Marathon, Iowa is a small town located in Buena Vista County, in the northwestern part of the state. The town experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summers in Marathon are relatively warm, with average temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, while winters are cold with average temperatures in the 20s to 30s Fahrenheit. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the highest levels occurring during the summer months.
In terms of hydrology, Marathon is situated near the Little Sioux River, which flows through the area. This river provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, boating, and kayaking. The surrounding region also boasts several lakes and ponds that offer additional water-based activities.
Furthermore, Marathon is surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, making it a great destination for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The nearby Koser Spring Lake Park offers scenic trails and picnic areas, while the nearby Little Sioux Wildlife Management Area provides opportunities for hunting, wildlife observation, and photography.
Overall, Marathon, Iowa offers both natural beauty and recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy throughout the year.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.0
Marathon receives approximately
807mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 81%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Marathon has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Des Moines
Area Rivers
Des Moines
Snowpack Depths
Des Moines
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Des Moines
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 2.2
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rothenburg City Park | None | 1,015 ft | |||
| Sunnyside Park Campground | None | 1,204 ft | |||
| Voss Park City Campground | None | 1,192 ft | |||
| Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Park | 24 | 1,035 ft | |||
| Viking Lake State Park | 120 | 1,138 ft | |||
| Cocklin Fish Farm | 56 | 1,110 ft | |||
| Prairie Rose State Park | 95 | 1,250 ft | |||
| Hacklebarney Woods County Park | 14 | 1,176 ft | |||
| Cold Spring Park | 80 | 1,122 ft | |||
| Pilot Grove Co Park | 16 | 1,184 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI):
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.