History

The Iowa Department of Education officially recognized Iowa Lakes Community College on October 28, 1966.

The college was organized in January of 1967 when the first board of directors met to begin planning for the college's organization and development. Legislation passed by the Iowa legislature established Merged Area III as a part of a statewide plan. This area included all or parts of Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, and Palo Alto counties and encompassed 26 community school districts and two parochial school systems.

In 1968, the Iowa Lakes Board approved the Estherville Junior College merger and its facilities into the new district. Estherville Public Schools operated the college since its founding in 1924.

In 1970, the Emmetsburg Junior College joined with Iowa Lakes, which gave Iowa Lakes two primary campuses. The Emmetsburg Junior college operated under Emmetsburg Public Schools since 1930. 

In 1972, the Estherville Campus facilities were constructed to serve liberal arts and vocational-technical programming.

The Spencer Campus of Iowa Lakes Community College became operational during the mid-1970s. 

Iowa Lakes began offering courses through an instructional television system. The system used two channels at six sites and offered four courses. 

The Spirit Lake Campus of Iowa Lakes Community College became operational in 1984.

In 1986, Iowa Lakes purchased a location for the Algona Campus. 

The Spirit Lake Campus moved to new facilities at its current location.