Perry, Iowa, was born in 1869 when Harvey Willis, a '49er adventurer who had walked to and found gold in California, convinced railroad surveyors to put the tracks on his land where Perry now stands. During the winter of 1868-1869, when construction work was well along on the new railroad, Harvey and his brother John, platted the new town. The town was called Perry in honor of one of the railroad officials of the Des Moines and Fort Dodge Railroad. Train service began in Perry on July 4, 1869.

In 1870 the population of Perry was 70; ten years later it had reached 999; and today boasts a growing, diverse population of 7,633 making it the largest city in Dallas County.

Located in central Iowa 25 minutes NW of Des Moines via a newly expanded four-lane highway; Highway 141 connects Perry to Interstate 80/Interstate 35. Perry is the crossroads between the surrounding agriculture communities and the urban Des Moines area.

Our small town values, historical pride, governmental services, commerce, tourism, industry, health services, schools, churches, and recreational opportunities offer a comfortable, yet energetic way of life with a healthy atmosphere for people of all ages.