Marion County, Iowa was founded in 1845 making it one of the oldest counties in the state; it has an estimated population close to 35 thousand people spread across 20 townships ranging from small rural settlements to larger industrial cities like Knoxville the Marrion City Seat which boasts a variety of cultural attractions , festivals , entertainment options etc . Marion’s main industry is agriculture-related however they are also home to several manufacturing plants while recreational activities vary from biking trails to lakes rivers streams historic sites golf courses horseback riding etc .