Palo Alto County, Iowa was founded 1857 occupying an area of close to 500 square miles , its population sits slightly over 9000 individuals who primarily work within agricultural sector but other businesses namely tourism related have been developing throughout recent years . Graettinger serves as Palo Alto’s county seat hosting various attractions such as galleries museums theaters restaurants public artwork that give visitors insights into local history culture . Outdoorsy activities include camping fishing hunting along with several state parks public events contributing to county’s overall tourist appeal .