The Iowa 4–H Center was founded in 1949 by the Iowa 4–H Foundation through the vision of a number of civic-minded individuals. By 1952 the first campers stayed overnight in Elm Village .

During the first 25 years donors provided support to build 5 separate villages - Elm, Hickory, Maple, Oak, and Birch. Later an administrative center called Linden was added with funding provided by the members of the Iowa Bankers Association. In the 1960's during the construction of Saylorville Reservoir, a number of cabins were moved to the 4–H Center to replace tent camping in Maple Village . A house called Cedar was also moved onto the property and became the summer staff residence during summer camp season. Funding for Cedar was given as a memorial for Harold Brenton, founder of the Brenton Banks.

In 1993 a new bathhouse was constructed at the swimming pool and handicapped accessibility was added. In 1997 a central dining hall was added onto Linden Lodge after 45 years of hauling food from Iowa State University . A state of the art commercial kitchen was built making food service of the highest quality and safety possible. A 50-foot climbing and rappelling tower was constructed on site in 2000 by Southwest Center for Experiential Learning. The climbing tower added a new component to our original low and high ropes Team Challenge Course.

The Center consists of over 1100 acres of woodlands, meadows, wetlands and fields in the heart of the scenic Des Moines River Valley . The area is home to deer, wild turkey, raccoons, migratory waterfowl, and birds, making it a haven to many wild species. Richardson 's creek borders the 4–H Center property to the east and flows into the Des Moines River bordering the property on the west and south. The 4–H Center also includes several miles of hiking trails and a small pond.

Outdoor Education is an important component of the 4–H program. Faculty and staff of Iowa State University and the 4–H Youth Department develop and lead programs for youth year-round at the Iowa 4–H Center. Many students at Iowa State University also use the Center as a working classroom.

The 4–H Center property is owned by the Iowa 4–H Foundation and leased to the 4–H youth program of Iowa State University Extension. The facilities are available year-round for use by individual, family, group, or organization with a primary mission of providing opportunities for Iowa 's youth.