Cherokee (pop. ~5,200) is a friendly, walkable county seat with an unexpectedly lively cultural scene — free Sanford Museum & Planetarium, a community symphony, an annual Jazz Festival, Creek Fest and summer rodeo — so multi‑week contracts feel social and interesting rather than isolated.
Bigger-city options are close: Storm Lake is about 22 miles away for lakeside dining and regional events, and Sioux City is roughly 54 miles for an airport, full-service shopping, restaurants and nightlife — easy day trips or weekend escapes when you need more variety.