Adel is in Dallas county and is the Dallas county seat. A special census in 2000 estimates Adel's population at 3,000+. Located along the North Raccoon River, many of Adel's parks and trails are part of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The town center features brick paved streets and the historic Dallas County Courthouse, found on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Adel is the oldest town in Dallas county. Many Sac and Fox Indian artifacts have been found in the Adel area. Originally called Penoach, in the native languages of the Sac and Fox, the name means "far away". Early Adel was located on the only road in Dallas county, part of one of the most important stage coach routes in Iowa.

Today, community minded citizens have a mission to preserve Adel's history and natural resources. City leaders' plans include ways to encourage and retain current businesses while expanding Adel's appeal to other business sectors.