[5] Originally called Penoach, Adel was incorporated in 1847, and changed to its current name in 1849.

From that time onward, the city began to grow at a faster rate.

Situated along the river, Adel had a good supply of water-power for a flour mill.

It was to be situated on a section of property owned by Noeingerl Cantrel & Co. J. H. Strong of Des Moines, and H. H. Moffatt built the mill in 1856–57 at a cost of $20,000.

Adel business owners backed the Des Moines Western Railroad Company, which was soon renamed as the Des Moines, Adel, and Western.

Passenger service to Adel was discontinued in 1952, and the line was abandoned in 1987.

The line has been repurposed into the popular Raccoon River Valley Trail.

Two men entered in a buggy and shot a teller, who, though wounded, managed to close the vault and turn the tumblers, preventing the thieves from taking off with a substantial amount.

Future Governor of Iowa George W. Clarke had a law office on the second floor.

[7][8] The Dallas County Courthouse, was completed in 1902 at a cost of about $109,000, is located at the center of downtown Adel.

31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

30.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[15] It has 15,000 acres of Iowa farmland and is almost entirely owned by Harry Stine and his four children.