Curlew is a city in Palo Alto County, Iowa, United States. The population was 37 at the time of the 2020 census. Curlew originated in 1882 wit…Curlew is a city in Palo Alto County, Iowa, United States. The population was 37 at the time of the 2020 census. Curlew originated in 1882 with the construction of the Des Moines and Fort Dodge Railroad in the area.