Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Ottumwa, Iowa

On both banks of the Des Moines River, the seat of Wapello County developed primarily due to coal mining, which fueled the economy into the early 20th century.

In the 1890s, the grand Coal Palace, a temporary exhibition center, was erected by the river to highlight the local coal industry, and notable visitors included 23rd President Benjamin Harrison.

The city’s name derives from the Sauk word “Au-tum-way-e-naukor,” which translates to “land of the rippling waters.”

The river has historically been essential to life in Ottumwa, and its banks still host many of the city’s premier attractions, accompanied by an excellent network of trails that allows visitors to enjoy Ottumwa on foot or by bicycle.

1. American Gothic House & Center

Ottumwa is the nearest large city to the house that served as the setting for Grant Wood’s iconic painting, American Gothic (1930).

This location is approximately 20 minutes away by road, situated at the edge of the small town of Eldon. Wood sketched this building during his visit in 1930, marking one of only two occasions on which he actually came to the house.

The residence, characterized by a distinct Gothic-style window in the gable, dates back to the early 1880s and was donated to the State Historical Society of Iowa in 1991 after a 30-year preservation initiative.

The adjacent visitor center features a gallery that chronicles the history of the house, Grant Wood, and his renowned painting, along with a gift shop and a media room. Visitors also have the option to borrow period costumes for staging their own version of American Gothic in front of the house.

2. Ottumwa River Trails

The city’s history and culture are closely associated with the Des Moines River, making the network of trails along the river the ideal way to uncover Ottumwa’s essence.

This network extends for 16 miles, situated atop the levees on both sides of the river, crossing the historic Wabash Bridge (1888) and reaching as far as the city limits.

Maps of this system are available for download, enabling visitors to traverse trails leading to riverfront parks and attractions such as the Bridge View Center, Beach Ottumwa, Ottumwa 8 Theatre, and Wapello County Farmers’ Market, among others.

3. Beach Ottumwa

Just across the river from downtown Ottumwa, a water park boasts both indoor and outdoor attractions, allowing Beach Ottumwa to remain operational year-round, with an outdoor season that lasts from Memorial Day weekend to the final weekend in August.

Outside, visitors can enjoy a massive, 300,000-gallon wave pool, an aquatic playground for younger children, and an area designated for sand volleyball.

Fifteen stories high, two curly slides and the Speed Slide—one of the longest in the Midwest, reaching 100 feet—dominate the complex. The indoor facility features another slide, an eight-lane competitive pool, and an inflatable obstacle course.

4. Main Street Ottumwa

Significant investment has revitalized downtown Ottumwa since the 2000s, breathing new life into streets lined with attractive century-old brick storefronts.

Currently, Main Street and the adjacent 2nd Street are evolving into a dynamic downtown district, supported by attractions like the Bridge View Center located across the river. The allure of downtown Ottumwa mainly resides in its diverse culinary options, which reflect the cultural richness of the city.

Historic staples such as Canteen Lunch in the Alley and Graham’s Dairy Freez will be examined further, but numerous choices are available, encompassing Vietnamese, Mexican, Eritrean, Filipino, and traditional American comfort foods.

For sweet indulgences, Main Street Donuts offers an enticing daily selection at the counter.

5. Canteen Lunch in the Alley

This quaint establishment has been a staple since 1927, serving as a primary destination for Ottumwans returning to their hometown.

The Canteen Lunch in the Alley relocated to its current location in 1936, nestled within an alley partially beneath a parking garage. These compact eateries, providing economical lunch options, were invaluable during the Great Depression.

Seating 16 customers around a horseshoe counter, the menu is straightforward with limited offerings.

The highlighted dish is the Canteen Sandwich, a local Iowa-style loose meat sandwich served with traditional condiments such as ketchup, mustard, pickles, and cheese sauce (additional charge applies).

6. Bridge View Center

One of Southeast Iowa’s premier event centers offers a breathtaking view of the Des Moines River.

Opened in 2007, the Bridge View Center features a 664-seat theater, a 30,000-square-foot exposition hall, and various smaller spaces suitable for community gatherings.

This venue hosts significant events, including concerts, Broadway shows, trade conventions, rodeos, and dance performances. Notable artists such as Cole Swindell, Hairball, and Lee Greenwood have graced its stage.

The complex is adorned with public art installations, including Freedom Rock, a photography collection by Michael Lemberger, a painting by Fred Easker, and the Ferber sculpture. Additionally, Harmony Park serves as an interactive musical exhibit along the riverbank.

7. Graham’s Dairy Freez

This beloved ice cream stand has been an integral part of Ottumwa since 1908. At the time of this writing, the business was in its third generation, having been taken over by the current owners’ grandparents in 1968.

Currently, approximately two-thirds of the staff comprise family members. Graham’s Dairy Freez is celebrated for its soft serve, which ranges from cones and flurries to shakes, malts, sundaes, parfaits, slushies, and more.

The extensive menu may take a moment to comprehend due to its many offerings, including savory options such as brats, nachos, burgers, and pretzels.

8. Wapello County Farmers’ Market

For an authentic local shopping experience, the county’s farmers’ market convenes at Central Addition Park, located by the Des Moines River.

This market is positioned just past Beach Ottumwa and the Ottumwa City Campground, adjacent to Highway 34. From June through September, visitors can explore the market on Monday and Thursday afternoons. A plethora of fresh produce from local farms provides a diverse selection throughout the summer months.

Exceptional farm-fresh vegetables available include tomatoes, okra, both sweet and hot peppers, potatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, and more. Additionally, products like honey, eggs, and a wide array of baked goods, from pies to cookies, cakes, and breads, are offered.

9. Wapello County Courthouse

A prominent landmark within Ottumwa, the Wapello County Courthouse is unlike most courthouses found across the Midwest.

Constructed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style during the early 1890s, this represents the city’s fourth courthouse, which traces back to a single-story log cabin from the 1840s.

The current courthouse is composed of rusticated sandstone blocks and features an impressive round-arch entrance flanked by three granite columns on each side.

This structure has held a place on the National Register of Historic Places since 1981. Until 1950, the flat platform at the intersection of 4th and Court Street was topped with a clock tower that was dismantled due to safety considerations.

10. Iowa Heartland History Connection

Established in 1959, the Wapello County Historical Society operates a comprehensive museum that chronicles life in the county during the 19th and 20th centuries.

At the time of compiling this list, the museum was transitioning to a large new campus at 700 Farm Credit Drive in northern Ottumwa.

Given the extensive collection and the remarkable artifacts owned by the society, this attraction is poised to become a primary destination for individuals interested in the region’s history.

Noteworthy exhibits include a scale replica of the Coal Palace exhibition center that was prominent on Ottumwa’s riverfront in the early 1890s, alongside a restored 1925 American LaFrance fire engine.

11. Cedar Creek Golf Course

This 18-hole public golf course is situated in the gently rolling hills just north of Ottumwa. Cedar Creek Golf Course presents some challenging features; however, it is primarily designed to accommodate less experienced players who may aim for a low score.

The practice facility stands out as one of the finest in the area, especially the meticulously maintained driving range, complete with a practice fairway and bunkers.

The pro shop is well-stocked with top brands and employs club-fitting professionals; visitors can also conclude their outing with a selection from the snack bar.

12. Pioneer Ridge Nature Area

A short drive south of Ottumwa leads to a 1,000-acre area featuring rolling landscapes with grassy ridges overlooking mature oak-hickory forests.

Visitors can explore 15 miles of trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback, along with four stocked ponds available for public fishing.

A small campground is also available, featuring nine electric hookups, three primitive sites, and two modern four-season cabins.

Nearby, a two-story nature center offers captivating natural history exhibits, staffed by a full-time naturalist.

13. Wildwood Park

Located on Ottumwa’s southwestern outskirts, Wildwood Park encompasses 57 rolling acres dedicated to outdoor recreation. It features an 18-hole disc golf course, ballfields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.

The hilly grounds provide fantastic opportunities for winter sledding, while warmer months allow for leisurely strolls on the trails and family picnics in a picturesque setting.

Wildwood Park includes several picnic tables and grills, as well as a shelter adjacent to a large children’s play area.

14. Airpower Museum

Located approximately ten miles west of Ottumwa, the Antique Airfield serves as the private facility for the Antique Airplane Association (AAA), established in 1953 and recognized as the oldest organization of its type globally.

The AAA operates a museum in a hangar at the airfield, showcasing more than 30 airplanes primarily from the mid-20th century.

Exhibits include gliders, monoplanes, biplanes, light aircraft, and several trainer aircraft, with designated sections focusing on the Golden Age of aviation and World War II.

15. Lake Wapello State Park

A half-hour drive southwest from Ottumwa leads to a scenic 1,150-acre state park, characterized by wooded hillsides surrounding the manmade Lake Wapello.

The northern shore features a sandy beach with a newly renovated stone and timber structure constructed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

This building houses a seasonal restaurant, bathhouse, restrooms, and a splendid observation deck. Visitors can rent boats at the concession area, and for anglers, the lake is abundant with bass (catch and release), bluegill, catfish, and crappie.

The campground offers 89 sites, 44 equipped with electrical hookups, along with updated restroom and shower facilities.