Spread the love!

Excited to Explore Ottumwa: Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit

The American Gothic House is the reason to come. Grant Wood painted the house in Eldon, a short drive from Ottumwa, and it is a museum now with a studio and exhibits on his work. Then eat. Canteen Lunch in the Alley has been serving its loose-meat sandwich since 1927, from a counter in an alley. The Airpower Museum keeps military aircraft on a working airfield, and the Des Moines River Trails run along the water.

Planning a trip to Ottumwa, Iowa raises the question of where to go first. Ottumwa carries a range of activities and attractions across every age and interest. The landscape through to the historic sites and museums, this town covers a lot.

Nature lovers should start with Ottumwa’s river and trails. Walk or bike them, or rent a canoe or kayak and take the river directly. History readers get several museums and historic sites, the American Gothic House & Center among them, which inspired the famous painting “American Gothic” by Grant Wood.

On dining, Ottumwa carries a range of options covering most cravings. Classic American cooking through to international flavors, it is all here. And for unusual attractions and entertainment, Ottumwa has those too. Check out the Airpower Museum or catch a concert through the Greater Ottumwa Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Key Takeaways

• Ottumwa offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages and interests, including exploring natural beauty and visiting historic sites and museums.
• The city has a diverse dining scene, with options ranging from classic American cuisine to international flavors.
• Unique attractions and entertainment options, such as the Airpower Museum and Greater Ottumwa Convention & Visitors Bureau, make Ottumwa a must-visit destination.

Exploring Ottumwa’s Natural Beauty

To get outdoors in Ottumwa, there is plenty to work with. Scenic trails through to state parks, the range covers every level. These are the ways to take Ottumwa’s landscape:

Des Moines River Trails

The Des Moines River Trails are the popular way into Ottumwa’s landscape. The trails wind through the woods along the Des Moines River with the surrounding country in view. A leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both are on there.

The trails are well-maintained and the terrain changes, from flat and easy to steep and rocky. Along the way you see wildlife, deer, birds and the occasional bald eagle among it. Bring the camera.

State Parks and Hiking Trails

Ottumwa is home to several state parks and hiking trails, each running a different kind of day. Lake Wapello State Park is the popular one for swimming, fishing and boating. It also runs several hiking trails through the woods with the lake in view.

Pioneer Ridge Nature Area is the other option, with miles of hiking trails winding through the woods and out over the surrounding country. The trails are well-marked and the terrain changes, from flat and easy to steep and rocky.

Whichever park or trail you pick, Ottumwa’s landscape does the work. Pack a picnic lunch, lace up the hiking boots and go.

Historic Sites and Museums

History readers have plenty to work through in Ottumwa. These are the historic sites and museums in the area:

American Gothic House and Eldon

You cannot visit Ottumwa without the American Gothic House in Eldon. The house was made famous by Grant Wood’s painting “American Gothic,” and it is a museum now, dedicated to the artist and the painting. Tours run through the house and the studio where Wood painted the work. The museum also runs exhibits on Wood’s life and work alongside contemporary art.

Airpower Museum and Antique Airfield

Military history readers should not miss the Airpower Museum and Antique Airfield. The museum holds military aircraft and artifacts, planes from World War II and the Korean War among them. There are vintage cars and motorcycles too, along with a collection of antique radios. It sits on a working airfield, so planes take off and land while you are there.

Wapello County Historical Museum

The Wapello County Historical Museum covers the history of Ottumwa and the surrounding area. The exhibits run local architecture, industry and agriculture, along with artifacts from the area’s Native American history. There are also exhibits on the Civil War and World War I, and displays on local sports teams and famous Ottumwans. The museum is run by the Iowa Heartland History Connection and is affiliated with the State Historical Society of Iowa.

Art, military history or local culture, Ottumwa carries the historic sites and museums for all three. Work through them for the area’s history and heritage.

Food and Dining Experiences

On food and dining in Ottumwa, Iowa, the options cover most tastes. A quick bite or a sit-down meal, both are here. These are the places to eat in Ottumwa.

Canteen Lunch in the Alley

For an unusual meal, check out Canteen Lunch in the Alley. The historic restaurant has been running since 1927 and is famous for its loose-meat sandwich. It sits in an alley, hence the name, and the room is small and comfortable. Sit at the counter and watch the food being made in front of you. The menu is simple and everything on it works. Order the loose-meat sandwich, made with a secret blend of spices and served on a bun with mustard and pickles.

Local Cuisine and Cafes

Ottumwa carries a range of cafes and restaurants serving local cooking. Chef Bob’s Cafe is where to start. The family-owned restaurant has been running for over 30 years and is known for its homemade food. The menu covers classic American dishes like burgers, sandwiches and salads, along with local favorites like breaded pork tenderloin and fried catfish. The homemade pies are the other reason to go.

Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company is the other place to eat. The brewery and restaurant serves a range of craft beers alongside the food. The menu covers classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches and salads, along with less usual dishes like beer-battered onion rings and smoked brisket. The beer flights let you work through several at once.

For a quick snack or a coffee, check out the Ottumwa Snack Bar. The small cafe serves snacks and drinks, coffee, tea and smoothies among them. The famous cinnamon rolls are the local favorite.

Ottumwa carries plenty on the food front. An unusual meal or straightforward local cooking, both are here.

Ottumwa sits on the Des Moines River. Main Street holds the shops, the restaurants, the bars and the summer festivals, with the Wapello County Historical Museum and Hotel Ottumwa close by. Canteen Lunch in the Alley is just off it. The river trails run both banks. Eldon and the American Gothic House are a short drive, and the Airpower Museum is out at the antique airfield.

Outdoor Activities

Ottumwa, Iowa rewards outdoor people. Hiking, fishing, disc golf or camping, all four are covered. These are the outdoor activities in Ottumwa:

Disc Golf and Camping

Disc golf people will take to the courses in Ottumwa. The Jones Park Disc Golf Course is the popular one with locals and visitors alike. The course runs 18 holes and works for any skill level. It fills a day outdoors with friends and family.

To extend the stay, consider camping at one of the local campgrounds. The Ottumwa Park Campground is the family option. It runs picnic tables, fire pits and playgrounds. It also sits close to the disc golf course, so a round or two is easy to fit in.

Hiking and Fishing

For something quieter, hiking or fishing. The Pioneer Ridge Nature Area is where to hike. It runs several trails at different lengths and difficulty levels. The scenery and the wildlife come with the exercise.

Fishing people should head to the Des Moines River. You can catch catfish, bass and walleye in it. The river also takes kayaking or canoeing.

Whatever outdoor activity you pick, Ottumwa has it. Grab the gear and go.

Events and Entertainment

Movie Nights and Dance Halls

For entertainment in Ottumwa, the local movie theaters and dance halls are the answer. The theaters show the latest blockbusters and independent films. Action, comedy or drama, something will suit.

To dance, Ottumwa has several halls covering different tastes. Country line dancing through to ballroom, both are here. Many of them run lessons for beginners, so you can learn something before you get on the floor.

Main Street Entertainment

Main Street in Ottumwa is the hub of entertainment in the city. With shops, restaurants and bars along it, there is always something to do. Through the summer months, Main Street runs festivals and events, music festivals, art fairs and food festivals among them.

For live entertainment, check out the local theaters and music venues. Ottumwa runs several theaters hosting plays, musicals and other performances. There are also music venues booking local and national acts, so you can catch a favorite band or find a new one.

Whatever your taste in entertainment, Ottumwa has it. Grab the friends and head out for the night.

Unique Attractions

For something out of the ordinary, Ottumwa carries several unusual attractions worth finding.

Coal Palace and Hotel Ottumwa

The Coal Palace is Ottumwa’s most distinctive landmark, a building made entirely out of coal. It was originally built in 1890 to show off the region’s coal industry and attract investors to the area. The Coal Palace is a museum now, covering Ottumwa’s past.

Right across the street from the Coal Palace is the historic Hotel Ottumwa. Built in 1917, the hotel has been a fixture in downtown Ottumwa for over a century. It has been renovated several times and still holds most of its original character. For an unusual place to stay, the Hotel Ottumwa is the answer.

Antique Airplane Association and Maquoketa Caves State Park

Aviation people should not miss the Antique Airplane Association’s annual fly-in at the Ottumwa Regional Airport. The fly-in runs vintage airplanes from the 1920s and 1930s alongside modern replicas of classic aircraft. You can take a ride in one of them or watch them fly.

Nature lovers should find Maquoketa Caves State Park. It sits about an hour’s drive from Ottumwa and holds over a dozen caves you can explore. The park also runs hiking trails, picnic areas and a campground. For an unusual outdoor day, it is the one to pick.

Whatever your interests, Ottumwa carries something unusual. The Coal Palace and Hotel Ottumwa through to the Antique Airplane Association and Maquoketa Caves State Park, there is plenty to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some unique date ideas in Ottumwa, Iowa?

For a romantic day in Ottumwa, Iowa, start at the American Gothic House & Center. This is the house that stood behind the couple in Grant Wood’s painting, American Gothic (1930). Tours run through the house and cover the history of the painting. The Cedar Creek Golf Course is the other option, a strong course with enough in it for beginners and experienced golfers alike.

What are some of the best bars to check out in Ottumwa, Iowa?

For a drink in Ottumwa, Iowa, you will not be disappointed. The Second Street Bar & Grill is the popular one, and it works for a beer with friends. The Canteen Alley is the other, a small bar with a strong drinks list and a friendly room. And for something more upscale, the Bridge View Center, a venue with a good bar and plenty on the programme.

Frequently asked questions about Ottomwa, Iowa

What exactly is the American Gothic House near Ottumwa, Iowa?

The house Grant Wood painted behind the couple in American Gothic. It stands in Eldon, a short drive from Ottumwa, and it is a museum now, with the studio where Wood worked and exhibits on his life alongside contemporary art. People still pose in front of it with a pitchfork.

What do you order at Canteen Lunch in the Alley?

The loose-meat sandwich. It has been made with the same secret blend of spices since 1927 and comes on a bun with mustard and pickles. Sit at the counter and watch it happen.

Where should you go hiking near Ottumwa, Iowa?

Pioneer Ridge Nature Area for the marked trails, which run from flat and easy to steep and rocky. Lake Wapello State Park if you want the lake, with the swimming, fishing and boating on it. The Des Moines River Trails if you want the wildlife, including the occasional bald eagle.

Spread the love!