Ottumwa Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of the Iowa region, Ottumwa is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. With its rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and friendly locals, Ottumwa is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic American experience.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Ottumwa. The city's historical downtown area is dotted with beautifully preserved buildings that showcase its rich past. Take a stroll along Market Street and admire the architectural wonders, such as the stunning Wapello County Courthouse, a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts design. Don't miss the chance to visit the Ottumwa Coal Palace, a unique structure made entirely out of coal, which stands as a testament to the city's coal mining legacy.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in Ottumwa. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, making it a haven for hiking, fishing, and boating enthusiasts. Head to the nearby Lake Rathbun and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature as you explore its pristine waters. For a more leisurely experience, pack a picnic and relax in one of Ottumwa's many parks, such as the scenic Greater Ottumwa Park, which offers beautiful trails and breathtaking views.

Art and culture thrive in Ottumwa, with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums to explore. The Ottumwa Art Center showcases the work of local and regional artists, providing a glimpse into the creative spirit of the community. History buffs can delve into the city's past at the Wapello County Historical Museum, where exhibits highlight the region's rich heritage.

Food lovers will be in for a treat in Ottumwa, as the city boasts a diverse culinary scene. From traditional American comfort food to international cuisines, Ottumwa's restaurants offer something for every palate. Don't miss the chance to try the famous breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, a local specialty that is sure to satisfy any foodie's cravings.

Alternative names: Population: 24.6 thous.Area: 16.53 mi²Elevation: 643 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°1'2"N, 92°24'41"W

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IowaUnited States

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Ottumwa Top Attractions

Ottumwa Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ottumwa offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: B'nai Jacob Synagogue, Ottumwa City Hall, Ottumwa Cemetery, Jefferson Street Viaduct. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Synagogue • Neo-renaissance architecture
B'nai Jacob Synagogue
B'nai Jacob Synagogue is a Conservative congregation in Ottumwa, Iowa. Established in 1898, it was originally Orthodox. It constructed its current synagogue building in 1915, and joined the Conservative movement in the 1950s.
City hall
Ottumwa City Hall
Ottumwa City Hall is the official seat of government for the city of Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. The building originally served as a post office and federal courthouse. It is part of the Central Park area, which includes: Ottumwa Public Library, Wapello County Courthouse and St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church.
Gothic Revival architecture • Cemetery
Ottumwa Cemetery
Ottumwa Cemetery is a public cemetery located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. The entrance area of the cemetery forms a historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

Bridge
Jefferson Street Viaduct
The Jefferson Street Viaduct is an historic structure located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. The riveted Warren deck truss bridge was completed in 1936.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church
St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church is a parish of the Diocese of Davenport. The church building is located on the corner of 4th and Court Streets in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Central Park area, which is the civic center of the community.
Novelty architecture
Coal Palace
The Coal Palace was a temporary exhibition center that stood in Ottumwa, Iowa from 1890 until 1892. It was used most prominently to showcase the local coal mining industry.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Benson Block
The Benson Block is a historic building located in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It is two-fifths of a building that was originally constructed in 1883 and was damaged in a fire in 1923.
41°1'13"N • 92°24'34"W
Jay Funeral Home
Jay Funeral Home, now known as the Robertson-Jay Funeral Home, is an historic building and funeral home located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. Local architect Archie Eaton designed the building in the Mediterranean Revival style. The two-story brick structure was completed in 1929.
Cemetery • Church
Mars Hill
Mars Hill is a historic church building and cemetery located near Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. Barbara Clark donated the property to the Baptist Church and the church building was built between 1850 and 1857. The rectangular structure is composed of dovetail notched hewn logs, and it is capped with a gable roof.
Gothic Revival architecture • Church
Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church is located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It is a parish church of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. The building is a contributing property in the Fifth Street Bluff Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Romanesque architecture
Wapello County Courthouse
The Wapello County Courthouse in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States, was built in 1894. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 as a part of the County Courthouses in Iowa Thematic Resource.
Museum
International Video Game Hall of Fame
The International Video Game Hall of Fame is a planned museum to be operated in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. Ottumwa considers itself as the "Video Game Capital of the World" as the city was home to the Twin Galaxies arcade which became the epicenter for numerous competitions in arcade games.
Tudor Revival architecture
Foster/Bell House
The Foster/Bell House is an historic building located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. The original house on the property was the home of Judge H.B. Hendershott built in 1862. He sold the property to Thomas D. Foster in early 1890s.
Neighbourhood
Greater Second Street Historic District
The Greater Second Street Historic District is a nationally recognized historic district located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
41°0'57"N • 92°24'25"W
Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College is a public community college with two main campuses in Iowa, one in Calmar and one in Peosta.
41°1'17"N • 92°24'46"W
Ottumwa Young Women's Christian Association
Ottumwa Young Women's Christian Association, also known as Your Family Center, is a historic building located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States.
41°1'2"N • 92°24'42"W
First National Bank
First National Bank is a historic building located in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It is significant for its architectural design and its use of terra cotta for the exterior, the only bank in town so clad. Chicago architect H. H.
41°1'7"N • 92°24'43"W
Hofmann Building
The Hofmann Building, also known as the Harvester Building, is an historic building located in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Proudfoot, Rawson, Brooks & Borg. The six-story brick structure, which was completed in 1941, rises 73.18 feet above the ground.
Library
Ottumwa Public Library
Ottumwa Public Library is a public library located in downtown Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. The current building was built in 1901. It is part of the Central Park area, which is the civic center of the community. It includes the Wapello County Courthouse, Ottumwa City Hall, and St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church.

Day trips

Ottumwa – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ottumwa, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville), Scholte House (Pella), Appanoose County Sheriff's House and Jail (Centerville).

42 milesNW
Racetrack, Sport venue, Sport
Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville
Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Knoxville Raceway is a mecca for sprint car racing enthusiasts and a hallmark destination for those seeking the thrill of high-speed motorsport action. Known as the "Sprint Car Capital of the World," this iconic dirt track in Knoxville...
38 milesNW
Historical place, Museum, Architecture
Scholte House, Pella
The Dominie Henry P. Scholte House is an historic residence located in Pella, Iowa, United States. Dominie Scholte was the leader of a secessionist movement from the organized church in the Netherlands in the 1830s.
31 milesSW
Museum
Appanoose County Sheriff's House and Jail, Centerville
The Appanoose County Sheriff's House and Jail is a historic structure located in Centerville, Iowa, United States. Provisions for a jail in Appanoose County were not realized until 1855 when a small stone building was constructed.
37 milesNW
Opera, Concerts and shows, Concert hall
Pella Opera House, Pella
The Pella Opera House is a historic building located in Pella, Iowa, United States. Herman Rietveld, a local businessman and promoter, was the main backer for building the opera house, which was underwritten by the Pella Opera House Association. A previous opera house had been destroyed in a fire in the late 19th century.
45 milesE
City hall
Mount Pleasant City Hall, Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant City Hall is the official seat of government of the city of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, United States. This 1½-story stone structure was designed by Burlington, Iowa architect William Weibley, and constructed by local builder K.A. Bergdahl. It is an eclectic combination of Colonial Revival styles.