Bridge View Center
102 Church St. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7000
www.bridgeviewcenter.com

Opening its doors in January 2007, Bridge View Center is Iowa's newest event space. With almost 50,000 feet of meeting, exhibition, banquet space and a state-of-the-art theater, Bridge View Center is the premier event facility in the region.

Ottumwa 8 Movie Theatre
1215 Theatre Dr. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-4935
www.cectheatres.com

This theatre, located off Highway 34 across from the Quincy Place Mall, opened its doors in 2004 with modern facilities and 8 state-of-the-art theatres. The theatre features comfortable stadium seating with listening devices and accommodations for the disabled.

63 Super-Putt Mini Golf
12627 River Rd. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501

Test your skills at Ottumwa's only mini golf course. 63 Super-Putt is a challenging 18-hole golf course that is fun for the whole family. Closed during inclement weather.

Air Power Museum
22001 Bluegrass Road (Map)
Blakesburg, IA 52536
(641) 938-2773

This 20,000 sq. ft. museum is located on a 30 acre antique airfield. It features various periods of aviation through models, engines, propellors, photos, etc. Approximately a dozen aircraft are also on display including WWII models. Open 9-5 weekdays, 10-5 Sat. and Sun.; closed Aug. 31-Sept 4 and major holidays.

American Gothic House
301 American Gothic Street (Map)
Eldon, IA 52536
(641) 652-3352
www.wapellocounty.org

Strike an American Gothic pose and take a photograph in front of the small white house made famous by Iowa Grant Wood, one of America's most beloved artists. Costumes and props, as well as educational exhibits and videos ar available at the visitors' center across from the house. Visitors are welcom to view the house from the outside as Gratn Wood did in 1938 when he was inspired by its unusual Gothic window. The State Historical Society of Iowa owns and preserves the house, and it is listed on teh National Register of Historic Places. Celebrate Gothic Days in Eldon the second full weekend in June each year.

Bridge City Bowl
1527 Albia Rd. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-9250

Located on Ottumwa's south side, Bridge City Bowl offers open bowling Monday through Wednesday and Friday through Sunday. Enjoy "Cosmic Bowling" on Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure to check out the Sunday specials. League play and birthday bundles are available.

Cedar Creek Golf Course
13120 Angle Road (Map)
Ottuwma, IA 52501
(641) 683-0646

Cedar Creek Golf Course offers 18 holes with irrigated fairways. The greens are in excellent condition. It features a driving range and pro shop with a complete line of golf equipment including balls, clothing, gloves and shoes. In addition the clubhouse provides a snack bar.

Champion Bowl
2601 Roemer Ave. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-8005

Home to the Ottumwa High School Bowling Team, this establishment offers daily open bowling, specials, Friday and Saturday night "Cosmic Bowling," league bowling and a pro-shop. The Gizzard Grill & Lounge is located on site, offering a variety of snacks and beverages. Birthday party packages available.

Chief Wapello's Gravesite & Memorial Park
East of Agency - Off Old Hwy 34 (Map)

This site is the final resting place of Chief Wapello, our county's namesake, who was Chief of the Sac (Sauk) and Fox Nations. He negotiated the sale of Indian lands in Iowa to the US Government, thus opening the Iowa Territory for homesteading in 1843. He was laid to rest beside his friend General Joseph Street. Historical information is available at the gravesite.

Curves for Women
111 N. Quincy Ave. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-1869
www.curves.com

Curves for Women is a franchise that is dedicated to providing affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information for women.

Des Moines River

At the center of Ottumwa, you will find the Des Moines River, the heart of our community. It is where business, nature, recreation and entertainment meet. Stroll along the levee trail which starts just across the street from the Bridge View Center and winds its way along the river for just over a mile. Fishing from the banks of the river is a popular summertime activity. If you prefer boating, the Black Hawk boat ramp can be found just off Quincy Avenue.

Greater Ottumwa Park
Junction of Highways 34 & 63 (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501

340 acres. Includes picnic tables, shelters, fireplaces, restrooms, playground equipment, baseball/softball, basketball, tennis, football/soccer, drinking fountains, paved trails, ponds, fountains, bird houses, camping hookups, cross country skiing and sand volleyball.

Greater Ottumwa Vocal Arts Project
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-5842
www.govap.org

Greater Ottumwa Vocal Arts Project (GOVAP) is a regional, not-for-profit, multi-cultural organization serving Southeast Iowa and Northeast Missouri. GOVAP's mission is to advance vocal arts performances through choruses, opera and musical theater. It offers a variety of musical opportunities for all ages and regularly stages performances.

Indian Hills Community College Athletics
(641) 683-5144
www.indianhills.edu

Whoop it up with Warrior men's basketball from November through March at Indian Hills. Get in the spirit of women's volleyball August through November.

Lady Fit & Healthy Inspirations
1207 N. Jefferson St. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-3005

Lady Fit's focus is on women's health and fitness by providing circuit trainingn and support within a comfortable environment.

Lake Rathbun
13541 Marlin Pl. (Map)
Moravia, IA 52571
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www.lakerathbunia.com

Lake Rathbun Marina provides all your recreational needs on the beautiful Lake Rathbun in south-central Iowa. Services include campgrounds, boat rental, slip rental, convenience store, restaurant, on dock gas fueling, room rental at the Lakeside Inn, boating supplies and picnic facilities. Lake Rathbun is continually adding new open and covered docks, landscaping and sidewalks to make your recreational or camping experience at Lake Rathbun enjoyable.

Lake Wapello State Park
15248 Campground Road (Map)
Drakesville, IA 52552
(641) 722-3371
www.iowadnr.com

Lake Wapello's 1,150 acres could easily be called the "country club" of Iowa's state parks. The beautiful wooded hillsides, shaded picnic areas and lake provide a quiet elegance which makes Lake Wapello one of southern Iowa's best-kept secrets. The beautiful lodge has been converted into a restaurant. Enjoy the view of the lake and the excellent food when you visit Lake Wapello State Park. The park also includes picnic shelters, camping facilities, family cabin rental, hiking trails, cross country skiing trails, boating, fishing and swimming.

Memorial Park
North Jefferson & North Elm Streets (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501

The 47-acre park includes picnic tables, shelters, fireplaces, restrooms, playground equipment, baseball/softball, tennis, football/soccer, drinking fountains, trails, bridges, cabins, ponds and benches.

Oktoberfest (October)
(641) 682-0268

Oktoberfest means it is time to eat a brat and join your friends for great entertainment and a cold brew. Enjoy five days of family fun including a grand parade and carnival for all ages.

Ottumwa Cemetery Arboretum
1302 N. Court Street (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-0687

Pick up a self guided walking tour brochure at the Ottumwa Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Ottumwa Community Children's Playhouse
P.O. Box 1675
Ottumwa, IA 52501

Ottumwa Community Players
Ottumwa, IA 52501
www.ottumwacommunityplayers.org

Ottumwa's community theatre group has found its new home in Bridge View Center.

Ottumwa High School Athletics
(641) 683-4444

It's everyone to the ball game for the Ottumwa High School Bulldogs. With year round events, root for the home team in basketball, soccer, softball and more.

Ottumwa Public Library
102 West Fourth Street (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-7563
www.ottumwapubliclibrary.org

Our library is housed in a historic Andrew Carnegie library building built in 1901 and offers children's activities, a reading center, internet access, genealogy room, and reference desk. Children's story-times Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 AM.

Ottumwa Skate Park
Located on the north side of the Market Street Bridge (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
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This free park features mini-ramps, a spine ramp and a street course with boxes, rails, banks and quarterpipes. The facility is open 24 hours a day, and pads are not required - just recommended.

Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra
Ottumwa, IA 52501
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The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra has great support from the Ottumwa Symphony Guild and performs regularly throughout the year.

Pioneer Ridge Nature Area & Center
Six miles south of Ottumwa on Hwy 63 (Map)
(641) 682-3091
www.wapellocounty.org

This Wapello County Conservation area features over 10 miles of maintained trails, a half mile paved handicap accessible trail, cabin rental and environmental education programming. The area also offers the opportunity to participate in many outdoor recreation activities such as picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding. Shelter and nature center rental are available for special events such as weddings, reunions, meetings and social gatherings.

Rock N Roll Raceway
1110 1/2 S. Madison Ave. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-0124

Go-kart race track.

Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 683-5144

Since 1961 the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra has performed subscription concerts in the Ottumwa area. In addition to the subscription series, the orchestra performs annual school tours, Kidsymphony concerts, pops concerts and summer concerts. Also, youth competitions, holiday performances and guest artist residences have become standard features in the orchestra's calendar.

Southside Drug Soda Fountain
337 Church St. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-3467

Take a step back in time at the soda fountain within South Side Drug. Take a seat at the counter and enjoy an old-fashioned soda or milkshake.

Sunday Soccer League

Take in a soccer match at Ottumwa Park. Teams play every Sunday afternoon spring through fall.

The Beach Ottumwa
101 Church St. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-7873
www.cityofottumwa.org

Ottumwa's 13-acre family outdoor water park, open May to September, features a wave pool, thrilling 20-ft. speed slide, "The Otter's Den" children's play area, and sand volleyball courts. The indoor facility is open year-round and features an 8-lane competitive indoor pool and a 100-ft. tube slide. Private party park rental is available.

Walk on Art Street
Third Street and Central Park - Downtown Ottumwa (Map)
(641) 684-5130
www.mainstreetottumwa.com

During this annual event, fine art Artisians and Traditional Crafters will present their work in a traditional art fair format while local musicians, singers and dancers perform throughout the day in Central Park. There are a variety of children's activities in the Park, including an under 18 exhibit, and interactive "Musical Petting Zoo". This event is made possible through Main Street Ottumwa.

Wapello County Historical Museum
210 West Main Street (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-8676

Take the elevator to the second floor of the Amtrak depot to explore Wapello County's rich past at the Wapello County Historical Museum. This museum offers two levels of interactive displays that illustrate life in Wapello County throughout the 19th & 20th centuries. Be sure that you don’t miss the scale replica of the 1890 Coal Palace and the fire station with a real 1925 LaFrance fire truck. Programs offered throughout the year, call (641) 682-8676 for program information. Allow 45 minute minimum. Museum open Tuesdays - Fridays 10am - 4pm Saturdays Noon - 4pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays and for Major Holidays. Admission: Adults $2.00, Children $0.50.

Wapello County Trails
(641) 682-3465
www.wapellocountytrails.com

Enjoy the scenic Des Moines River from the Ottumwa Levee Trail. Walk, run, bike, rollerblade or eagle watch along the 1.5 mile asphalt trail. The Levee Trail begins near The Beach Ottumwa (across the street from Bridge View Center) or from Quincy Ave./Blackhawk Rd. (behind the Ottumwa 8 Theaters). The trail system also includes paved trails throughout Ottumwa Park and gravel trails along the north bank of the Des Moines River. Complete trail system maps available at the Ottumwa Chamber of Commerce.

Wildwood Park
Shaul & Finley Streets (Map)

73 acres with picnic tables, shelters, disc golf, fireplaces, restrooms, playground equipment, baseball/softball, basketball, tennis, drinking fountains, trails, bridges, birdhouses, cross country skiing and sledding.

YMCA League Sports
611 Hancock St. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-6571

Whether you are in pre-school or an adult, the YMCA has a league sport for you. Leagues include T-ball, softball, soccer, basketball and more!

O'Town BBQ Showdown - June
102 Church Street (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 684-7000
www.bridgeviewcenter.com

Ottumwa is thrilled to be hosting our first annual Kansas City Barbeque Sanctioned event, the "O'Town BBQ Show" on June 12 & 13th, 2009. The event promises to be the hottest place in town as local and national teams fire up their smokers and compete for cash, trophies and bragging rights. Applications are now being accepted for our backyard and professional divisions. If you have a team that would like to compete, please fill out a registration form and mail to 102 Church Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501.

Eldon Gothic Days (June)
Eldon, IA 52554
(641) 652-3270

Celebrate Gothic Days in Eldon each June with a parade, quilt show, barbeque dinner, kids games and a cardboard boat race.

Farmer's Market
Market St. and River Dr. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501

Fresh produce and homemade baked goods are plentiful at the Farmer's Market. Held Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. during the summer.

Friday Lunch in the Park - Central Park
102 West Fourth Street (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-3465
info@ottumwaiowa.com

Lunch in the Park is held in Central Park and offered the last Friday in June through the second Friday in August from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Food is available for purchase from a different vendor each week. Free entertainment.

Holiday Nights 'n Lights
(641) 682-3465
www.holidaynightsnlights.com

Take your family for a magical ride through a mile of animated lights during the "Holiday Night 'n Lights" held each November and December in Ottumwa Park.

July 4th Fireworks

Watch the sky light up with fireworks in Ottumwa Park, each fourth of July.

Ottumwa Municipal Band
Ottumwa, IA 52501

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy music in Central Park every Thursday in June and July at 7:00 p.m.

Ottumwa Pro Baloon Races (June)
(641) 682-3465
www.ottumwaproballoons.com

Plan to attend the annual Pro Ballooon Races held each June, featuring competition flight, night glow, a carnival and free entertainment.

South Ottumwa Savings Bank Live After Five (July)
102 W. 4th St. (Map)
Ottumwa, IA 52501
(641) 682-7541
www.sosb-ia.com

Enjoy live music, food and festivities at South Ottumwa Savings Bank Live After Five, held Friday evenings during July in Central Park.

Wapello County 4-H Expo
(641) 682-5491

Enjoy delicious fair foods, exciting queen contests, entertainment, animals and more! Located in the Bridge View Center.

Wapello County Fair (June)
(641) 652-7521
www.wapellocountyfair.com

June brings the old-fashioned Wapello County Fair to Eldon, featuring a Saturday night concert!