Things To Do
in Ottumwa
Ottumwa is a city located in the state of Iowa, United States. It is known for its historic downtown district and beautiful parks along the Des Moines River. Ottumwa is famous for being the birthplace of actor Tom Arnold and baseball player George Stone.
The city has a rich history, and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Afterward, take a stroll through the beautiful Willard Street Park to enjoy the fresh air.
Visit the American Gothic House for a glimpse of iconic American art. Stop by the nearby Wapello County Historical Museum to learn about the area's rich history.
Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant downtown. Finish your day with a relaxing walk along the Des Moines River.
Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Chautauqua Park. Take a morning hike on one of the park's trails to enjoy the scenic views.
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the park. Spend your afternoon fishing or kayaking on the lake.
Watch the sunset over the water for a perfect end to the day. Dine at a local farm-to-table restaurant to enjoy fresh, local flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents
- Access to outdoor activities and parks like the Langfield Park
- Rich cultural history and local events
- Good education opportunities with local schools and community colleges
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries
- Less access to major shopping and entertainment options
- Potential for harsh winters with significant snowfall
- Public transportation options are limited
- Some areas may struggle with economic development and population decline
Best Activities in Ottumwa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking in a beautiful natural setting at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Explore the nature trails, go birdwatching, or have a picnic at Chippewa Park in Ottumwa.
Engage in water activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing at Rathbun Lake, just a short drive from Ottumwa.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ottumwa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ottumwa
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers great views of the Des Moines River and surrounding areas, and is a popular spot for events and photo opportunities.
Provides stunning views of the river and has beautiful scenic areas for photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Food in Ottumwa
Ottumwa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Iowa dish, featuring a breaded and fried pork tenderloin patty served on a bun with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Try it at Canteen Lunch in the Alley, a local favorite known for its iconic tenderloin sandwich.
Must-Try!
For a taste of wild foraged goodness, seek out dishes featuring morel mushrooms when in season. The earthy, nutty flavor of these prized fungi is celebrated in various local preparations, such as morel mushroom soup and morel-stuffed proteins.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ottumwa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Ottumwa Farmers' Market to savor the flavors of the region and explore a diverse array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, and locally made crafts. The market often features food trucks offering a wide range of street food delights, from BBQ to ethnic cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ottumwa, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when conversing or in public spaces.
Showing respect to elders is valued in Ottumwa. It is customary to address older individuals with courtesy and use titles like 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' unless told otherwise.
Politeness and courtesy are highly regarded. Saying 'please' and 'thank you,' as well as using respectful language, is important in social interactions in Ottumwa.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ottumwa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ottumwa
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ottumwa, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, and other service industries. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill for good service.
Payment methods in Ottumwa include cash, credit cards, and mobile payment options. Most businesses accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ottumwa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Ottumwa, as the weather begins to warm up and the landscapes start to come alive with colorful blooms. It is a good time for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Summer is another popular time to visit Ottumwa, with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor festivals and events. Visitors can enjoy activities like boating, fishing, and exploring the local parks and waterways.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Ottumwa, as the foliage changes to vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. It's a great time for scenic drives, hiking, and enjoying the fall harvest at local farms and orchards.
Winter in Ottumwa brings cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, making it a quiet and peaceful time to visit. Visitors can enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing at nearby resorts.
Ottumwa at Night
Hiking in Ottumwa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that offers beautiful views of Rathbun Lake, featuring a mix of wooded areas and open fields.
A large park offering various trails with varying difficulty levels, suitable for both hiking and outdoor recreation.
Offers several hiking trails through beautiful forest scenery along the Des Moines River, with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
A smaller park featuring trails that wind through wooded areas, ideal for a quick hike or a leisurely stroll.
Provides a variety of hiking trails with picturesque views of the surrounding natural landscape and a lake for fishing and boating.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ottumwa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ottumwa by plane.
The largest airport in Iowa, located about 90 miles northwest of Ottumwa, serving major domestic and some international flights.
Located approximately 180 miles southwest of Ottumwa, this airport serves a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
About 200 miles northeast of Ottumwa, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, offering extensive international and domestic services.
Located roughly 200 miles northeast of Ottumwa, Midway primarily handles domestic flights, with some international services.
Situated about 130 miles east of Ottumwa, this airport serves as a regional hub with domestic flights and limited international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority racial demographic in Ottumwa, comprising a significant percentage of the population.
A growing demographic that includes individuals of Hispanic and Latino descent.
A presence in the community, representing a smaller percentage of the population compared to White and Hispanic groups.
A smaller demographic group, including various ethnic backgrounds such as Indian, Chinese, and others.
Individuals identifying as belonging to two or more racial groups, reflecting increasing diversity.
A small demographic representing the indigenous populations.
The Soul of Ottumwa
Discover the essence of Ottumwa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in Ottumwa, often played at local parks and fields, with community support for youth leagues.
High school football games are a significant event in the community, showcasing local talent and fostering school spirit.
Both recreational and competitive basketball are widely played, with local leagues and school teams being a central part of the sports culture.
Growing in popularity, with youth leagues and clubs promoting the sport among young athletes in the region.
A strong tradition in Ottumwa, especially at the high school level, with many successful programs and competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ottumwa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Ottumwa offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with a focus on utilizing fresh produce from local farms. Look for menus featuring inventive plant-based creations and accommodating substitutions.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find a range of gluten-free options at select establishments in Ottumwa. From gluten-free pastas to carefully crafted entrees, these dining spots prioritize catering to diverse dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ottumwa with these cultural adventures.
