You can’t visit Southeast Iowa without stopping by the famous American Gothic House & Center in Eldon. The iconic little white farmhouse was made famous by Iowa artist Grant Wood’s 1930 “American Gothic” painting and is now celebrating 95 years of sharing a piece of Iowa’s idyllic countryside in 2025.
 

Step inside the adjacent visitor center to learn about the history of the home, the painting (which is one of the most recognizable works in American art) and the artist. Then, select your costume and use the outdoor selfie station to recreate your own “American Gothic” photo. Don’t leave without visiting the gift shop, which is packed with souvenirs and gifts relating to Grant Wood and Iowa.

A hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts, the Antique Airplane Association’s Air Power Museum boasts 20,000 square feet packed with vintage aircraft, engines, aviation artifacts and more. Located between Ottumwa and Blakesburg at the Antique Airfield, visitors can wander through three hangars filled with airplanes, many of which are in working condition and flown regularly. Some of the most notable aircraft include a Monocoupe Model 22, the first rendition of a series of small, high-performance monoplanes, and the Ryan PT-22 Recruit, a WWII military trainer plane known for its open cockpit and distinctive design. Throughout the hangars and library, you can also admire models, plane parts, photos and artwork for a closer look at the evolution of aviation history.

Opened in 1936, Canteen Lunch in the Alley has since been an iconic foodie destination known for its famous loose meat sandwiches and uniquely odd location. After decades of delighting diners, a plan to move the eatery or tear it down to create space for a parking garage was introduced in 2004. Community members strongly opposed both options and banded together to save the restaurant, resulting in the Canteen staying put while the parking garage was constructed around it. Now, the tiny yellow building offers a quirky sight on the outside, and delicious ground beef loose meat sandwiches, hand-dipped ice cream and homemade pies on the inside.

For a deep dive into all aspects of Ottumwa area history, stop by the Iowa Heartland History Connection Museum. Its collection features over 20,000 items that offer a fascinating journey through life in Wapello County during the 19th and 20th centuries, including Native American life, European and American settlers’ stories and the area’s development as an agricultural and industrial hub.
 

A newer exhibit also features the Korean War, specifically highlighting the beloved M*A*S*H TV show character Walter “Radar” O’Reilly, whose hometown was written as Ottumwa. Gain insight into Radar’s fictitious life through real photos of M*A*S*H units and Korean War history as well as TV show trivia and souvenirs.
 

Get the rest of the story at the Meet Ottumwa Visitor Center (115 E. Main St.), where you can learn about the connection between M*A*S*H and Ottumwa's real-life Radar at the, read all the TV show's quotes about Ottumwa and grab a map to take the M*A*S*H Characters' Hometown Tour.

Marking the spot where chiefs of the Sac and Fox Nation signed a treaty to hand their lands over to the U.S. government, this space has since been transformed into Agency’s Memorial Park in an effort to honor the land’s history. Take a stroll through the park to see several memorials, including stone markers that commemorate the Native American Agency House (the town’s namesake) and its negotiations alongside interpretive panels that tell the story of the Agency. The park is also the final resting place of Chief Wapello – who the county was named after – and the Agency’s first administrator General Joseph Street and his family.

Part of Ray “Bubba” Sorensen’s campaign to paint patriotic murals in each of Iowa’s 99 counties, Ottumwa’s Freedom Rock was created in 2014 to honor local heroes and military connections. Located next to Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center, it depicts a Gold Star Banner, American flag, bald eagle, Tuskegee Airmen, the National Guard Unit 833rd and Naval Air Station Ottumwa.

While visiting the Rock Island Train Depot Museum in Eldon, follow the path behind the main building to discover a hidden historic gem. Walk along the unpaved trail to discover a breathtaking view of the Des Moines River alongside the remnants of a bridge and informational panels detailing the stories behind Eldon’s historic buildings.

For more Civil War history, stop by the Ottumwa Cemetery to admire the Civil War Soldier statue. Carved from a 200-year-old tree that was infected with a fungal disease, it now stands 10 feet tall over the graves of soldiers who served in the war. Just feet away from the statue, you can also visit the gravesite of Leonidas Godley, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Siege of Vicksburg.