In August 2023, @keninchicago spent a weekend exploring Ottumwa and Mahaska County, for a trip that was, as she put it, “such a nice change of pace from city life.” “You might not have thought of Iowa as a destination location before but there really is so much to do here whether it’s exploring the outdoors, going on a family adventure, or if you’re just seeking relaxation,” she said. Replicate her trip.
Day One
Start your adventure with a visit to the American Gothic House, which inspired Grant Wood’s iconic piece of American art from 1930 and makes for a great photo opportunity. Stop by the adjacent visitor center to don period-appropriate clothing to recreate the famous portrait or explore the exhibit gallery and gift shop.
Next up, head to Mimi’s Taqueria for made-from-scratch Mexican dishes inspired by the authentic flavors of Jalisco. You’ll have your choice of several menu items including a variety of fresh salsas, tacos, birria, enchiladas, molcajetes, refreshing beverages and more.
For an afternoon of fun in the sun, make a splash at Beach Ottumwa. Perfect for families or the kids at heart, the waterpark features a wave pool, curly slides, sand volleyball, a competitive indoor pool, a children’s play area and one of the largest speed slides in the Midwest for those feeling adventurous.
Cap off the day with dinner at Canteen Lunch in the Alley (don’t let the name fool you). Located under a parking garage that was built around the 1927 eatery, it features a horse-shoe shaped counter and a menu that only includes its famous loose meat sandwich topped with your favorite condiments or cheese sauce.
When you’re ready to settle down for the night, the AmericInn by Wyndham is conveniently located near many area attractions and steps away from the Amtrak train station. During your stay, enjoy a free homestyle breakfast and an indoor pool.
Next up, head to Mimi’s Taqueria for made-from-scratch Mexican dishes inspired by the authentic flavors of Jalisco. You’ll have your choice of several menu items including a variety of fresh salsas, tacos, birria, enchiladas, molcajetes, refreshing beverages and more.
For an afternoon of fun in the sun, make a splash at Beach Ottumwa. Perfect for families or the kids at heart, the waterpark features a wave pool, curly slides, sand volleyball, a competitive indoor pool, a children’s play area and one of the largest speed slides in the Midwest for those feeling adventurous.
Cap off the day with dinner at Canteen Lunch in the Alley (don’t let the name fool you). Located under a parking garage that was built around the 1927 eatery, it features a horse-shoe shaped counter and a menu that only includes its famous loose meat sandwich topped with your favorite condiments or cheese sauce.
When you’re ready to settle down for the night, the AmericInn by Wyndham is conveniently located near many area attractions and steps away from the Amtrak train station. During your stay, enjoy a free homestyle breakfast and an indoor pool.
Day Two
Fresh coffee and breakfast staples await you at Hub Coffee, the perfect place to begin your day. Plus, you’ll find seasonal specialties like maple chai, peach and mango tea, frosted strawberry lemonade and sweet potato latte to match the season of your visit.
From there, head to the Air Power Museum. Established in 1965 after the donation of several aircraft engines from the University of Iowa, the museum is now over 20,000 square feet and features a large collection of aircrafts. Visitors can view dozens of display aircraft, aeronautical books, manuals and drawings that highlight the golden age of aviation.
After a 30-minute drive to Mahaska County, be sure to stop at the Nelson Pioneer Farm. One of the area’s best hidden gems, this 175-year-old family-farm turned museum is rich in history. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tour of the 1850s Quaker town that’s complete with a house and barn, log cabin, schoolhouse, country store, stagecoach shop, blacksmith shop and agricultural displays. Or attend programs and presentations hosted on special event days.
For book lovers, a relaxing afternoon is in store with a visit to the Book Vault, an independent bookstore inside a beautifully renovated 1892 bank in downtown Oskaloosa. Find your next favorite read, then head across the street to the Oskaloosa Square and find the perfect spot to get lost in a good book.
Call it a day and head to Ari-A Better Stay in Oskaloosa, which offers unique vacation rentals to suit your needs, including a nest, sunny cottage, cabin, garden loft, garden house and an artsy hangout.
From there, head to the Air Power Museum. Established in 1965 after the donation of several aircraft engines from the University of Iowa, the museum is now over 20,000 square feet and features a large collection of aircrafts. Visitors can view dozens of display aircraft, aeronautical books, manuals and drawings that highlight the golden age of aviation.
After a 30-minute drive to Mahaska County, be sure to stop at the Nelson Pioneer Farm. One of the area’s best hidden gems, this 175-year-old family-farm turned museum is rich in history. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tour of the 1850s Quaker town that’s complete with a house and barn, log cabin, schoolhouse, country store, stagecoach shop, blacksmith shop and agricultural displays. Or attend programs and presentations hosted on special event days.
For book lovers, a relaxing afternoon is in store with a visit to the Book Vault, an independent bookstore inside a beautifully renovated 1892 bank in downtown Oskaloosa. Find your next favorite read, then head across the street to the Oskaloosa Square and find the perfect spot to get lost in a good book.
Call it a day and head to Ari-A Better Stay in Oskaloosa, which offers unique vacation rentals to suit your needs, including a nest, sunny cottage, cabin, garden loft, garden house and an artsy hangout.
Day Three
Stop and smell the flowers at Barnswallow Flowers, a female-owned flower farm that specializes in sustainable practices. If you’re visiting between July and September, check their events calendar to attend a you-pick event to create your own bouquet straight from the fields. They’re held most Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather depending.
