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Don’t let the snow-covered ground and chilly temperatures stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. Embrace the winter in Ottumwa by exploring the community’s variety of outdoor adventures paired with great comfort food to stay warm. The best part? We’ve already planned it for you.
Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast at Main Street Donuts. Their freshly made donuts include all your favorites, such as fritters, bear claws, twists, cake rings, long johns, Bismarcks and more. The menu also includes large cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese and/or pecans, offering the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
After breakfast, enjoy a brisk walk along the Wapello County trails. The full trail system stretches 16 miles with short loops that are ideal for a casual stroll. Explore the one-mile loop between Market Street and the Wabash Bridge or choose between two loops located in Greater Ottumwa Park.
Once your appetite has returned, stop by Canteen Lunch in the Alley. This unique eatery has been a community tradition for almost 100 years and serves classic loose-meat sandwiches (known as “canteens”) and homemade pies. Locals love it and its location so much that instead of moving it, they built a parking ramp around it. Snag a stool around the horseshoe-shaped counter for a taste of Ottumwa history.
Head back outside and make the short drive to the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area & Center near Bloomfield for some of the best winter views. The two-story nature center boasts a variety of displays about the area’s conservation and natural history, a full-time naturalist to answer all your questions and animal ambassadors to meet up close and personal. Outside, you’ll find four ponds and 13 miles of trails to explore in whatever way you see fit.
Warm up with authentic Mexican cuisine and some of Iowa’s best hometown tacos at Mimi’s Taqueria. This local gem features everything from classic favorites like quesadillas, burritos and soups to ceviche, Mexican shrimp cocktail and more.
Complete your winter adventure with a stay inside a cozy cabin at Pioneer Ridge. The area offers four cabins, allowing you to choose your own adventure. Take the modern luxury route and book the Bur Oak or White Oak cabins to enjoy geothermal heating/cooling, a full kitchen and bathroom and sleeping arrangements for up to six guests. Or enjoy a more rustic stay in the Bluebird and Goldfinch cabins, which can sleep up to five guests and include heating/cooling, a small fridge and microwave with a shower and restroom facility nearby.
When the sun rises, get your caffeine and breakfast fix at Top Hat Coffee. This upscale coffee shop boasts specialty coffees alongside breakfast items like avocado toast, a variety of bagels and cream cheeses, scones and freshly baked muffins and pies. You won’t leave hungry.
Embrace stunning scenery and history combined at Garrison Rock Resource Management Area. This area features a large sandstone outcrop overlooking the Des Moines River Valley. It was an important gathering site for Native Americans and one of the first places to be settled by Europeans in Wapello County. Today, the 302-acre park offers a great place to explore its hiking trails and view wildlife.
Once you’ve met your daily step goal, grab a table at Warehouse Barbecue to enjoy new age BBQ paired with old school service. They smoke fresh meat daily and all menu items are first come, first served. So, beat the rush and place an order for local favorites like the kluckernuts and burnt ends alongside starters, sandwiches and platters.
Set back out into the snowy landscape to test your aim at Indian Hills Community College’s disc golf course. It features 18 holes with concrete tee pads and manicured fairways that are scattered throughout the beautiful campus. Use the Udisc app or grab a map from Trustee Hall to navigate the course.
Before you head home, indulge in a sweet treat at Ashby’s. Located inside the Quincy Place Mall, this cute shop serves warm cookies and brownies, savory cheesecakes and dozens of ice cream flavors to enjoy on the go.
If you’re in the area in late February, you won’t want to miss the community’s new On Eagles Wings event. Co-hosted by Meet Ottumwa and Wapello County Conservation, the free event welcomes locals and visitors alike to watch bald eagles from the banks of the Des Moines River. After watching the magnificent birds, attend the live bird show, chat with wildlife and conservation experts, participate in workshops and see Iowa-native animals up close and personal.
In Iowa, sunny days mean endless possibilities. Whether it's a family getaway, an outdoor adventure, or anything in between, we know a place.
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