Travel Guide
Discover the best attractions, dining, outdoor activities, and events in Ottumwa, IA — just minutes from your stay.
Planning your visit to Ottumwa, Iowa?
Whether you're here for a romantic getaway, a weekend retreat, or a relaxing escape, Oak Meadow Delight Bed & Breakfast places you near the area's top attractions, outdoor recreation, historic sites, and local dining favorites.
Things to Do in Ottumwa, Iowa
Explore our curated guide to the best things to do in Ottumwa and surrounding Southeast Iowa.
Cedar Creek Golf Course
This 18-hole course offers a scenic layout stretching just over 6,300 yards and provides an engaging experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course offers menities such as a driving range, pro shop, GPS-equipped golf carts, and a snack bar.
Lake Wapello State Park
The 289-acre Lake Wapello is a popoular outdoor destination near Ottumwaw. It offers boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as scenic spots for picnicking along the shore. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails and abundant wildlife.
American Gothic House
The American Gothic House served as the inspiration and backdrop for Grant Wood’s iconic 1930 painting American Gothic. Visitors can take pictures outside or schedule a tour with 10 people or more to explore the inside.
Beach Ottumwa
This family‑friendly indoor/outdoor water park offers more than a million gallons of water fun across 13 acres. It features attractions such as a wave pool, tube riding, a 100‑foot speed slide, a children’s play area, as well as sand volleyball courts.
Rathbun Lake
This large reservoir on the Chariton River serves as both a flood-control project and a recreational hub. The 11,000-acre lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming, along with hiking and biking trails and picnic areas.
Airpower Museum
This aviation museum features almost 20,000 square feet of exhibits spread across several hangars. It showcases vintage aircraft, engines, propellers, photographs, and aviation memorabilia from many eras of flight.
Garrison Rock Preserve
This scenic natural area spans 302 acres and is known for its sandstone outcrop that overlooks the Des Moines River Valley. Hiking trails wind through oak and hickory forests, restored prairie areas, and diverse wildlife habitats.
Chief Wapello's Memorial Park
This small historic area marks the location of the Sac and Fox Indian Agency and the site of the 1842 treaty in which the tribes ceded their remaining Iowa lands to the United States. Visitors can see Chief Wapello's grave along with several memorial markers.
Rock Bluff Park
Rock Bluff Park is one of Ottumwa’s most popular outdoor recreation areas. It features picnic areas, playgrounds, river views, and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and more.
Restaurants in Ottumwa, Iowa
Enjoy dine-in, take-out, or delivery from some of Ottumwa's best reastaurants!
Courtside Bar & Grill
This local favorite is the perfect place to catch a game, hangout with friends, and enjoy a delicious meal. Burgers, fries, wings, prime rib, and a full selection of drinks are always on the menu.
Jade Palace
This sit-down restaurant is a popular spot for Chinese food in the Ottumwa area. With a full range of main courses and side dishes, there are options the whole family will enjoy.
Bubba-Q's
Bubba-Q's features a large menu, excellent BBQ, amazing drinks, and a welcoming environment. From dine-in to take-out, this is a place you won't want to miss.
Godfrey's Ale House
From appetizers and starters to main dishes and desserts, Godfrey's has everything for a perfect night out. Enjoy a large drink menu and an inviting atmosphere.
Mike's Pizza & Steakhouse
Enjoy a casual and welcoming dining experience for lunch or dinner at Mike's Pizza & Steakhouse. The menu features their famous pizzas, steaks, pasta, salads, & cheesecake.
Canteen Lunch in the Alley
Canteen Lunch In the Alley is Ottumwa's most famous place to eat! Enjoy delicious loose meat hamburgers, homemade pies, milk shakes, and a memorable atmosphere!
Warehouse Barbecue Co. & Brewhouse
Enjoy a wide menu that consists of starters, full platters, sandwiches, desserts, and more. This welcoming restaurant with its delicious dishes is easily an area favorite.
Amore Italian Restaurant
Italian cuisine that includes pastas, seafood, subs, pizzas, and a delicious vegetarian menu. An enjoyable atmosphere and plenty of options make this a popular dining destination.
Wissota Chophouse
This classic and more formal dinner restaurant features a selection of steaks, seafood, pastas, and salads as well as a full selection of drinks and cocktails.


















