Ottumwa, Iowa

Ottumwa is located in southeastern Iowa, 84 miles (135 kilometers) southeast of Des Moines. It is the seat of Wapello County, and is home to 24,998 people.

Ottumwa is situated on the Des Moines River, and its name comes from an Indian term for "rippling waters." Three bridges span the river, giving the community the nickname "The City of Bridges." To learn more about the city's past, stop by the Wapello County Historical Museum or try a historic walking tour of the city. The Airpower Museum is another great attraction, and features a fine collection of antique, modern, and homebuilt aircraft.

Sports and recreation enthusiasts will feel right at home in Ottumwa! For golfers, two beautiful courses guarantee hours of challenging play. The local YMCA offers excellent facilities for fitness training, and a variety of children's and adult sports teams meet at the YMCA and in local parks. Kids will love a visit to Beach Ottumwa, where they can ride two thrilling waterslides, swim, or splash around the wave pool. For those times when you'd rather be a spectator than a participant, you can cheer on the athletes of Indian Hills Community College.

Want to get in touch with nature? Try a visit to the Ottumwa Cemetery Arboretum or head to the Pioneer Ridge Nature Area and Center, where you'll find 15 miles (24 kilometers) of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Lake Wapello State Park makes a great weekend getaway, and offers excellent boating and fishing in the summer, and great cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

For a great night on the town, check out the latest production by the Ottumwa Community Players. For music lovers, there are regular performances by the Greater Ottumwa Vocal Arts Project (GOVAP), the Ottumwa Municipal Band, and the Ottumwa and Southeast Iowa symphonies.

Looking for a change? Then consider making your next home in Ottumwa, Iowa!

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