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Naval Air Station
The former administration building is currently undergoing renovations by the Friends of the NAS Ottumwa to create a museum that will preserve the history NAS Ottumwa and honor the hard work and sacrifices of those stationed there . It was built during World War II to help the United States Navy increase its inventory of combat-ready airplanes and pilots . The building is located at 14550 Terminal Ave . in Ottumwa , and more information can be found at nasottumwa . org .
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Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum
In 1843 , pioneers Daniel and Margaret Nelson settled in Mahaska County . More than a century later , their descendants ensured the farm would be the home of the Mahaska County Historical Society . The farm and museum have many historical artifacts and buildings . Nelson Pioneer Farm is located at 2211 Nelson Lane in Oskaloosa .
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Pioneer Ridge
Located on 995 acres of land on Highway 63 between Ottumwa and Bloomfield , this nature center offers interpretive displays and programming . The site features an extensive trail system for foot , bike or horseback . It also features four fishing ponds , a bird observation blind , open grass ridge tops and oak and hickory timber . Rentals for special events are available , as are primitive and electrical campsites and modern and camping log cabins .
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Richardson ’ s Point
The migration of Mormon faithful from Nauvoo , Illinois , to Salt Lake City passed through southern Iowa . And if you know where to look , the traces are still there . At Richardson ’ s Point , a wooded location in Van Buren County , a wood fence and a sign mark out the spot where two pioneers from the Mormon Trail are buried . The site has been protected by the Klodt family for decades . The camp was created when progress stalled out after heavy rain made travel too difficult . It came early in the trek , a bit more than 50 miles from Nauvoo . The graves themselves are among the first along the trail . Archaeologists are still trying to pin down precisely where the boundaries of the extended camp were .
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Rock Island Train Depot
This former depot now houses a railroad museum . It is located at 405 KD Ave . in Eldon . It last saw passengers in 1968 with freight traffic continuing to 1980 . It is open for coffee from 7-9 a . m . Monday through Friday . Weekend hours of 1-4 p . m . Saturday and Sunday run May through September , and tours are offered by appointment . For more information , visit eldondepotmuseum . org .
30 | 101 Things To Do In Southeast Iowa