LANDMARKS
83
American Gothic House and Visitors Center
This Eldon landmark is where Grant Wood got his inspiration for the world-famous “ American Gothic ’’ painting . The house is open year-round , but the interior itself is only open on select days . The grounds include the house , where visitors can pose for a photo in front of the famous façade , and a visitors center that features a museum and gift shop and plays host to a variety of community events . For more information , visit americangothichouse . org .
84
Amish Business Map
Davis County is home to about 300 Amish families , the most in the state , with about 1,400 residents being Old Order Amish . With the soil not as fertile as in other Amish settlements , those who located to Davis County began creating businesses where they saw a niche that was compatible with their craftsmanship and way of life . More than 90 businesses are listed on the Amish Business Map , which can be downloaded at visitdaviscounty . com , or picked up at the Davis County Welcome Center in Bloomfield .
85
Bridge View Center
The facility , located along the Des Moines River , plays host to several types of events . It has a theater for plays , concerts and other types of performances ; an expo hall ; and conference rooms for meetings or break-out sessions of bigger events . A wall of windows opens to a view of the river with trails passing by . A schedule of events can be found at bridgeviewcenter . com .
86
Canteen Lunch in the Alley
This popular eatery in Ottumwa opened its doors in 1927 and moved to its current location in 1936 . Its old-fashioned horseshoe counter and stools are a draw for locals and visitors alike , as are the loosemeat sandwiches .
87
Central College
Founded in 1853 , Central College is a four-year liberal arts college in Pella with an average enrollment of 1,100 students . The college is known for its academic rigor , leadership and formation and for its work creating genuine connections among students , faculty , coaches and alumni that help graduates realize their career aspirations for a lifetime . The college also has a longstanding relationship with the Reformed Church in America .
88
Chief Wapello ’ s Grave
Chief Wapello is located at 6899 Chief Wapello Rd ., on the site of the 1842 treaty by which the Sauk and Fox tribes ceded the last of their Iowa holdings to the U . S . government . It is on the National Park Service ’ s Register of Historic Places . The site is open all year and has no restricted hours .
89
Indian Hills Community College Campus
The campus on Ottumwa ’ s north end grew out of what was once Ottumwa Heights College and was founded in 1966 . The campus features a disc golf course , a pond with water feature ; a cabin , trails and Boy Scouts campsites ; a cemetery for the nuns of Ottumwa Heights ; and community events . The school itself offers arts and sciences courses , advanced technology and health sciences programs . It is supplemented by a campus in Centerville and North Campus near Ottumwa Regional Airport . The year consists of four terms – one for each season .
101 Things To Do In Southeast Iowa | 21