For more information , visit indianhills . edu . Major renovations are planned for all three campuses until 2025 .
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Iowa Heartland History Connection
Previously the Wapello County Historical Museum , the IHHC ’ s mission is to identify , collect and preserve artifacts , images and documents from the region ’ s history . The campus at 700 Farm Credit Dr . in Ottumwa had its grand opening in April 2022 , and includes the Iowa Heartland History Museum , the Iowa Heartland Research and Archive Center and the Iowa Heartland Event Center . There is also a children ’ s area for learning . For more information , call 641-682-8676 or visit iaheartland . org .
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Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock , the largest lake in Iowa , holds more than 15,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of land to form a spectacular outdoor recreation area . The lake serves as a host for fishing , boating , camping and other outdoor fun . There are overlooks and recreation areas along the entire length of the lake , and the site is popular for watching bald eagles during the winter . A few of the area ’ s best-known features are the “ Mile Long Bridge ” and the Cordova Park Observation Tower . This converted water tower provides a view of the Des Moines River Valley and the lake . At 170 steps and 106 ft . tall , it ’ s the tallest observation tower in the Midwest . Lake Red Rock is located in Marion County ; those going through Knoxville should head north on Highway 14 , while those coming from Pella can head west on Highway G28 or Highway T15 .
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Lake Wapello
Lake Wapello State Park sits on 1,150 acres of wooded hillsides in Davis County and contains a 289-acrelake and shaded picnic areas . The lake has sand beaches and the largest beach house facility in Iowa ’ s state park system . While swimming and sunbathing are allowed , no lifeguards are on duty . The site offers fishing , canoeing , kayaking and pleasure cruising . There is also Lake Shore Trail , comprising seven miles of trails that take hikers around the lake through the park . Family cabins are available for rental seasonally , as are electric and nonelectric camping sites with modern shower and restroom facilities .
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Naval Air Station Ottumwa
While the Midwest may not be the first place one thinks of for a naval air base , NAS Ottumwa served an important role in training pilots in World War II . From March 1943 to the end of the war , the station graduated 4,626 pilots while averaging 1,000 flights per day . Today , the Friends of NAS Ottumwa work to preserve this station and honor the hard work and sacrifices of those stationed there as a reminder of southeast Iowa ’ s contributions to the war effort . The building is located at 14550 Terminal Ave . in Ottumwa . For more information , visit nasottumwa . org .
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Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum
In 1843 , pioneers and Margaret Nelson settled in Mahaska County . More than a century later , their descendants ensured the farm would be 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 Ln . in Oskaloosa .
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Pella Historical Society & Museums
Pella Historical Society & Museums is a Dutch-American heritage village museum with 22 buildings and collections , the Vermeer Mill Museum and Interpretive Center and the Scholte House Museum . Pella Historical is also home to the tallest working windmill in the United States , the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp and Maria ’ s Tea Room . The nonprofit is in charge of planning Pella ’ s annual Tulip Time Festival in May .
22 | 101 Things To Do In Southeast Iowa