Things To Do
While the recreational opportunities at Rathbun Lake are endless , there ’ s more to be discovered in the neighboring communities that surround it . No matter where you decide to camp , hike or fish , each community is easily accessible within an hour ’ s drive of the lake for food , shopping , festivals and fun .
Appanoose County
“ Iowa ’ s Ocean ,” located in Appanoose County , is just seven miles north of Centerville , the county seat . Centerville has a population of just over 5,000 people and is home to the world ’ s largest square , with locally-owned restaurants , bakeries , coffee shops , hotels and boutiques . Visitors can also golf at the Appanoose Country Club , walk along Lelah Bradley Trail , visit Morgan Cline City Park or enjoy live music during Centerville Bike Night on the historic square .
Appanoose County Fair – July 15-20
This week-long event is held at the fairgrounds on the northwest side of Centerville during the third week in July . Visitors can enjoy local 4-H exhibits and animals , along with live concerts , rodeos , demolition derbies and more . A full schedule of events can be found at appanoosecountyfair . com .
Centerville Bike Night – May to August
This event is held every fourth Friday of the summer . Ride your motorcycles to Historic Downtown Centerville for an evening of live music , food and beverages .
Monroe County
Albia , the Monroe County seat , is located about 26 miles northeast of the lake with a population of 3,712 residents . Visitors can “ scoop the loop ” to tour buildings in the town ’ s Historic District and shop and eat at local boutiques , restaurants , bakeries and coffee shops . Most notably , the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial is located just west of town on Highway 34 . The memorial honors both living and deceased active duty peacetime and wartime veterans to immortalize their service to our country .
Albia Chamber Main Street Rodeo – June 1
This annual event is held at the Monroe County Fairgrounds and features an abundance of rodeo events , including bull rides , roping and barrel racing , with food , drinks and live music .
Rodders Car Show and Bob Reed Memorial Tractor Show – June 29
The 15th annual Rodders Car Show and 11th annual Bob Reed Memorial Tractor Show will be held on the Albia Square . Check out vintage cars , tractors and motorcycles while you eat and shop at local restaurants and antique stores on the square .
Southern Iowa Junk Journey – June 7-9
Grab your friends and go junkin ’ at local antique and thrift shops in southern Iowa , including stops in Albia , Centerville and the surrounding communities .
Wayne County
Wayne County , situated about 20 miles southwest of Rathbun Lake , has a combined population of 6,500 . The county seat , Corydon , is the area ’ s largest town , with 1,526 residents .
However , the county ’ s rural , nostalgic charm is hard to overlook . Stop by the Old Time Soda Fountain in Allerton for fountain drinks , frosty root beers , malts , sundaes and sodas . Or , visit Prairie Trails Museum of Wayne County in Corydon to see the actual safe from Ocobock Bank , robbed by Jesse James and his gang in 1871 .
Old Settlers — Aug . 15-18
This annual event will feature free entertainment , music , kids activities , crafts and vendors in Seymour City Park , including food , a Seymour HS reunion , water tournament , fireworks , a Bill Riley Talent Search and Carnival Rides . The event will conclude with a church service and a Sunday dinner in the local community center .
Lucas County
Chariton , Lucas County seat , is located about 35 miles northwest of Iowa ’ s Ocean . With a population of 4,193 residents , Chariton has plenty of opportunities for shopping , dining , arts
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Rathbun Lake 2024