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 veterans to immortalize their service.
Albia Chamber Main Street Rodeo – June 7
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 28
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 13-15
Grab your friends and go junkin’ at local antique and thrift shops in southern Iowa, including stops in Albia, Centerville and the surrounding communities.
WAPELLO COUNTY
Ottumwa, the seat of Wapello County, is located about 47 miles northeast of the lake. Situated on the Des Moines River, the city has a diverse population of 25,000 residents. It has everything one could need and more, including Beach Ottumwa, Bridge View Center and the Quincy Mall. Drive 20 minutes southeast of Ottumwa to visit the American Gothic Museum in Eldon, the background of Grant Wood’ s iconic 1930 painting.
Wapello County Fair – June 12-15
Attend the Wapello County Fair in Eldon to enjoy local 4-H exhibits and animals, along with live concerts and carnival rides. A full schedule of events can be found at wapellocountyfair. com.
Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races – June 18-22
This summer favorite brings dozens of hot air balloon pilots to Ottumwa Park for a weekend of family-friendly fun. In addition to hot air balloon flights and night glows, the weekend features live bands, food vendors, a carnival, beer garden and more. The event combines forces with the Ottumwa Elks Charity Fundraiser.
Greater Ottumwa Rodeo – June 30
Voted Iowa’ s best one-day rodeo in 2018, the Greater Ottumwa Rodeo will return to action this summer. It is a triple-sanctioned event through the Iowa Rodeo Cowboys Association, United Rodeo Association and Missouri Rodeo Cowboys Association. Visit gopip. org for more information.
WAYNE COUNTY
Wayne County, situated about 20 miles southeast of Rathbun Lake, has a combined population of 6,500. The county seat, Cordyon, 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, 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. 14-17
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.
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