Page 24 • The Source 2023
Regionally
Area
NELSON PIONEER FARM AND MUSEUM
GREATER OTTUMWA PARK
County : Wapello
Ottumwa is filled with more than 20 parks , but the crown jewel is the 300-acre Greater Ottumwa Park , which forms a cloverleaf around U . S . Highway 34 and Wapello Street through the heart of the city . One part features camping facilities and hosts events such as the Hot Air Balloon Races and Greater Ottumwa Rodeo , both annual events . Another part contains baseball and softball fields , while other parts boast soccer fields and tennis courts . The city council recently approved a $ 77 million master plan to remake the park over the coming years to increase outdoor activity and provide additional quality-of-life opportunities .
County : Mahaska
Take a step back in time to Mahaska County pioneer and mining history at the Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum . The farm itself belonged to the Daniel and Margaret Carden Nelson family , who settled at the site in the early 1840s . The Nelson family is buried in Oskaloosa ’ s own Forest Cemetery , and the farm , now a museum and historical “ pioneer village ,” is operated by the Mahaska County Historical Society . The museum houses two floors of traditional museum exhibits as well as a genealogy library on the top floor . Buildings include the Nelson House , constructed for Daniel Nelson ’ s family in 1852 , as well as various historical buildings important to Mahaska County ’ s history .
CORDOVA PARK
County : Marion
Home to abundant wildlife , modern cabins and the observation tower , Cordova Park is considered a year round travel destination . The park is a 1,100-acre area situated on bluffs overlooking Lake Red Rock and has seven modern cabins available for rent year round , all with a great view of the lake . For a bird ’ s eye view of the surrounding area , climb the 169 steps to the top of the park ’ s 106-foot observation tower .
LAKE KEOMAH STATE PARK
County : Mahaska
Named for the counties of Keokuk and Mahaska , Lake Keomah State Park is a pristine example of Iowa ’ s natural beauty , located in Mahaska County . Made up of 366 acres of forest situated along an 84-acre lake , the combination of forest and marsh environment makes the park a perfect habitat for Iowa ’ s wildlife , including bullfrogs and blue heron . The park boasts a number of shelter houses for visitors to take advantage of , some of which were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s .
LAKE RED ROCK
County : Marion
Lake Red Rock isn ’ t just the largest lake in the area — it ’ s the largest in Iowa . More than 15,000 acres of water and 35,000 acres of land form a spectacular outdoor recreation area . Most of the time , the lake serves as a host for fishing , boating , camping and outdoor fun .