REGIONAL
Area Attractions
THE SOURCE 2024 • 27
REGIONAL
EDMUNDSON PARK
County : Mahaska
Edmundson Park , built between 1936-1938 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places , is Oskaloosa ’ s largest city park . Located in the southwest quadrant of Oskaloosa , the park is made up of 60 acres of landscape that includes a 10-foot-wide , concrete recreation trail , a 1.5 acre fishing pond , an 18 hole disc golfing course , three ball diamonds and an outdoor swimming pool . The park ’ s amenities are rounded out with several benches perfect for enjoying a beautiful day in Osky , and seven shelter houses . The park is also home to the 18-hole Edmundson Golf Course .
GREATER OTTUMWA PARK
County : Wapello Ottumwa is filled with more than 20 parks , but the crown jewel is the 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 the Greater Ottumwa Rodeo , both of which are annual . Another part contains baseball and softball fields , while other parts boast soccer fields and tennis courts . The city council has also 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 .
AMERICAN GOTHIC HOUSE CENTER
County : Wapello
Featured in the 1930 painting “ American Gothic ” by Iowa-raised Grant Wood , the house has become a major tourist attraction in the area . The house has changed ownership and is currently owned by the State of Iowa . It ’ s listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The Center has an exhibition gallery , including the Wood painting , activities for children , a gift shop and an outdoor area .
CORDOVA PARK
County : Marion
Home to abundant wildlife , modern cabins and the observation tower , Cordova Park is considered a yearround 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 throughout the year , 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 RED ROCK
County : Marion Lake Red Rock isn ’ t just the largest lake in the region — it ’ s the biggest 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 .