Meet Ottumwa

09/04/2026

The BER months are officially here, and we’re not mad about it.
From crisp fall days to holiday traditions, there’s a lot to look forward to around Wapello County.

Consider this your sign to start planning your BER-month adventures.

09/01/2026

Don’t put those running shoes away just yet!

From now through November, you have a minimum of six opportunities to run a 5K around Ottumwa and Wapello County. Run one, run them all, or simply come out to enjoy the day, explore the community, and support some great organizations and causes along the way.

So grab your shoes, find a race, and make a little fall adventure out of it. There are plenty of miles to be made and plenty of places to explore before winter arrives! Find more details at meetottumwa.org/events

08/31/2026

As we move into the fall and holiday promotional season, we would love some help from the community!

08/29/2026

☠️ THE MAYHEM IS COMING… AND THIS YEAR, THE DARKNESS IS HUNGRY. ☠️
You hear the screams before you ever reach the door.
You tell yourself they’re part of the show.
Keep telling yourself that. 😈
This October, MAYHEM HAUNTED HOUSE opens its doors for another season of darkness, terror, and things that should have stayed buried.
🩸 OCTOBER 9 & 10 • 16 & 17 • 23 & 24
⏰ 7 PM – 12 AM
🎟️ $20 PER VICTIM… we mean, ticket.
📍 13011 120th Ave • Ottumwa, Iowa
Come with your friends.
Hold onto them tightly.
Not everyone handles MAYHEM the same way.
💀 THE DOORS OPEN SOON.
🩸 THE SCREAMS ARE WAITING.
😈 ARE YOU?
Tag someone brave enough to enter with you… and SHARE if you think they'll make it out.

08/28/2026

Good news, bad news, everyone! The bad news? This is the final weekend to enjoy the outdoor area at The Beach Ottumwa for the season.

But the GOOD news? You can help close out summer in the best way possible, by bringing your pup out for a swim!

The annual Dog Swim is happening Sunday, August 30, starting at 6 PM!

Admission is just a bag of dog food or a donation to benefit the Heartland Humane Society.

So grab your four-legged friend and come make one last splash before summer comes to an end!

08/26/2026

Our friends at the American Gothic House & Center are hosting one of our favorite events of the year, Music on the Porch, this Saturday!

Enjoy live performances by Tom Shadonix, James Doud, and Day Ashworth from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plus, enjoy free admission to the center during the event.

It's the perfect way to spend a Saturday.

Find more information here https://www.meetottumwa.org/events/music_on_the_porch_20753/

08/24/2026

08/23/2026

Reminder that the Pages For Pennies donations will start being accepted this Monday, August 24. For more information, please contact the Ottumwa Public Library at 641-682-7563 or [email protected]

📆 Pages For Pennies
Friday, September 25 | 12PM - 8PM
Saturday, September 26 | 9AM - 5PM
Sunday, September 27 | 11AM - 5PM

Proceeds benefit the Ottumwa Public Library Friends, Meet Ottumwa, and Bridge View Center, Inc.

08/22/2026

Ready or not, fall is just ONE MONTH away! What’s your favorite thing about fall in Wapello County?

08/19/2026

Summer isn’t over quite yet! There’s still time to squeeze in a few more outdoor adventures before fall rolls in. Whether you’re chasing a new trail, soaking up the sunshine, or simply getting outside to explore, make the most of these last days of summer!