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Meet Ottumwa: Where Iowa Meets the World

Location

The Des Moines River is literally the centerpiece of Ottumwa, and Bridge View Center is located on its scenic banks. Ottumwa is an Amtrak stop, running between Chicago and Omaha daily, and guests driving to their event will find it easily accessible on Highways 34 and 63. We are also a short drive from airports in Des Moines and Kirksville.

Meet the Bridge View Center

The Bridge View Center is Southeast Iowa’s premiere performing arts and meeting venue. With a world-class, 664-seat theater and a 30,000-square-foot expo hall, the venue is a favorite among performers and guests alike. Bridge View Center is the perfect space for a wide range of events - corporate meetings, weddings, receptions, quinceañeras, fundraising events, and other community events all find a home here. An in-house executive chef and catering staff will make your event at Bridge View Center effortless.

The range of acts that have graced the stage is remarkable, from stars like Cody Jinx, Night Ranger and Lonestar to Nate Bargatze and the Texas Tenors, to symphony concerts and performances by local musicians and theater groups. And the public art displays, including the Freedom Rock, a Michael Lemberger photography collection, an oil on canvas by Fred Easker, the Ferber Sculpture, and Harmony Park, provide an extra level of cultural enrichment for visitors.

Off-Site Activities and Attractions

Ottumwa and Wapello County are known for their history, outdoor spaces, wide spectrum of events, and love of the arts. There's nothing like a hike on Ottumwa's 16 miles of river trails. Then find out why we're the Video Game Capital of the World. Have your parody picture taken at the American Gothic House & Center to replicate the famous painting. Visit the Antique Airplane Association's Air Power Museum, located on a working 1930s airfield. Challenge your friends to play all eight of the county’s disc golf courses. The Beach Ottumwa water park covers 13 acres, featuring both indoor and outdoor fun, slides, wave pool, and challenging indoor obstacle course.

Multicultural Menus

Ottumwa residents represent more than 40 nationalities, and those cultures are represented in our local ethnic restaurants. In one trip you can sample Guatemalan, Salvadorian, Latin, Italian, Thai, and Japanese, then mix in some award-winning barbecue, the most popular frozen yogurt spot in Iowa, and some must-visit coffee shops. You’ll never go home hungry around here.

Connect

https://www.meetottumwa.org/
https://www.bridgeviewcenter.com/

Casey Romano, Publisher | meetingpages | casey@meetingpages.com

Creator of digital platform meetingpages complete event planning directory and resource delivering leads and national, regional and local exposure for event venues, suppliers and destinations in MN, WI, IA & CO markets. In her free time, this 19 year industry veteran enjoys dance, group fitness, and training her young golden retriever dog in competition obedience and confirmation.