Christian & Melissa’s Guidebook
Food scene
Places we enjoy in Oskaloosa for great food and many for their inviting atmosphere.
This has recently changed to Elmhurst Grille. The menu is similar and much of the staff are still serving and cooking there, so should be delicious. One of us tried lunch there. The decor was not put up yet and the salad was reasonably good. The jury is still out.
Wood Iron Grille
2214 S 11th StThis has recently changed to Elmhurst Grille. The menu is similar and much of the staff are still serving and cooking there, so should be delicious. One of us tried lunch there. The decor was not put up yet and the salad was reasonably good. The jury is still out.
Great coffee shop atmosphere. Fun menu for especially breakfast & lunch. The Smokey Row Salad, chocolate peanut butter ice cream and turkey panini sandwiches are some favorites.
A double scoop or cone is a must to bring outside into the park or the adjoining Alley during fair weather!
Smokey Row
109 S Market StGreat coffee shop atmosphere. Fun menu for especially breakfast & lunch. The Smokey Row Salad, chocolate peanut butter ice cream and turkey panini sandwiches are some favorites.
A double scoop or cone is a must to bring outside into the park or the adjoining Alley during fair weather!
Fun atmosphere and super efficient service awaits you at this location right off the square. Something for everyone on their large menu, and be sure to either come for a dessert or end with one! Home made pies daily! This is a go to for a great menu selection, efficient and courteous service and a reasonable price. The history on the walls, homemade deserts, and location are also just right.
Tasos' Steak House
109 High Ave WFun atmosphere and super efficient service awaits you at this location right off the square. Something for everyone on their large menu, and be sure to either come for a dessert or end with one! Home made pies daily! This is a go to for a great menu selection, efficient and courteous service and a reasonable price. The history on the walls, homemade deserts, and location are also just right.
Grate Expectations Catering and Cafe is simply delicious! Enjoy a fresh and flavorful lunch Monday through Friday 11-2 or call them at 641-676-3388 to cater your event! 1109 A Ave. West, Oskaloosa.
Grate Expectations Catering
1109 A Avenue WestGrate Expectations Catering and Cafe is simply delicious! Enjoy a fresh and flavorful lunch Monday through Friday 11-2 or call them at 641-676-3388 to cater your event! 1109 A Ave. West, Oskaloosa.
Chips and salsa, a margarita, and then all the food comes! Oh my! Authentic and delicious dishes served here. Large menu!
Mi Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
200 High Avenue WestChips and salsa, a margarita, and then all the food comes! Oh my! Authentic and delicious dishes served here. Large menu!
Enjoy a night of wine and dine with reservations or wine tasting during open hours. Call 641-672-9463 to make reservations for upcoming wine and dine nights, hours or to schedule an educational tour.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Tassel Ridge Winery
1681 220th StEnjoy a night of wine and dine with reservations or wine tasting during open hours. Call 641-672-9463 to make reservations for upcoming wine and dine nights, hours or to schedule an educational tour.
If you are here for a few days, and are into unique chef specials, local meat from the butcher right to the plate and whiskey flights or just a great cocktail, stop in at Butcher's Brewhouse in Pella. Our nephew, Nate, who now lives in Long Island, devised the whiskey flights there. Nice atmosphere!
Butcher’s Brewhuis
822 Main StreetIf you are here for a few days, and are into unique chef specials, local meat from the butcher right to the plate and whiskey flights or just a great cocktail, stop in at Butcher's Brewhouse in Pella. Our nephew, Nate, who now lives in Long Island, devised the whiskey flights there. Nice atmosphere!
Tuesday night wine tasting and straight from Italy wine and grocery items for your own home made Italian cuisine. Enjoy their lunch spot, Pronto, also in the Penn Central Mall. We have only heard great reviews, and have loved their cannolis!
Rosso & Wine
Tuesday night wine tasting and straight from Italy wine and grocery items for your own home made Italian cuisine. Enjoy their lunch spot, Pronto, also in the Penn Central Mall. We have only heard great reviews, and have loved their cannolis!
Pretty excellent breads to order and bring to your celebration or simply just for dinner for your group. Our friends highly recommend a couple quarts of their potato salad, and while you are there, eat lunch! It's delicious!
The Bread Board
Pretty excellent breads to order and bring to your celebration or simply just for dinner for your group. Our friends highly recommend a couple quarts of their potato salad, and while you are there, eat lunch! It's delicious!
This is a must during spring, summer and fall in Oskaloosa. We recommend the walk up line and sit with your whole family on the tables outside or take some courts back to your home away from home.
The Frosty Udder
215 Hwy 432This is a must during spring, summer and fall in Oskaloosa. We recommend the walk up line and sit with your whole family on the tables outside or take some courts back to your home away from home.
Golf & Frisbee Golf
Tee time? You've come to the right town! We have both disc and golf ball enthusiasts and our own Jeff Smith, a PGA professional, at the Edmunson and Harvest Point course. Want to set a reservation for dinner after your golf game? Wood Iron Grille has alfresco seats overlooking this beautiful course!
For you disc throwers, we have two sought after 18 hole courses, one at our city park and the other amidst prairie, woods and wetlands behind our conservation center. For a quicker game, University Park is home to the Mammoth Disc Course.
Edmundson & Harvest Point Golf Course is a fun 27 hole public golf course open 7 days a week. Professional practice facilities available along with full retail golf shop specializing in name brand equipment at affordable prices. Experienced PGA Professional on site.
Harvest Point Golf Course
1507 15th Ave WEdmundson & Harvest Point Golf Course is a fun 27 hole public golf course open 7 days a week. Professional practice facilities available along with full retail golf shop specializing in name brand equipment at affordable prices. Experienced PGA Professional on site.
This golf course, like the others is beautiful, however this one has the new Elmhurst Grille, which is handy for golf and dinner.
Oskaloosa Public Golf
2214 S 11th StThis golf course, like the others is beautiful, however this one has the new Elmhurst Grille, which is handy for golf and dinner.
Want a new terrain for frisbee golf? Throw together at the new 18 hole course behind the conservation center at Caldwell Park. Oskaloosa's recreational trail traverses through this course.
Caldwell Park
2342 Iowa 92Want a new terrain for frisbee golf? Throw together at the new 18 hole course behind the conservation center at Caldwell Park. Oskaloosa's recreational trail traverses through this course.
18 holes of frisbee golf for the whole family or whoever in the family is into this ever-growing popular sport! It's hard to believe you're on the edge of town with the rolling hills and stone formations throughout the course.
Edmundson Park
1304 Edmundson Drive18 holes of frisbee golf for the whole family or whoever in the family is into this ever-growing popular sport! It's hard to believe you're on the edge of town with the rolling hills and stone formations throughout the course.
Quick moment to throw discs? Try Mammoth Disc Course at University Park on the edge of Oskaloosa. This moderately hilly and moderately wooded course was designed in 2017.
2900 9th Ave E
2900 9th Avenue EastQuick moment to throw discs? Try Mammoth Disc Course at University Park on the edge of Oskaloosa. This moderately hilly and moderately wooded course was designed in 2017.
Recreation/Park/Sight Seeing
Great park with frisbee golf course, brand new playground, picnic shelters, stone fireplaces, golf, swimming pool, dog park, ball diamonds and part of the recreation trail.
Edmundson Park
1304 Edmundson DriveGreat park with frisbee golf course, brand new playground, picnic shelters, stone fireplaces, golf, swimming pool, dog park, ball diamonds and part of the recreation trail.
Walk on the trails, kayak or fish in the lake, set up an event at one of the two lodges or picnic anywhere out here!
Right click on link and follow url to obtain trail map:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/parks/trailmaps/trails_lakekeomah.pdf
Lake Keomah State Park
2720 Keomah LaneWalk on the trails, kayak or fish in the lake, set up an event at one of the two lodges or picnic anywhere out here!
Right click on link and follow url to obtain trail map:
https://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/parks/trailmaps/trails_lakekeomah.pdf
Check out County Parks in Mahaska County link (https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Mahaska.aspx) to view a description and locations of nearly twenty parks (including marshes, trails, sand dunes, and more) set aside to view and experience wildlife unique to this area.
Their office is housed in a beautiful new conservation center at Caldwell Park open to the public most weekdays from 12:30-4 or by appointment. The educational center here is a great spot for all ages and behind it, Oskaloosa's recreational bike trail cuts through and on this grounds, along with native prairie grasses, a variety of mature trees and other habitats for the plethora of fauna sets Oskaloosa's third frisbee golf course. This 18 hole course is the most recent one put together by aspiring leaders in our town. Enjoy! (641) 673-9327
Also at Caldwell Park is Freedom Rock. Mahaska County Conservation Board's link provides current events, educational opportunities including knee high naturalists and coffee time with the owls.
https://www.mahaskaconservation.com/?fbclid=IwAR1tWZeB6cCiNJla0sW228cxwDtrktba4Yfu_z4xK3G_9601n1KD_HL1hCI
Mahaska County Conservation
2342 Iowa 92Check out County Parks in Mahaska County link (https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Mahaska.aspx) to view a description and locations of nearly twenty parks (including marshes, trails, sand dunes, and more) set aside to view and experience wildlife unique to this area.
Their office is housed in a beautiful new conservation center at Caldwell Park open to the public most weekdays from 12:30-4 or by appointment. The educational center here is a great spot for all ages and behind it, Oskaloosa's recreational bike trail cuts through and on this grounds, along with native prairie grasses, a variety of mature trees and other habitats for the plethora of fauna sets Oskaloosa's third frisbee golf course. This 18 hole course is the most recent one put together by aspiring leaders in our town. Enjoy! (641) 673-9327
Also at Caldwell Park is Freedom Rock. Mahaska County Conservation Board's link provides current events, educational opportunities including knee high naturalists and coffee time with the owls.
https://www.mahaskaconservation.com/?fbclid=IwAR1tWZeB6cCiNJla0sW228cxwDtrktba4Yfu_z4xK3G_9601n1KD_HL1hCI
Old school pinball, video games; real old school axe throwing; and recently added: duck-pin bowling! All inside Penn Central Mall, off of the square in Oskaloosa. Hours for all are similar:
Wed-Friday 5-10 pm
Saturday 2-10 pm (Axe Club) 12pm-10pm (Arcade)
Sunday 12-5 pm
Oskaloosa Old School Pinball and Arcade
200 High Avenue WestOld school pinball, video games; real old school axe throwing; and recently added: duck-pin bowling! All inside Penn Central Mall, off of the square in Oskaloosa. Hours for all are similar:
Wed-Friday 5-10 pm
Saturday 2-10 pm (Axe Club) 12pm-10pm (Arcade)
Sunday 12-5 pm
Our sons have enjoyed riding here! This is the information directly from Iowa DNR about Bluff Creek OHV:
Located in Mahaska County southwest of Oskaloosa. This is a 350-acre park with most of the area accessible for riding. The area is an abandoned coal mine that has been developed into a riding area. There are approximately 20 miles of trails, steep hill climbs, deep pits, and four motorcross tracks. One track is dedicated to novice and beginning riders. One track is extremely challenging and is often called the "gravity cavity".
The park is open year round, but is closed when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.
Thirteen primitive camping sites are available, with flush toilets, shower stalls, and water spigots.
A current registration is required for Iowa residents and a nonresident user permit is required for out-of-state riders. If registration is required in the nonresident home state, it must be displayed on the machine.
The park is not currently signed open to ORV, or side-by-side, use.
For more information, call 641-670-0240.
Bluff Creek OHV
1625 325th StreetOur sons have enjoyed riding here! This is the information directly from Iowa DNR about Bluff Creek OHV:
Located in Mahaska County southwest of Oskaloosa. This is a 350-acre park with most of the area accessible for riding. The area is an abandoned coal mine that has been developed into a riding area. There are approximately 20 miles of trails, steep hill climbs, deep pits, and four motorcross tracks. One track is dedicated to novice and beginning riders. One track is extremely challenging and is often called the "gravity cavity".
The park is open year round, but is closed when weather or trail conditions do not permit riding.
Thirteen primitive camping sites are available, with flush toilets, shower stalls, and water spigots.
A current registration is required for Iowa residents and a nonresident user permit is required for out-of-state riders. If registration is required in the nonresident home state, it must be displayed on the machine.
The park is not currently signed open to ORV, or side-by-side, use.
For more information, call 641-670-0240.
Traverse through prairie and deciduous forest; take in the views of Cedar Creek at the sandstone bluffs and look out point. Moderate hike with the steps by the bluffs. Most of it is a mowed terrain.
Cedar Bluff
Traverse through prairie and deciduous forest; take in the views of Cedar Creek at the sandstone bluffs and look out point. Moderate hike with the steps by the bluffs. Most of it is a mowed terrain.
This is a must for the trail around the lake, including behind the village homes along that village side of the lake (Everyone there expects it and loves to see you enjoying this gem!) The trails are a must in fall and spring. If its super hot out, enjoy the early morning hard surface road through the state park, where you will see droves of color throughout the restored prairie wild grasses and flowers. We never tire of this morning walk! Enjoy the sounds and sights of the woodland creatures; at dusk, you will see deer and likely two of our rare albino deer and possibly be a little spooked by the owls talking to you from their tree house along the path. At dark, the coons will entertain you as the park is open for exploration until 10 pm.
People love to fish here and bird watching is a delight with red headed woodpeckers, bluebirds, bald eagles, red tail hawks, geese, ducks, the great blue heron, and many more!
Lake Keomah State Park
2720 Keomah LaneThis is a must for the trail around the lake, including behind the village homes along that village side of the lake (Everyone there expects it and loves to see you enjoying this gem!) The trails are a must in fall and spring. If its super hot out, enjoy the early morning hard surface road through the state park, where you will see droves of color throughout the restored prairie wild grasses and flowers. We never tire of this morning walk! Enjoy the sounds and sights of the woodland creatures; at dusk, you will see deer and likely two of our rare albino deer and possibly be a little spooked by the owls talking to you from their tree house along the path. At dark, the coons will entertain you as the park is open for exploration until 10 pm.
People love to fish here and bird watching is a delight with red headed woodpeckers, bluebirds, bald eagles, red tail hawks, geese, ducks, the great blue heron, and many more!
Approximately 25 miles west of our homes is Iowa's largest (15,000 acre) lake, Lake Red Rock. This is definitely worth a day trip. You can visit their education link below and request a particular activity for your group or rent a boat at the marina, go swimming at the North Overlook beach, hike at Cordova Tower where you'll discover the sandstone cliffs and everyone will be glad you did for some great rock climbing, or endeavor one of their kayaking trails!
https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/Education/
Lake Red Rock Visitor Center
1105 Hwy T15Approximately 25 miles west of our homes is Iowa's largest (15,000 acre) lake, Lake Red Rock. This is definitely worth a day trip. You can visit their education link below and request a particular activity for your group or rent a boat at the marina, go swimming at the North Overlook beach, hike at Cordova Tower where you'll discover the sandstone cliffs and everyone will be glad you did for some great rock climbing, or endeavor one of their kayaking trails!
https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lake-Red-Rock/Education/
Bike, walk or take a trail tram ride on our nearly 15 mile trail around Oskaloosa. The tram tour includes a history of Oskaloosa. Several of our guests have scheduled this and really enjoyed it. Many have walked or biked and enjoyed the woods, prairies and parks in meanders through.
Mahaska Community Recreation Trail, Oskaloosa, IA, États-Unis
Bike, walk or take a trail tram ride on our nearly 15 mile trail around Oskaloosa. The tram tour includes a history of Oskaloosa. Several of our guests have scheduled this and really enjoyed it. Many have walked or biked and enjoyed the woods, prairies and parks in meanders through.
This state of the art YMCA is a definite stop for the whole family! Part of the love of recreation in this town made this incredible facility available to us all here!
Mahaska County Ymca
This state of the art YMCA is a definite stop for the whole family! Part of the love of recreation in this town made this incredible facility available to us all here!
Our new conservation center director raves about this park! With a trail through the 141 acres of land around the 20 acre lake and the great bass, catfish and bluegill catches, this is a great kept secret.
White Oak Conservation Area
Our new conservation center director raves about this park! With a trail through the 141 acres of land around the 20 acre lake and the great bass, catfish and bluegill catches, this is a great kept secret.
I (Missy) love this trail! The history is pretty cool, and the ferns grow all winter long! Pretty magical, unless if you get too far off the course... not saying that ever happened :)
Garrison Rock Resource Management Unit
6951 Cliffland RdI (Missy) love this trail! The history is pretty cool, and the ferns grow all winter long! Pretty magical, unless if you get too far off the course... not saying that ever happened :)
Pretty great waterpark not far from our homes in Ottumwa. Follow this with a loose meat hamburger at the Canteen Lunch in the Alley in Ottumwa and a soft serve ice cream nearby at Graham's Dairy Freeze or a Chicken Salad Croissant and shake at Top Hat Coffee downtown Ottumwa.
Beach Ottumwa
101 Church StPretty great waterpark not far from our homes in Ottumwa. Follow this with a loose meat hamburger at the Canteen Lunch in the Alley in Ottumwa and a soft serve ice cream nearby at Graham's Dairy Freeze or a Chicken Salad Croissant and shake at Top Hat Coffee downtown Ottumwa.
Venues, attractions, and more!
Debbies Celebration Barn
2162 21st Ave WBeautiful wedding and other venue!
Historical Farm with regularly scheduled events and open for private tours May through September. A gem waiting to be visited!
Need a large venue for hundreds of people, a sound system, room to dance, a stage and full kitchen? Check out Bradbury Hall, on the Nelson Pioneer grounds. We've been to a few celebrations here and they have all been beautiful and sensational!
Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum/Mahaska County Historical Society
2211 Nelson LaneHistorical Farm with regularly scheduled events and open for private tours May through September. A gem waiting to be visited!
Need a large venue for hundreds of people, a sound system, room to dance, a stage and full kitchen? Check out Bradbury Hall, on the Nelson Pioneer grounds. We've been to a few celebrations here and they have all been beautiful and sensational!
Call 641-672-9463 to make reservations for wine tasting hours or to schedule an educational tour of the entire operation.
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Tassel Ridge Winery
1681 220th StCall 641-672-9463 to make reservations for wine tasting hours or to schedule an educational tour of the entire operation.
Near Tassel Ridge Winery, experience the cheese-making process and try samples of various ages and flavors of their gouda. Call 641-204-222 for hours and to pick the best time for your trip here.
Frisian Farms Cheese House
2098 Fisher AvenueNear Tassel Ridge Winery, experience the cheese-making process and try samples of various ages and flavors of their gouda. Call 641-204-222 for hours and to pick the best time for your trip here.
While you choose your treasure or two or three of them from this delightful sunny shop, your children will make friends with the cats laying around, and in spring there are bound to be some kittens! Make a fairy garden, seasonal arrangement, succulent pot or buy one of theirs!
It was difficult to decide whether to put this as shopping or an attraction, as there are almost always fun classes to participate in with friends or family, that its become both an attraction and a shopping.
Stam Garden Center and Nursery
2421 Iowa 92While you choose your treasure or two or three of them from this delightful sunny shop, your children will make friends with the cats laying around, and in spring there are bound to be some kittens! Make a fairy garden, seasonal arrangement, succulent pot or buy one of theirs!
It was difficult to decide whether to put this as shopping or an attraction, as there are almost always fun classes to participate in with friends or family, that its become both an attraction and a shopping.
If you are here in the fall, check out Autumn Acres schedule, likely mid September through all of October, Friday afternoon and evenings and most of the day on Saturdays! They have something for the whole family!
Autumn Acres
2421 Iowa 92If you are here in the fall, check out Autumn Acres schedule, likely mid September through all of October, Friday afternoon and evenings and most of the day on Saturdays! They have something for the whole family!
In the spring, summer and fall, eat alfresco from any of the eateries in Oskaloosa or from your own picnic basket, play a board game, drink a glass of wine or a cup of coffee with a great book! Each time you stop in, read a little more about influential people whose stories started or took part in Oskaloosa. You can even request to reserve this space for an event of your choosing.
The Alley
In the spring, summer and fall, eat alfresco from any of the eateries in Oskaloosa or from your own picnic basket, play a board game, drink a glass of wine or a cup of coffee with a great book! Each time you stop in, read a little more about influential people whose stories started or took part in Oskaloosa. You can even request to reserve this space for an event of your choosing.
This is a must stop at bookstore and gift shop for all ages stored in a historic bank. It also has a third floor available for events. Every Tuesday and Thursday around 5:15 pm there is Yoga on the third floor. If you are here during that time, call first to ensure the schedule has not changed.
Book Vault
105 South Market StreetThis is a must stop at bookstore and gift shop for all ages stored in a historic bank. It also has a third floor available for events. Every Tuesday and Thursday around 5:15 pm there is Yoga on the third floor. If you are here during that time, call first to ensure the schedule has not changed.
For 25 years the George Daily Community Auditorium has housed all kinds of performances from amateur to professional. Each year there are 5-7 nationally touring live acts here for a great price compared to the venues these acts perform in around the world.
George Daily Community Auditorium
1800 N 3rd StFor 25 years the George Daily Community Auditorium has housed all kinds of performances from amateur to professional. Each year there are 5-7 nationally touring live acts here for a great price compared to the venues these acts perform in around the world.
Pick your own flowers, take a class, ask for a tour, and enjoy the beauty! If you are having a special event, she will set up a flower bar or make unique and gorgeous bouquets to adorn your setting.
Barnswallow Flowers
Pick your own flowers, take a class, ask for a tour, and enjoy the beauty! If you are having a special event, she will set up a flower bar or make unique and gorgeous bouquets to adorn your setting.
Dress up in a the costumes provided and have your photo taken at the Iconic American Gothic House, made famous by local artist Grant Wood
American Gothic House & Center
300 American Gothic StDress up in a the costumes provided and have your photo taken at the Iconic American Gothic House, made famous by local artist Grant Wood
Find out when an event is happening here and attend it! These two and their family and friends make it happen with their hard work behind the scenes and lots of love for everyone around them!
Nunnikhoven Farm
Find out when an event is happening here and attend it! These two and their family and friends make it happen with their hard work behind the scenes and lots of love for everyone around them!
Several of our guests have written in the guest books that they took a day trip to the Amana Colonies. Good plan! Great food, entertainment and delightful home made goodies.
38 recommandé par les habitants
Colonies d'Amana
622 46th AveSeveral of our guests have written in the guest books that they took a day trip to the Amana Colonies. Good plan! Great food, entertainment and delightful home made goodies.
Antique, Vintage and Thrift Shops
If you are here for the weekend, stop at North Creek Antiques from 10 - 4 on Saturdays or call them for an appointment. Enjoy treasure hunting and relics from the past. Enjoy both new and old merchandise set up with beautiful touches! Loads of finds inside and out!
North Creek Antiques
1245 Iowa 163If you are here for the weekend, stop at North Creek Antiques from 10 - 4 on Saturdays or call them for an appointment. Enjoy treasure hunting and relics from the past. Enjoy both new and old merchandise set up with beautiful touches! Loads of finds inside and out!
Stop in at Beacon Antiques, who specialize in antique stoneware, old signs and advertising items, from 11-6 any day, but Tuesday or call 641-673-9300, and they will be open just for you!
Beacon Antiques
112 Leighton StreetStop in at Beacon Antiques, who specialize in antique stoneware, old signs and advertising items, from 11-6 any day, but Tuesday or call 641-673-9300, and they will be open just for you!
A walk from most of our stays! Treasures aplenty, from glassware, chandeliers, and fantastic China collections to jewelry, art and so much more. Just a few steps from downtown at 406 High Ave. East, Oskaloosa. Stop in Monday-Saturday 10-5 or by appointment at 641-673-0895 or 641-569-3632.
The Antique Shop
406 High Avenue EastA walk from most of our stays! Treasures aplenty, from glassware, chandeliers, and fantastic China collections to jewelry, art and so much more. Just a few steps from downtown at 406 High Ave. East, Oskaloosa. Stop in Monday-Saturday 10-5 or by appointment at 641-673-0895 or 641-569-3632.
Just a few miles north of Oskaloosa in New Sharon's cute downtown. We've heard great things about the coffee shop and a women's boutique store there as well, so a good morning or afternoon trip to this cute town, and on the way there or on the way back, stop at Russell Wildlife Area!
Crow Row
108 South Main StreetJust a few miles north of Oskaloosa in New Sharon's cute downtown. We've heard great things about the coffee shop and a women's boutique store there as well, so a good morning or afternoon trip to this cute town, and on the way there or on the way back, stop at Russell Wildlife Area!
Jennifer has salvaged all kinds of pieces from history and the present and created them into something unique. If you'd like to design something, you can likely call to schedule a class for this for you and your friends or family.
Salvaged Designs
115 High Avenue WestJennifer has salvaged all kinds of pieces from history and the present and created them into something unique. If you'd like to design something, you can likely call to schedule a class for this for you and your friends or family.
Love Inc Thrift Shoppe is a local thrift store designed to support the ministries of Love INC of Mahaska County. This particular thrift shop is neat, clean, and extremely well managed. Enjoy your treasure hunt!
Love INC Thrift Shoppe
200 High Avenue WestLove Inc Thrift Shoppe is a local thrift store designed to support the ministries of Love INC of Mahaska County. This particular thrift shop is neat, clean, and extremely well managed. Enjoy your treasure hunt!
Jude retails for several local artists, including herself, has scheduled artistic classes, princess and tea parties, hat bars, restores furniture and will have a creative party for you! I love coming in to find unique items when making a home or space uniquely beautiful.
Brushed by Jude
116 1st Avenue East
Jude retails for several local artists, including herself, has scheduled artistic classes, princess and tea parties, hat bars, restores furniture and will have a creative party for you! I love coming in to find unique items when making a home or space uniquely beautiful.
This has been my extended family's go to for costume shopping for themed parties, great place to find all kinds of books and random home decor. Any money above paying for the regular staff is given back into the community as needs arise. I've bought a stack of great titles for $.90! You just never know what you may find when you visit this thrift store. The other thrift shop is cleaner, but there are often great finds in here!
Mahaska County Outreach
114 North 1st StreetThis has been my extended family's go to for costume shopping for themed parties, great place to find all kinds of books and random home decor. Any money above paying for the regular staff is given back into the community as needs arise. I've bought a stack of great titles for $.90! You just never know what you may find when you visit this thrift store. The other thrift shop is cleaner, but there are often great finds in here!
Boutiques/Apparel & Other Shopping
We have selected shops that have apparel or unique gift giving. These are stores where all the items purchased are new items.
If you are here for any reason whatsoever, and might need fitting apparel, Betsey's Boutique Shop for ladies is sure to have something just right for the occasion! If you enjoy shopping boutiques, you'll enjoy this shop as well!
Betsey’s Boutique Shop
105 High Avenue WestIf you are here for any reason whatsoever, and might need fitting apparel, Betsey's Boutique Shop for ladies is sure to have something just right for the occasion! If you enjoy shopping boutiques, you'll enjoy this shop as well!
Lu Too & Co Boutique's Facebook page says: "Women's Boutique offering clothes that are fun, fashionable, affordable and great for any age or size!" They have an adjoining bridal store, both recommended by many in the area.
Lu Roo & Co Boutique
115 South Market StreetLu Too & Co Boutique's Facebook page says: "Women's Boutique offering clothes that are fun, fashionable, affordable and great for any age or size!" They have an adjoining bridal store, both recommended by many in the area.
Great for walking, a variety of community activities, Maurices, Gardnier Collier Jewelry, Envision Art Gallery, Love Inc., Arcade, Axe Throwing, Osky News, Muse Music satellite lesson room, Wanderlunch (delicious lunch!), Mi Ranchito (delicious authentic Mexican food) and more!
Penn Central Mall
200 High Avenue WestGreat for walking, a variety of community activities, Maurices, Gardnier Collier Jewelry, Envision Art Gallery, Love Inc., Arcade, Axe Throwing, Osky News, Muse Music satellite lesson room, Wanderlunch (delicious lunch!), Mi Ranchito (delicious authentic Mexican food) and more!
Inside Penn Central Mall, sets comfy clothes, shoes and adorable socks. Missy loves their jeans and socks. They offer the stretchy variety and several styles to pick from. The same size seems to fit whether you are on the best side of your weight or the upper echelon;)
Maurices
200 High Avenue WestInside Penn Central Mall, sets comfy clothes, shoes and adorable socks. Missy loves their jeans and socks. They offer the stretchy variety and several styles to pick from. The same size seems to fit whether you are on the best side of your weight or the upper echelon;)
Since 1919, Brown's Shoe Fit has been sizing feet from young to elderly to ensure the right fit and function just for you! Enjoy the old downtown shopping experience and so many great brands to choose from!
Brown's Shoe Fit Co #43
101 South Market StreetSince 1919, Brown's Shoe Fit has been sizing feet from young to elderly to ensure the right fit and function just for you! Enjoy the old downtown shopping experience and so many great brands to choose from!
It's fun to check out what different people pick out at market and retail in their boutique. Stella's Salon & Boutique offers time in the beauty chair and some cute clothing, shoes, jewelry and home goods.
Stella's Salon & Boutique
1211 A Avenue EastIt's fun to check out what different people pick out at market and retail in their boutique. Stella's Salon & Boutique offers time in the beauty chair and some cute clothing, shoes, jewelry and home goods.
Need a quick gift with lots of options? This is another great place to check out! Really, there's something for every age there. They are big on beautiful seasonal options, candles, and anything you might need on the drugstore end. This business is also incredible at generously giving back to the community. If you go to an event and there are games for children, Mahaska Drug has likely donated the outdoor games and much more.
Mahaska Drug, Inc
205 North E StreetNeed a quick gift with lots of options? This is another great place to check out! Really, there's something for every age there. They are big on beautiful seasonal options, candles, and anything you might need on the drugstore end. This business is also incredible at generously giving back to the community. If you go to an event and there are games for children, Mahaska Drug has likely donated the outdoor games and much more.
Conseils aux voyageurs
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Bring clothes for the season to explore nature!
From over 1,700 acres of forests, wetlands, prairies and parks for people to explore throughout Mahaska County, including 21 separate parks, river and lake access, several miles of maintained dirt trails and 12-14 miles of paved bike trails around Oskaloosa through native prairie grasses, wooded areas, including access to parks, conservation center with woolly mammoth bones and lots of natural habitat interactive displays, animal shelter, the new developing Solar System Walk About including the 86 foot diameter dome of our Sun, and more to understand earth's whereabouts.
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Bring your bikes or rent from Nostalgic Rides
Enjoy our 12-14 mile trail system that can be accessed from several entry points. See maps in our homes. Trail can be enjoyed on foot also, but biking by cornfields, wildflowers, stopping where you'd like to pull out their nature journal or a picnic to enjoy in open space... so much more on bikes! With littles, bring the your bike trailer so you can keep right on going and stop at the park or another open space where they can run and play while you relax!
Interested in bike rentals? We have Nostalgic Rides just for you! You can find this if you search for ARI - A Better Stay.
Manières d'économiser
Take advantage of our guest passes at the YMCA!
All guests in our Airbnb's have three days of free use of the YMCA. Open gym, open and lap swim, free weights, aerobic and more at our local YMCA. Simply tell them you are a guest at Christian Ray's Airbnb.
Staying longer than three days? No problem! Purchase a day guest pass for an extremely reasonable rate. Call the YMCA or visit their website for schedules for open swim, gym and child care.
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Bring Kayaks or ask to borrow ours!
With Keomah State Park on location at The Cabin and just 6 miles out from The Tudor and our Sunny Chalet, enjoy the beautiful trails all year 'round and kayaking on the lake is a must for spring, summer and fall! Our Kayaks are located at the cabin, one of our vacation rentals, across the road from an easy launch by foot. Due to high demand, reserve days and times.
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Bring your swimsuit!
If you are staying at The Cabin, enjoy our screened in porch hot tub all year! If you take advantage of the YMCA open or lap swim from any location, you'll need your suit and a bag for showering before and after. Summer at The Terrace at Geneva, enjoy the pool in your backyard! Summer at all locations: kayak, canoe or swim at the Lake Keomah. At all locations you can also take advantage of Edmunson Park's swimming pool from Memorial to Labor Day.
Coutumes et culture
Wave!
As you drive around the area, especially in the country, keep your hands on the wheel, but simply lift your hand to wave and feel the sense of family as you will get a "wave" in return! And that's midwestern country culture! Enjoy!