Location: Oskaloosa
Top Things to do in Oskaloosa
What to do and see in Oskaloosa, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Oskaloosa is a city in and the county seat of Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, it was a national center of bituminous coal mining. The population was 11,463 in the 2010 census, an increase from 10,938 in the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Oskaloosa
1. Tassel Ridge Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By davidjensen399 - Johnston, Iowa
Stopped by on our way home as we were driving by. We got to watch them pick grapes and put them through the destemmer machine. They now have light lunches available which were a selection of 5-6 sandwiches. We had the roast beef panniini and Ca. Turkey sandwich. They were filling and tasty. Also tried a coupkw wines and bought a bottle of Marquette for the road.
2. Frisian Farms Cheese House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By OTR_Again_IM - Iowa
Since Gouda is semi-hard cheese named after the town in Holland, expanding into this cheese factory/visitor center on Hi-way 163 between the Dutch communities of Pella and Oskaloosa is a perfect location. There are large glass viewing windows into the brining, cheese making and aging rooms. Employees were in the process of cutting and bagging fresh cheese curds while we were there. Besides young, aged and smoked; they also switch different specialty flavors. We tried a garlic and sun-dried tomato Italian gouda. To ensure authentic flavor, the owners invited a Dutch cheese maker to learn the techniques that has allowed them to perfect their Gouda cheese making. I've toured around Holland and this is the freshest and best Gouda I've tasted since then.
3. Oskaloosa Skate and Bike Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Stanbro81 - Oskaloosa, Iowa
While the location of this skate park is a bit strange, the park itself is well designed, secure and has lots of amenities for the kids who use it -- water fountain, shelter house to get out of the weather, etc. Not only is there a skate park, but a basketball court as well. It's not unusual anytime of the day or not in all sorts of weather to see kids on their bikes, skateboards, roller skates and razer scooters using the park. The kids do a pretty good job of policing themselves to keep the place clean and prevent vandalism. The park sits between the main road through town and the mall, so traffic flows around the park constantly. Fortunately, a fence was installed on the mall side to help prevent near-misses which had happened quite often prior. It is a good central location in town for kids to walk or ride their bikes to access. Great addition to the city of Oskaloosa, and gives the kids a place to go instead of being run off by businesses when the kids use their sidewalks, rails, etc.
4. Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By OTR_Again_IM - Iowa
The Nelson Pioneer Farm and Museum was established to honor the pioneer farmer and is operated by the Mahaska County Historical Society, a non-profit, educational institution. Daniel and Margaret Nelson settled this farm in 1843 and raised six children. The homestead consists of a 22 building complex all restored to reflect an 1850 to 1890 period and is on the National Register of Historic Places. There is also a Mule Cemetery where the Nelson’s two civil war veteran white mules are buried.
Structures include 1853 brick home; 1856 barn, country store, stagecoach stop, voting house, post office, scale house, blacksmith building, Kalbach Lumber Co. office, Prine one-room school house, Benjamin Littler log cabin, Coal Creek Friends Meeting House and Buxton coal miner's house. Many of these buildings were moved from their original locations to the farm for historic preservation. The main museum houses several exhibits, including Indian artifacts, mammoth bones, 1800’s period clothing & equipment, military memorabilia. A genealogy library is also located in the main museum hall.
You can do self-guided tours or come on special-event presentation days, which include hands-on activities for children. See the NPFM website for tour info, days/hours open, special events schedule, etc.
5. Penn Centre Theatre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Jeremy H - Oskaloosa, Iowa
Nice theatre. Always has new good movies to see and isn't too expensive. I've been going there all my life and have nothing to complain about. Overall quality place to spend a friday night.
6. Lacey Recreation Complex
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By JennioDesMoines - Des Moines, IA
We visit this complex more than a handful of times each spring and are always impressed with the fields, the concession stands, and how clean it is. The fenced in playground is also a plus.
7. Timeless Treasures Corner
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
We offer two floors of shopping. Selling Antiques, Collectibles, Coins, and used Furniture. We welcome visitors to shop at our ever-changing store Where unique and high quality items enter daily.
Reviewed By Lee H
really enjoyed checking it out. wide variety of small stuff, pottery, glass, furniture, collectibles. owners are very pleasant and helpful. found quite a few "treasures" at reasonable prices. well worth the drive and there are several more antique stores on the same street that were also nice plus a family restaurant a few doors down.
8. Mahaska Bowl
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Jeremy H - Oskaloosa, Iowa
Has nice lanes with an option for bumpers. It also good food. Plus, it has fun video games to play and a nice lounge. Pretty standard bowling alley. Great for birthday parties and such. 10/10 would go again.
9. Chief Mahaska Statue
Overall Ratings
3 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By IA_Hawks - Iowa
A very nice statue with minimal background information on Chief Mahaska, but enough to get an idea of how the town got its name.
It also has a little bit of information about the territory of Iowa.
It is not a "must see" but certainly provides a little insight into the person and community.
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