Centerville IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Centerville, Iowa.
1. Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum
LOCAL HISTORY ON DISPLAY
The Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum is housed in a Georgian-styled former post office built in 1903, featuring three levels of exhibits. Visitors can explore the diverse history of Appanoose County through a pioneer farm and village replica, Indian artifacts, military displays, and a replica of a coal mine with tools, photos, and videos of local mines. The museum showcases Appanoose County's rich coal mining heritage and highlights extraordinary individuals from the region.
2. Historic Courthouse Square District
IOWA'S LARGEST HISTORIC SQUARE
The Historic Courthouse Square District in Centerville is Iowa's largest historic town square, featuring 119 properties on the National Register of Historic Places. This bustling district is lined with specialty shops, apparel retailers, and restaurants, showcasing Victorian and Italianate architectural styles. The centerpiece is a three-story courthouse with a distinctive tile roof, complemented by a Civil War monument.
3. Sharon Bluffs State Park
NATURAL SCENIC BEAUTY
Sharon Bluffs State Park is a picturesque natural area near Centerville that offers outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors. The park features scenic bluffs overlooking the Chariton River, creating a peaceful setting for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna while exploring the trails that wind through the wooded landscape.
4. Lake Rathbun
PREMIER OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Rathbun is a popular outdoor destination near Centerville that has helped earn the area recognition as one of the top fishing and hunting destinations in the U.S. by Outdoor Life Magazine. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities along with boating, swimming, and other water-based recreation activities. With easy access from Centerville, Lake Rathbun serves as a major attraction for both locals and tourists seeking to enjoy Iowa's natural beauty.
5. Drake Public Library
HISTORIC LITERARY HAVEN
Drake Public Library is a historic institution that serves as both a literary resource and a cultural landmark in Centerville. The library provides community residents and visitors with access to books, research materials, and various educational programs. Its historic building adds to the architectural charm of the community while fulfilling an important role in preserving and promoting literacy and learning.
6. The Majestic Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Majestic Theater is a historic entertainment venue that has been a cultural cornerstone in Centerville for generations. This beautifully preserved theater hosts various performances, film screenings, and community events throughout the year. The theater's vintage architecture and atmosphere provide visitors with a nostalgic entertainment experience while supporting the arts in Appanoose County.
7. One of a Kind Tea Room
ELEGANT HISTORIC DINING
The One of a Kind Tea Room is housed in an elegant three-story Italianate house built in 1867, making it the second oldest surviving house in Centerville. Located just one block west of the Square, this historic building has served various purposes throughout its history, including a peddlers' hotel, funeral home, and bed and breakfast. Today, it offers visitors a refined dining experience in a setting rich with historical character and charm.
8. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY HERITAGE
The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot represents an important piece of Centerville's transportation history. This historic railway station stands as a monument to the era when rail travel was vital to the region's development and economy. Visitors can appreciate the architectural details and historical significance of this structure that once served as a bustling transportation hub.
9. Wabash Depot Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY PRESERVED
The Wabash Depot Museum preserves the railway heritage of Centerville and Appanoose County through exhibits and historical artifacts. This museum offers visitors insight into the crucial role that railroad transportation played in the development and prosperity of the region. The preserved depot structure itself serves as a tangible link to the area's transportation past.
10. Appanoose County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL COUNTY ICON
The Appanoose County Courthouse is a three-story structure with a distinctive tile roof that serves as the centerpiece of Centerville's historic square. This impressive building exemplifies the architectural grandeur typical of county government buildings from its era. Beyond its governmental function, the courthouse stands as an architectural landmark that anchors the surrounding historic district.
11. Lelah Bradley Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Lelah Bradley Park offers Centerville residents and visitors a welcoming green space for recreation and relaxation. The park provides facilities for various outdoor activities, making it a popular gathering spot for community events and family outings. Its convenient location and amenities make it an important part of Centerville's recreational infrastructure.
12. Rathbun Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
The Rathbun Fish Hatchery is a fascinating facility near Centerville that plays a vital role in managing Iowa's fishery resources. Visitors can learn about fish breeding and stocking programs that help maintain healthy fish populations in Lake Rathbun and other regional waterways. The hatchery offers educational opportunities about aquatic conservation and the science behind fisheries management.
13. Iowa Mormon Trail
HISTORIC MIGRATION ROUTE
The Iowa Mormon Trail passes through Appanoose County, marking the historic route taken by Mormon pioneers during their westward migration in the mid-1800s. This historic trail allows visitors to connect with an important chapter in American religious and migration history. Historical markers and preserved sites along the trail provide educational opportunities about the challenges faced by these travelers and their impact on the development of the region.
14. Historic Second Baptist Church
RELIGIOUS HERITAGE SITE
The Historic Second Baptist Church stands as an important landmark in Centerville's religious and cultural heritage. This historic house of worship features architectural elements typical of its era while representing the spiritual traditions of the community. The church building provides insight into the religious practices and social dynamics of Centerville's past.
15. Old Jail & Sheriff's Residence
LAW ENFORCEMENT HISTORY
The Old Jail & Sheriff's Residence offers visitors a glimpse into the law enforcement practices of Centerville's past. This historic structure preserves the facilities once used to maintain order and house prisoners in Appanoose County. The building stands as a testament to the evolution of criminal justice in rural Iowa communities.