Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa is a small city in Mahaska County, Iowa. Oskaloosa is home to William Penn University, a private university, and Lake Keomah State Park which is four miles east of the city. == Understand == It is home to about 12,000 people (census, 1 April 2020) == Get in == === By car === From Des Moines, take Iowa Highway 163 east for 60 minutes. From St. Louis, take US Route 61 N, US Route 34 W and US Route 63 N for 4.5 hours. === By bus === Daily bus by Jefferson Lines departing from Des Moines at 10AM, takes approximately 60 mins and costs $27. == Get around == == See == Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum, 2211 Nelson Lane (8 min drive northeast of the city), ☏ +1 641-672-2989. Tu-Sa 10AM-4PM. (updated Mar 2026) == Do == 1 Lake Keomah State Park. A 366-acre (148 ha) state park that surrounds and includes Lake Keomah. Picnic shelters and a lodge may be reserved for use. There are also two boat ramps, numerous campsites, trails, modern showers, restrooms, and an unsupervised beach. (updated Apr 2026) === Events === The Southern Iowa Fair is one of the largest traditional county fairs in Iowa and is held each July. Art on the Square is held each June on the city square. This event features local and regional artists. Sweet Corn Serenade is held each July on the city square. A concert by the municipal band is the highlight of the corn-on-the-cob and pork burger feast. Each December, the Lighted Christmas Parade travels through the downtown area on two consecutive nights. The floats in the parade are adorned with lights for the after-dark event. == Buy == == Eat == == Drink == == Sleep == 1 EverSpring Inn & Suites, 2401 A Ave West, ☏ +1 641-676-6000, guestservicesoskaloosa@everspringinn.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Mar 2026) 2 Hotel O Oskaloosa Near Eddyville, 2278 Highway 63. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. (updated Apr 2026) == Connect == 1 Oskaloosa Public Library (southwestern corner of the junction of Market St. and 2nd Ave.). (updated Apr 2026) == Go next == Pella (Iowa) Des Moines