55°
Published May 1, 2025
If you're visiting Ottumwa and looking for a unique way to explore the city, this self-guided walking tour of downtown's public art is the perfect place to start. Ottumwa’s revitalized streets are home to a growing collection of murals, sculptures, and creative installations that bring color and character to every corner. In this blog, you’ll find a step-by-step route with highlights, background on each piece, and tips for where to stop along the way. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a bite to eat, and let’s dive into Ottumwa’s art-filled streets—one mural at a time.
Start your tour in Canteen Alley, a lively and art-filled corridor built around Ottumwa’s beloved Canteen Lunch in the Alley. Before diving into the artwork, fuel up with one of their famous loose-meat sandwiches and a milkshake. An Ottumwa tradition dating back to the 1930s. At the west end of the alley, you’ll be greeted by the Rain Hopper, a sculptural piece by Robert Tully that catches rainwater and gently irrigates the surrounding plants throughout the day. Just a few steps away, behind the Meet Ottumwa visitor center, is the Treble Clef Downspout from the Art of the Rain project. This piece is designed to play a musical tune as rain flows through it. Continue along the alley to find a vibrant mural made up of handprints, a community-driven creation from Main Street Ottumwa’s Walk on Art Street event. Further down, a massive, colorful mural by artist Dextrina Neal draws the eye with its bold, cellular design. Near the end of the alley, look for Rainwater Reclaim by Mueller Studio, a sculptural faucet symbolizing water conservation, across from a charming mural by Mikayla Lanman featuring a pair of birds collecting a nest full of hidden treasures. Which perfectly sets the tone for the creative journey ahead.
From Canteen Alley, cut down to Main Street, where three blocks showcase striking public art and sculptures that add depth and personality to downtown Ottumwa. Begin in the 100 block, just a short walk from Canteen Alley, where you'll find four illuminated metal sculptures by Daniel Miller. Titled Ottumwa: Past and Present, these pieces highlight aspects of Ottumwa’s history. They are impressive by day but come to life at night when the internal lights can truly pop.
Continue east to the 200 block and stop outside the Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress (GOPIP) office to explore There is Another Alphabet by Hilde DeBruyne. This sculptural installation spans both sides of the street and features nature-inspired forms along with a reflective poem. Around the back of the GOPIP building, look for Silent Picture, a bold mural by local artist Brad Covington, painted in rich reds, yellows, and oranges and covering nearly two-thirds of the wall.
As you reach the 300 block, you'll encounter the latest addition to the art tour: a striking new mural at the corner of Main and Green Street. This vibrant artwork showcases Horse Thief Cave, a local hidden gem nestled southeast of town at Garrison Rock. The mural was recently completed by Iowa-based artist Thomas Argon. Further down the block, discover two sculptures by local artist Steve Huffman. Voices of the Bridge stands on the north side of the street, while I Hear That Train A Comin’ is directly across from it. Near the end of the block, step into the courtyard next to the Ottumwa Career Campus to find Covington’s second mural, which captures moments from Main Street Ottumwa’s 2018 Better Block Party. In the same courtyard, you’ll also find Celebrate Green, a flowing 3D metal sculpture by Gail Chavenelle made from a single flat sheet of steel. Finish off this section of the tour by crossing the street to the parking lot behind Joe’s Italian and the Appanoose Rapids Mercantile, where Huffman’s third sculpture, Soar, is displayed.
From here, you have two options: return to your vehicle or continue your walk. Either way, you are now heading across the Market Street Bridge to explore the art around Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center. As you cross the bridge, look to your right and you’ll see Wa Pe La The Prince, a striking wooden statue carved by chainsaw artist Jeff Samudosky. This powerful piece honors Chief Wapello, the Meskwaki leader for whom Wapello County is named. Directly across from the statue, outside the Bridge View Center, stands a large abstract metal sculpture by renowned artist Herbert Ferber, a significant piece that has been part of Ottumwa’s art landscape for nearly 50 years. Continue along the riverfront to discover Harmony Park, an interactive art space where visitors can play outdoor musical instruments and create their own rhythms. Around the opposite side of the Bridge View Center, near the parking lot, you’ll find the Wapello County Freedom Rock. Part of the statewide Iowa Freedom Rock Tour by artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II, this painted boulder pays tribute to Ottumwa’s military heritage, featuring imagery of the Tuskegee Airmen, National Guard Unit 833, and the former Naval Air Station Ottumwa. End this leg of the tour by stepping inside the Bridge View Center, where you'll find a historic photo collection by Michael Lemberger and a striking oil painting by Iowa artist Fred Easker.
We hope you enjoyed this self-guided tour of Ottumwa’s vibrant public art scene. From historic sculptures to hands-on installations and colorful murals, each stop offers a glimpse into the creativity and spirit that make this city unique. Whether you walked the full route or picked a few highlights, thanks for exploring with us. For a visual guide to these pieces and others around town, check out our Street Art Tour. There’s always more to discover in Ottumwa. Come back soon, and see what new art might pop up next.
