The Most Charming College Town In Iowa Is Home To Delicious Dining, Shopping, And More
By Raymond Goldfield|Published August 29, 2023
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Ah, college days. One of the best parts of attending college is exploring the town around the school, and I definitely have fond memories of exploring mine! When it comes to looking for fun towns and cities to visit, a college being in the area is definitely a point in a town’s favor – and that led me to Oskaloosa, Iowa. Home to William Penn University, a private Quaker university, this is a town of about 11,000 people with a rich history and cultural footprint. There are so many great things to do in Oskaloosa, Iowa, that you’ll want to spend a whole day or more exploring it. You’ll find an underrated steakhouse, a massive antique shop, a vintage movie theater, and one of the most unique parks in the entire Hawkeye State. Read on to discover why this small town in Iowa’s heartland should be your next day trip!
Home to William Penn University, this mid-sized town is an amazing place to spend a day exploring.
The town's square is likely its most famous location - home to a bandstand with roots dating back all the way back to 1864. The current bandstand, where live concerts are held, was built and dedicated in 1912.
The town is home to Edmundson Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Iowa. The stone architecture and heavily wooded area is especially beautiful in fall.
Finally, head over to see a movie at Penn Centre Theatre, one of the best independently-owned movie theaters in Iowa. You can feel the old-school difference here.
Penn Centre Theatre, 216 2nd Ave W, Oskaloosa, IA 52577, USA
Have you visited this charming college town? Tell us your favorite things to do in Oskaloosa, Iowa in the comments section! You can visit the official website of Tasos’ Oskaloosa for the full menu, and make sure to return in December for Oskaloosa’s famous Christmas lights display. While you’re in the area, consider a stay at the local Fairfield Inn & Suites.
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