Ottumwa Cemetery, Ottumwa Travel Guide

5 (2)

Explore Ottumwa Cemetery, a historic landmark, arboretum, and final resting place of notable figures, reflecting the city's past and natural beauty.

Home
Travel Guides
Iowa
Ottumwa
Ottumwa Cemetery

Established in 1857, Ottumwa Cemetery is more than a final resting place; it's a historic arboretum showcasing trees and shrubs planted throughout the city's history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery features notable architecture and serves as a serene green space.

A brief summary to Ottumwa Cemetery

1950, 1302 N Court St, Ottumwa, IA, 52501, US
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
Wednesday 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
Thursday 12:30 pm-4:30 pm
Friday 12:30 pm-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ottumwa Cemetery.

Visit the cemetery office for an anthology of biographies of noteworthy Ottumwa citizens buried here.
Take a walking tour to appreciate the unique trees and shrubs within the cemetery's arboretum.
Look for the life-sized dog statue on the Nash lot, a local legend and a unique grave marker.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Wapello County Freedom Rock

Iowa Heartland History Connection

Vogel Place Historic District

War Memorial Park

Railroad Park

Explore Ottumwa Cemetery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ottumwa Cemetery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From downtown Ottumwa, head north on Court Street. The cemetery is located at 1302 N Court St, about a 15-20 minute walk. As you walk up Court Street, you'll notice the wrought iron fence that encloses the cemetery. The main entrance, marked by the Edgerly Gateway, will be on your left.
Public Transport

The Ottumwa Transit Authority (OTA) operates bus routes throughout the city. Check the OTA website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From most points in Ottumwa, you can take a bus towards the north side of town and get off at a stop near Court Street. From there, it's a short walk to the cemetery. A single ride fare is typically around $1.00.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are available in Ottumwa. A ride from downtown Ottumwa to the cemetery will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on the time of day and demand.

Discover more about Ottumwa Cemetery

Ottumwa Cemetery, established in 1857, arose from the need for a larger burial ground away from the growing town center. Reflecting the rural cemetery movement, it was designed as a romantic landscape with hills, valleys, trees, and winding roads, offering a peaceful retreat. The original 10 acres were laid out in a grid pattern, with family plots marked by marble monuments and fencing.Key features include the High Victorian Gothic receiving vault (1887), used during harsh Iowa winters when digging graves was impossible. A wrought-iron fence along Court Street and the Edgerly Gateway, a Roman triumphal arch completed in 1904, enhance the cemetery's formal entrance. The office and chapel, built in Gothic style between 1905-1906, are dedicated to Union soldiers and sailors of the Civil War.The cemetery is the final resting place for notable figures such as Herschel C. Loveless, a former Governor of Iowa; Daniel F. Steck, a U.S. Senator; and Leonidas M. Godley, a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient. A life-sized statue of a greyhound dog marks the grave of a young boy, adding a touch of local legend and charm. The cemetery also functions as an arboretum, with diverse trees and shrubs planted throughout Ottumwa's history.