Oskaloosa is in the county of Mahaska. In south-central Iowa, Mahaska County is one in a three county triangle. The other two counties in the triangle are Monroe and Wapello. The primary cities in each of these counties are Oskaloosa, Albia, and Ottumwa. Travel from the Tri-County area to major cities is an easy commute whether by road, train, or plane. Drive times from the Tri-County Area are: 6 hours to Chicago, 5 hours to Minneapolis, 3 hours to Kansas City, 3 hours to Omaha, 5 hours to St. Louis, and 2 hours to the Quad-Cities.

Oskaloosa is located between the North Skunk River and the Des Moines River. Being situated between two rivers helps give Oskaloosa its rich soil and fertile farmland. The city is very picturesque. Its rolling country side and gently flowing streams add to the quiet splendor of Oskaloosa. Some must-see attractions are the Bandstand and City Square Park, which were both completely restored in 1991. The Bandstand is the highlight of the community and the site of many community activities including summer concerts by the Oskaloosa Municipal Band. The community’s musical heritage is one of its most endearing features.

The City Square Park and Bandstand were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Commuters looking to take a train going east or west can board an Amtrak in neighboring Ottumwa. Five highways converge in Oskaloosa: U.S. Highway 63, Iowa Highway 92, Iowa Highway 137, Iowa Highway 63, and Iowa Highway 23. In addition to the Amtrak and the highways, there is also a municipal airport located eleven miles southeast of town. The U.S. Navy built the airport as a landing strip for the Ottumwa Naval Air Station during World War II. In the Tri-County area there are three municipal airports. Additionally, the Des Moines International Airport is just a thirty-five minute drive away.

Oskaloosa has great travel connections by highway, train, or plane and numerous recreational activities. Oskaloosa provides big city perks without the big city hassles.

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