Appanoose County

Outdoor activities summon visitors south

By Maggie Mills
For Iowa.com

The Honey Creek Resort in Appanoose County features luxurious lodging, golf and scenic views of the lake / Photo courtesy of Lisa Eddy, Square View Design

If a getaway to a luxurious lakeside resort sounds appealing to you, then look no further than Appanoose County when planning your next escape.

Situated in southern Iowa on the border of Missouri, Appanoose County features endless opportunities for outdoor activities, tours through local historical sites, and quaint community festivals. 

Perhaps the county’s main attraction is its largest natural one – Lake Rathbun. The lake is one of Iowa’s largest, covering 11,000 acres of water and boasting 155 miles of shoreline.  Rathbun is surrounded by native grasslands and 21,000 acres of public land for fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, and playing. The area’s newest feature allows Appanoose County guests to take advantage of the natural amenities while visiting the area.

The Honey Creek Resort opened in the fall of 2008, and offers a lodge and hotel, luxurious cabins, a golf course, boat docks, and even an indoor water park.

Visitors to the area are also always welcome to stay and help Appanoose County locals celebrate the seasons in a number of annual festivals held in the area. Pancake Day, held the last Saturday of each September in the Courthouse Square Historic District in Centerville, has been a tradition since 1949. The celebration is host to parades, contests and entertainment. Other festivals include the Wine and Fine Arts Festival in June, the Children’s Arts Festival in July, and the Summer Splash at Rathbum Lake in August.

For those more interested in historical sites, the Appanoose County Historical & Coal Mining Museum in the county seat of Centerville, is a good place to stop. The county was a main coal mining area in the early 20^th Century, and the Historical Museum displays a rich history. Museum goers have the chance to tour the building – an old post office – while examining village artifacts and replica coal mine, watching videos, and browsing through historic photos.

Currently, the largest employers in Appanoose County are Barker Company, Curwood Industries, Wells Manufacturing, Iowa Steel & Wire, Mercy Medical Center, Honey Creek Resort, and Bug-Out Outdoorwear.

Sources:  Centerville Chamber of Commerce, Appanoose County, Appanoose Economic Development Corporation