Ottumwa, IA (OTM)
Situated on the banks of the Des Moines River, the community of Ottumwa takes its name from a Sauk word meaning “land of the rippling waters.” The current station building, in a Mid-Century Modern style, was officially dedicated by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) in 1951.
Address & Location
210 West Main Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Annual ticket revenue (FY 2024): $832,196
Annual station ridership (FY 2024): 8,719
Ownership & Operations
| Component | Owner |
|---|---|
| Station facility | Wapello County Historical Society, Inc. |
| Parking lot | Wapello County Historical Society, Inc. |
| Platform | BNSF Railway |
| Track | BNSF Railway |
The station serves routes operated by Amtrak. For fares and schedules, contact Amtrak deals online or call 1-888-929-3161.
History
The original depot in Ottumwa was built in 1889 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. That structure was later demolished and replaced in 1950 with the present limestone-faced facility constructed by the Benson Construction Company of Chicago, at an estimated cost of half a million dollars. The building’s formal dedication took place on May 26, 1951, with CB&Q President Harry C. Murphy in attendance.
From 1988 until 2020, the structure housed the Wapello County Historical Museum in addition to providing waiting-room services for Amtrak passengers.
The town of Ottumwa itself was first settled in 1843; its name derives from a Sauk term meaning “land of the rippling waters.” The Des Moines River flows through the community and three bridges span it, which has led to Ottumwa’s nickname “City of Bridges.”
Station Building (with Waiting Room)
Features
- ATM: Not available
- Elevator: Not available
- Payphones: Not available
- Quik-Trak kiosks: Not available
- Restrooms: Available
- Ticket sales office: Available
- Unaccompanied child travel: Not allowed
- Vending machines: Available
- WiFi: Not available
- Arrival guidelines:
- Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure if checking baggage or needing assistance.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure if no baggage check or assistance needed.
- Accessibility indicated where applicable.
Baggage Services
- Amtrak Express shipping: Not available
- Checked-baggage service: Available
- Checked-baggage storage: Not available
- Bike boxes: Not available
- Baggage carts: Available
- Ski bags: Not available
- Bag storage: Not available
- Shipping boxes: Not available
- Baggage assistance: Provided by station staff (weekdays only).
Parking
- Same-day parking: Free
- Overnight parking: Free
Accessibility
- Accessible platform: Yes
- Accessible restrooms: Yes
- Accessible ticket office: Yes
- Accessible waiting room: Yes
- Accessible water fountain: Yes
- Same-day accessible parking: Available; fees may apply
- Overnight accessible parking: Free
- No high platform.
- Wheelchair available, wheelchair lift available.
- Payphones: Not available.
Station Hours
| Service | Hours |
|---|---|
| Waiting Room | Mon–Sun: 08:30 am–11:30 am & 05:30 pm–08:30 pm |
| Ticket Office | Mon–Sun: 08:30 am–11:30 am & 05:30 pm–08:30 pm |
| Passenger Assistance | Mon–Sun: 08:30 am–11:30 am & 05:30 pm–08:30 pm |
| Checked Baggage Service | Same hours as above |
| Parking Hours | No formal hours listed |
| Quik-Trak Kiosk | Not available |
| Lounge | Not available |
| Amtrak Express | Not available |
Summary
The Ottumwa station offers streamlined services and a modern (1951 vintage) facility in a small-town setting. While some amenities (like ATM, WiFi, bike boxes) are not present, the key passenger features – restrooms, ticket office, waiting room and accessible services – are in place. Free parking (day and overnight) and checked baggage support make it a viable stop for train travelers. Its historical roots and design reflect mid-century rail architecture, anchored by the community’s heritage as the “City of Bridges.”
