Oakland: Follow the trails and experience the wildlife
Located along the West Nishnabotna River in Pottawattamie County, Oakland, Iowa is home to the Nishna Heritage Museum. Formerly named “Big Grove,” the city started in 1880 with the building of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.
Best Time to Visit
January is the best time for anglers to visit Oakland, Iowa as it hosts the Winter-Fest Ice Fishing Dervy. Be part of the local Fourth of July Fireworks and participate in the Black Squirrel Triathlon in August. Summers can be long, warm, humid, and wet in Oakland, while it’s partly cloudy all year round. For warm weather activities, the best time to visit Oakland, Iowa is from early June to mid-September.
What to Do & Area Attractions
For wildlife enthusiasts, head over to the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge in November to witness the migration of ducks and geese during the fall between the Arctic nesting grounds and the Gulf Coast wintering areas. If you’re travelling with your family, the Lake Manawa State Park offers several open picnic shelters, trail hikes, and paved bike trail for you to enjoy. Lake Manawa is also the best boating and fishing spot in the area. Meanwhile, you can head over to Joe’s Karting to experience the best Iowa racetrack for indoor go kart racing. Before you leave, drop by the RailsWest Railroad Museum, which housed historical exhibits on the eight railroads that served the community. For affordable Oakland, Iowa hotels, you can book a log cabin at the Countryside Inn & Suites or the comfy Baymont by Wyndham Harlan.