It was late June 2015, California Zephyr stopped here for one day an a half, because of floods ahead. I remember walking around the desolate station, taking pictures with the locomotive, and I felt like I was in a non-place. I was travelling round the world, this leg from Chicago to San Francisco, where consequentially I spent less time then expected. Unforgettable memories.

A train quick stop - very pretty city

Friendly people to us Connecticut boys. Sadly our friend Maverick had to return back home. Great place. Needs TLC though.

Decent little station, need new roofs on the canopies though.

For being a first time rider I hadn’t set a high expectation, I had reached out to my friends and found that the Amtrak is NEVER on time going east, but better chances of going west. My train ended up being almost 5 hours late. What I found: The Ottumwa station is nice, fully enclosed and offered a snack and beverage vending machine. Never expect even though they say someone is working with the hours posted online that someone will actually be there. I arrived at the station at 10am for a train that was to arrive at a little past noon but didn’t end up arriving until almost 2. There was never an employee spotted until Right when the train was pulling up. 3 employees, where where they hiding the entire time I was in the station? Multiple people went to the desk for assistance, but no one to assist them so they left. The actual Amtrak ride: was great! The staff very nice, and quite funny. The seats are comfortable, and the announcements are clear to understand if there may be a delay. My overall experience was good, would have been great if the train wasn’t delayed as much as it had been. Hope this helps you!