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Centerville is the county seat of Appanoose County in southern Iowa, situated roughly 90 miles southeast of Des Moines near the Missouri border. With a population of around 5,500–6,000, it functions as a regional hub for the surrounding rural communities.
The city's most striking feature is its Centerville Town Square, long claimed to be one of the largest courthouse squares in the United States. The square anchors the downtown and gives the city an unhurried, photogenic character that feels authentically Midwestern rather than manufactured for tourism.
The broader area carries a significant bituminous coal-mining history stretching from the late 19th into the mid-20th century. That industrial past shaped the region's culture and architecture, and echoes of it remain in local museums and community identity. Today, outdoor recreation — particularly around Rathbun Lake to the northwest — is a major draw for visitors from across Iowa and neighboring states.
Editorial note: This guide covers Centerville, Iowa. A separate unincorporated community called Centerville exists in Reynolds County, Missouri; the two are unrelated.
Before You Go
Centerville is a domestic U.S. destination, so no passport or visa is required for U.S. citizens. International visitors should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for current entry requirements.
The town has limited tourist infrastructure — there are no large hotel chains in the immediate downtown core, and dining options, while adequate, are modest. Arriving with a full tank of gas and some cash is sensible, as rural southern Iowa can have long stretches between services.
Cell coverage is generally available but can be patchy in more remote parts of Appanoose County and around Rathbun Lake's less-developed shoreline areas. Download offline maps before you go if you plan to explore back roads or trails.
Weather varies significantly by season. Summers are warm and humid, winters can bring ice and snow. The shoulder seasons of May–June and September–October offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activity.
Getting There
By Car
Driving is the practical way to reach Centerville. The city sits near the intersection of US Route 2 and Iowa Highway 5. From Des Moines, the drive is approximately 1.5–2 hours via US-65 South and US-2. From Kansas City, Missouri, the trip is roughly 2.5–3 hours north via US-69 and connecting routes.
By Air
The nearest commercial airports with regular scheduled service are Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Both are well over an hour's drive away. Rental cars are available at both airports and are essentially necessary for onward travel to Centerville.
By Bus
Long-distance bus services do not provide direct scheduled routes to Centerville. Verify current regional transit options locally, as service availability in rural Iowa changes over time.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essential for getting around Centerville and the surrounding Appanoose County. The downtown square is compact and walkable, but Rathbun Lake, the Honey Creek Resort area, and most points of interest outside town require driving.
There is no local public transit system in the conventional sense. Appanoose County may offer demand-response rural transit services for residents — verify with the county if you have specific needs.
Road quality in the area is generally good on main routes, though some rural county roads can be unpaved or in variable condition, especially after wet weather. Use caution and check conditions if venturing onto gravel roads around the lake.
Things to See & Do
Centerville Town Square
The expansive public square surrounding the Appanoose County Courthouse is the heart of the city. It is worth walking around to appreciate the scale, the historic storefronts, and seasonal community events that take place here. The courthouse itself is a notable piece of local civic architecture.
Rathbun Lake
Located roughly 7–10 miles northwest of Centerville, Rathbun Lake is one of Iowa's largest reservoirs and the region's premier outdoor destination. Activities include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The Army Corps of Engineers manages much of the surrounding land. Verify current permit and fee requirements on-site or through the Army Corps of Engineers website before your visit.
Honey Creek Resort State Park
Iowa's only destination state park resort sits on the shores of Rathbun Lake and offers lodge accommodations, an indoor waterpark, a golf course, and trail access. It is the most polished lodging option in the immediate area — verify current rates and availability directly with the park.
Appanoose County Historical & Coal Museum
This local museum documents the county's coal-mining past and general community history. Hours and admission fees should be confirmed locally before visiting, as small community museums frequently adjust their schedules.
Outdoor Recreation
- Fishing (largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye are commonly reported in Rathbun Lake — verify current regulations with the Iowa DNR)
- Hiking and mountain biking on trails in the Rathbun Wildlife Area
- Hunting (seasonal; verify licensing requirements with Iowa DNR)
- Birdwatching, particularly during spring and fall migration
Food & Drink
Centerville's dining scene is modest and locally oriented. Expect diners, family restaurants, pizza shops, and casual American fare rather than fine dining or international cuisine. The town square area has a handful of restaurants and cafes worth checking.
As with most small Iowa towns, local bars and taverns serve as social hubs and often offer food alongside drinks. Meal prices tend to be significantly lower than in larger cities.
Verify current hours and operating status before visiting any specific establishment, as small-town restaurants can have irregular schedules or seasonal closures. There are no large chain restaurants in the downtown area, though some franchise options exist along the highway approaches to town.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. This connects you to police, fire, and emergency medical services.
Health
The nearest hospital with full emergency services is AppanooseCounty Community Hospital in Centerville — verify current capabilities and contact information locally, as rural hospital services can change.
Money
ATMs are available in town. Credit cards are accepted at most businesses, though some smaller local establishments may be cash-preferred. Confirm before dining or shopping.
Internet & Connectivity
Some downtown businesses and Honey Creek Resort offer Wi-Fi. Broader public Wi-Fi infrastructure is limited compared to larger cities.
Shopping Hours
Most local businesses follow Monday–Saturday daytime hours. Sunday hours are limited. Verify specific hours directly with any business you plan to visit.
Safety
Centerville is a small, low-crime rural community. Standard common-sense precautions apply: secure your vehicle and belongings, especially at trailheads and boat launches around Rathbun Lake where vehicle break-ins occasionally occur at recreational areas across Iowa generally.
Outdoor visitors should be aware of tick exposure in grassy and wooded areas around the lake — use appropriate repellent and check for ticks after time outdoors. Summer heat and humidity can be significant; stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
Winter driving in southern Iowa can be hazardous during ice and snow events. Check Iowa 511 (the state's road condition service) before driving in cold-weather months.
