Movie Theaters in Southeast Iowa

Finally, southeast Iowa has a new multiplex - it's in Ottumwa, Iowa, at the intersection of Quincy and Highway 34 (technically, 1215 Theater Drive). The eight screens show major new releases and there is generally at least one film geared to children. You can call (641-682-4935) to learn what's playing and when. There are the usual discounts for seniors and students. Because the theater sits at the main shopping intersection, you can run errands on the way to or from. You can also grab a bite at Applebee's, Country Kitchen, or Taco Bell.

About 20 miles south of Ottumwa is Bloomfield, Iowa, a picturesque community with a beautiful town square. On the square is the Iowa Theater (107 South Washington Street). This single-screen theater is only open Friday - Sunday, and tends to show movies that have been out a few weeks. The recorded announcement (641-664-9588) lets you know what's playing the upcoming weekend and the weekend after that. Shows are generally at 7:30 p.m.

About 25 miles north of Ottumwa is Oskaloosa, Iowa, home of the Fridley Penn Center 2 Theaters, located at 216 West 2nd Avenue. There are two movies playing, and you can call (641-376-4333) for movies and times. As a college town (William Penn University and Central College), there will generally be two new movies, though sometimes it's one new and one that's been out a few weeks.

Travel east 23 miles from Ottumwa and you reach Fairfield, Iowa, whick has not only a movie theater but the most varied set of restaurants of any town in the SE Iowa region. The Co-Ed II Theater is at 119 West Broadway and has two screens. There is generally one show at each on weeknights, two or more shows on the weekend. To find out what's playing, call 641-472-3707.

If you're driving to Des Moines, stop along the way in Pella, Iowa, a town founded by the Dutch and full of thousands of tulips each spring. The Pella Cenemas (708 Main Street, Pella, IA, 50219) have three theaters. During the week there is usually one show per night, more on the weekends. You can call a recorded message (641-621-0329) about what is playing. There is generally one new move and two that are a few weeks old.

Also en route to Des Moines is the Fridley Theater of Knoxville, IA. The Fridley 1 and 2 are at 212 East Robinson Street, and generally show two movies each evening, with one show of each during the week and more on weekends. Knoxville is home to a small U.S. Veterans hospital, so the theater caters to those who live in town and those who may be visiting family at the veterans' facility. Call for showtimes (641-842-5415 ).

Of course, you can keep driving to DesMoines, where there are lots of theaters - but you really don't need all that traffic. The especially good news is that prices at theaters in SE Iowa are far lower than larger cities. Be prepared to pay as little as $5, possibly less for a matinee.