Ottumwa is an affordable, small-city option for multi-week travel assignments with a compact, walkable downtown, riverfront parks and trails along the Des Moines River, a lively community-college presence (Indian Hills Community College) and local museums/attractions that make downtime easy to enjoy rather than boring or isolating.
For bigger weekend options, charming Pella — about a 40–45 mile drive — offers larger dining, festivals and strong tourist draws (windmills, bakeries, events), so you’re not stuck with only tiny towns on your days off.