Rathbun Lake, Reservoir in southern Appanoose County, Iowa, United States.
Rathbun Lake is a large reservoir in southern Appanoose County that spans rolling terrain with long shorelines and numerous sheltered bays. The water body offers varied settings for boating, fishing, and swimming.
The reservoir was created through dam construction that began in the mid-1960s and reached operational status by the end of that decade. The project transformed the landscape into a major water storage facility.
The lake serves as a central gathering point for regional events, with eight developed parks offering spaces for community celebrations throughout the year.
Visitors can find multiple access points around the shoreline along with recreational facilities. Several developed areas with camping and picnic spaces are distributed along the water's edge.
The lake functions as a drinking water source for thousands of households across two states. This dual role as both a recreation area and supply facility makes it regionally significant.
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