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Pammel Park
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Facilities & Features
Harmon Tunnel: The only highway tunnel in Iowa , greets all visitors entering the park. The tunnel pierces the base of the limestone backbone and provides access to the remainder of the park facilities. Historical Note: In 1858 the tunnel was originally dug by William Harmon and his sons as a small chute to carry water diverted from Middle River to power a saw mill that was eventually converted to a grist mill. The mill was abandoned in 1904 and the tunnel expanded in size to allow vehicle traffic in 1925. The tunnel has since been expanded and reinforced to accommodate modern vehicles.

Middle River & Limestone Backbone: Middle River makes a great horse shoe loop in the park. The dividing wall is called the backbone which is a natural limestone ridge over 100 feet high. When standing atop the backbone directly over the tunnel, you can see Middle River flow in all four directions. The geology of the backbone is as extensive as the plant life and well worth exploring.

Middle River Ford: The only means of access (within the park) to the west side of the park is by crossing the shallow water ford in Middle River. During normal flow levels vehicles can safely cross the ford which maintains a depth of 2” to 4”. The ford has provided countless hours of recreation for many generations of park visitors who love to wade, splash and fish in and around the structure. The ford is closed during high water flows.

Lodge: Built in the 1920’s from oak logs harvested from the site, the Lodge with a large limestone fireplace provides a rustic and historic setting for family reunions, weddings, old fashioned Christmas’s and much more. Utilities include electrical outlets, lights and water. Play equipment. Modern heated restrooms available. Handicapped accessible.

Backbone Shelter: Constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and built with native timbers and limestone, this small shelter is located in the Backbone Picnic grounds near the trail head of the Backbone Trail. No utilities available.

Campgrounds: There are two camping loops providing electrical and water service as well as a modern bathroom and shower facility and play equipment. Modern sites provide both 30 & 50 AMP service and water hook-ups. "Tent Only" sites are elevated, with ground grill, table and no hook-ups. Two yurt cabins are available for rentals and reservation year round.

Picnic Grounds: Three separate picnic areas are located near the main entrance of the park, as well as around the Lodge and north of the campground on the backbone. A small one-table shelter is located near the ford.

Trails: Nearly 5 miles of trails wind through the Pammel’s woodlands exploring the many diverse ecosystems created by the river, geology and plant life. Three trail systems are found in the park. The Backbone Trail has trail heads at both ends of the tunnel as well as atop the backbone near the Backbone Shelter. The Lodge Trail has trail heads near the bathrooms and play equipment. The Interpretive Trail begins on the north side of the park road directly across from the Lodge.

Nature Center: Aquired during a southern expansion of the park, this formal rural chapel is being utilized as an environmental education classroom and nature center. Handicap accessible.

Activities & Events: Weekend Nature Programs near campgrounds during camping season. (May-Oct.)
River Fishing in Middle River: Catfish (Channel, Blue and Flathead) is excellent, especially below the ford following heavy flows.

Canoeing/Tube Floats: Put-in or take out spot at Middle River Ford. Some campers put in at the ford and canoe the “horse-shoe” and take out at the bridge by the main entrance (30 minutes). Click on River Accesses for more information on canoeing Middle River.

Hiking & Cross Country Skiing: The three trail systems provide a wide variety of adventure for users. The Backbone Trail explores the geology of the limestone ridge and overlooks Middle River. The Lodge Trail explores the qualities of woodlands and introduces the users to gigantic Walnut and Hackberry trees in the river flood plane and stately Oaks in the upland areas. The interpretive trail is open but currently undergoing renovation to update the interpretive sites.

Picnicking: Available in any of the parks picnic areas and shelters. The Lodge may be reserved by groups. See the fee schedule and reservation policy below.

Maple Syruping Demonstration: Usually scheduled in mid-March. Pure maple syrup is made from sap collected from the native Black Maples. A pancake breakfast is served inside the Lodge while the Conservation Board staff entertain visitors outside by demonstrating the tapping, sap collection and syrup cooking. Pure Madison County Maple Syrup is sold to during this event. Call the Conservation Board office (515-462-3536) for exact date of this event each year.

Lodge Reservation Fees

Basic Rental Fee:
$30/1st 4 Hours ($7.50/extra hour)
$60/8 Hours
$100/All Day (8:00am to 10:00pm)

Wedding, Wedding Receptions & Commercial Events
$75/1st 4 Hours ($7.50/extra hour)
$150/8 Hours
$250/All Day (8:00am to 10:00pm)

Backbone Shelter: No Fee: First Come/First Serve

NOW TAKING CAMPING RESERVATINS FOR 2008
515.462.3536
- 2 Night Minimum
- 3 to 4 Night Minimum On Holidays
$3.00/Site Reservation Fee

Camping Fees: (36 Sites)
$15/night/pad = 30 & 50 Amp electric, water, table and ground grill at each site.
$10/tent = Tent camp area (Five Elevated Sites)
Modern bathroom - Handicapped Accessible.
Showers - Handicapped Accessible.
Play Equipment.
Rock surfaced pads.
Individual / Group reservation accepted (515-462-3536)

Cabins:

• 2-24 foot diameter Yurt cabins.
• Sleeps 6. Air Conditioning/Heated.
• Kitchenette. Electric stove, microwave, refrigerator and counter space.
• Dining table and chairs.
• Attached deck.

Cabin Rental Rates: (2 Cabins)
$50.00 Per night. Minumim 2 nights. (3 - 4 nights on holidays)
$325.00 Weekly rates. (Non-holiday week periods)