Pammel Park has a lot to offer, with historic sights to see, extensive trails, a nature center, and the only highway tunnel in Iowa. Middle River runs through the park, with a ford providing perfect splashing for kids. There is easy creek splashing access here, you can see more specific details about how to get into the water in this post.
Information:
Name: Pammel Park
Address: 1900 Pammel Park Road, Winterset, IA 50273
Type: Places to hike and places to get wet
Bathrooms: Yes
Shade: Yes, shaded shelter
Playground: Yes
Trails: Yes, footing unknown
Water: Yes, river
Other notes: Camping (with yurts!), nature center, fishing, canoeing, the only highway tunnel in Iowa (Harmon Tunnel), middle river ford for creek splashing (Middle River Ford). There is easy creek splashing access here, you can see more specific details about how to get into the water in this post. Shelter rental options. Trail map here: http://www.madisoncountyconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/PPark.jpg
There are written driving directions on their website; I have given the closest intersection I could find on Google maps.
The ford is closed during high water or extreme cold – otherwise, it is between 2″ & 4″ deep.
Official Website: http://www.madisoncountyconservation.org/pammel-park/
DSMOF Blog posts:
-
- Our October, 2016 trip to Pammel Park
- Off-site, Field Trip Iowa shared their trip to Pammel Park as well!
- So did Sincerely Iowa, with lots of tips about their campgrounds
Other things nearby of note:
- Rodell’s BBQ is nearby and tasty
- John Wayne Birthplace museum
- Quilt Museum
If you’re looking for other places to get outside, check back-in with the interactive map!
Pictures:
This old lodge was built in the 1920’s with oak logs harvested from the park, and has a large limestone fireplace. There is also a ‘backbone shelter’ built in the 1930’s using park oak and limestone.
The entry point we used to enter the creek; the other side is much deeper and faster water.
Have you been here? Leave a comment and let people know what you think!