Whiterock lands are free and open year-round for your enjoyment. If you enjoy this unique and beautiful landscape,
please consider a donation  to help us ensure its long term protection.

Trails

Use of the 33-mile dirt trail system is free to the public. The trails are open to horses, biking, hiking, and Gator use (ATV use is prohibited). The Gators available to reserve and rent are made by John Deere Company, and resemble high-powered golf carts. Adult-sized mountain bikes are also available for reservation and rental. Trail maps are available at the Home Farm and Main Campground.

CANOEING

The scenic 8-mile Middle Raccoon River Water Trail starts at Riverside Park in Coon Rapids and ends at WRC's Main Campground. The float takes approximately three hour and provides views of wildlife, prairie and restoration projects, savanna-covered hills, and sandstone bluffs. For a shorter trip, you may start at Roadside Park instead. Canoeing is dependent on the river's water level, and paddlers can check with the staff to make sure the water is navigable. Ten aluminum canoes are available for rental and each canoe holds 2-4 passengers. Shuttle service, life vests and paddles are provided along with rental of the canoes.

NEW!! Tube Rental is NOW AVAILABLE!

FISHING

Fishing in of one our ten ponds or in the Middle Raccoon River is free to the public. Several ponds are stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, grass carp, bluegill and walleye, and the river hosts a healthy population of catfish. Basic equipment sets are available for rent. An Iowa Fishing License is required and can be purchased at True Value in Coon Rapids. We currently have an 18" inch limit on bass in the ponds.

BIRD WATCHING

Anchoring the Raccoon River Savanna Bird Conservation Area, Whiterock Conservancy is visited annually by over 165 bird species. The river corridor is a migratory route for songbirds, wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl, owls and hawks cruise the woodlands, and Liz Garst maintains feeders at the River House. Whiterock Conservancy is working together with SOAR (Saving Our Avian Resources) to reintroduce Osprey to the property. Inquire with staff for information on a birder's tour of surrounding public areas to expand the bird watching options.

STAR GAZING

Find a quiet hill and look up for a great night sky or rent our easy-to-use 8 inch Dobsonian-reflector telescope. Any way you look up, we offer some of the darkest skies in Iowa and the myriad of stars never fail to please. Join us in late summer each year for the Iowa Star Party, hosted by the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers.

BONFIRE 

Buy a stack of firewood and relax by or cook dinner over a fire in one of our many bonfire rings, provided at the Main Campground, Garst Farm Lodge, Oakridge Country House, 805 River and Whiterock Pond. Due to the recent invasion of surrounding states by the Emerald Ash Borer, no outside firewood is allowed to be burned on Whiterock Conservancy property. Firewood is available for purchase on-site for a small fee. Please help us to keep our woodlands safe by leaving your firewood at home.

HAYRACK RIDES

Hop on an old time hay-rack, pulled by a John Deere Tractor, and head out on a riverside jaunt, over rolling hills and through our prairie and savanna restoration projects, or on a half-day tour of the entire 4,300-acre property. The hayrack has easy-to-mount stairs and is suitable for people of all ages. Seating is on straw bales, and the wagon holds up to 30 people. Please inquire about a staff guide for your tour.

TOUR RESORT FACILITIES

Explore the historic Garst Home Farm on your own or with helpful staff guidance. Subject to occupancy, guests may visit the B&B rooms, which are full of antiques and historical photographs.  The dining room gift shop offers unique products from local artisans and farms. Visit the adorable Hollyhock Cottage which reflects its own history as a chicken coop, a hired hand's house, and a garden shed, or the Oakridge Country House that features mounted wild animals. The Riverhouse Barn and the Riverhouse Basement are among our more unique venues, and well worth a look. While at the Riverhouse, consider making your own fresh flower bouquet at the extensive cutting flower garden. Ask about visiting the Fluxus Indian Museum, located in Woodland Carriage House, described by a recent visitor as a "unique experience of the mind."

FARM HISTORY / KHRUSHCHEV TALK

The unique history of the Garst Family and Khrushchev visit told by Liz Garst is a fascinating lesson of a historical event that put a thaw in the Cold War. Hear about the development of Roswell Garst's career, his developments in modern Midwestern agriculture, and his efforts to sell seed corn to promote world peace. The history talk is complimented by the many amazing photographs by Joe Munroe featured at the Home Farm.

GUIDED NATURE HIKE

Join Elizabeth Hill, Whiterock Conservancy's Ecologist, on a guided hiking tour tailored to your group's interests, size and abilities. Explore wetland seeps along the river valley, check out prairie and savanna restorations, go creek-walking during the heat of summer or scout the land for signs of wildlife by looking for tracks or hooting for owls. Please wear sturdy walking shoes or boots, weather appropriate clothing and bring water.

ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE TOUR

Join Charles Carpenter and David Tousain, who own and operate Prairie Song Apiary & Beaver Creek Farm, a farm seven miles west of the Whiterock Resort for a tour of their place. Specific topics covered on the tour include energy-efficient solar home construction, alternative horticulture, apple and cherry production, antique apple varieties and bee-keeping. Products including jams, honeys, and candles from Beaver Creek Farm are available for sale in our gift shop.

RAPTOR WORKSHOP

Learn about the native Iowa raptors (birds of prey) through live demonstrations of hunting hawks and educational birds. This program is presented by our local avian biologist and rehabilitator, Kay Neumann, founder and director of S.O.A.R (Save Our Avian Resources).  During the program, you'll get a chance to see birds of prey up close: peregrine falcons, short-eared owls, red-tailed hawks, and bald eagles, among others. The educational and entertaining program is ideal for all ages and a great way to spend part of a family weekend. During the fall and winter hunting seasons, falconry demonstrations are offered, weather and audience permitting.

WHITEROCK WILDLIFE SAFARI

Join local outdoorsmen Dean Jackson or Darwin Pierce for a quiet adventure into the heart of the valley for close-up views of deer, turkey and other wildlife. You will learn about the natural history of Whiterock Conservancy and the many animals that call the valley home.  Early morning tours are often best and photography opportunities abound. Long walks or short, you'll need to wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes, and bring some water.

HUNTING AT WHITEROCK

Paid hunting opportunities at Whiterock Conservancy include bow hunting for deer and shotgun pheasant hunting. Our guided hunting services include scouting, placement, tracking and dog/handler, when applicable, as well as assistance in the field-dressing of harvested animals. For out-of-state residents, this land, known by generations of Iowans as a phenomenal resource for sportsmen, is worth the effort to obtain a hunting license. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources provides hunting licenses for both in-state and out-of-state hunters. Call for more information and pricing. All hunters must possess a license and a habitat stamp.

For more information on services offered here, download the Whiterock Resort Price List 
Inquiries or reservations can be made by contacting the Resort Manager at (712) 684-2964 or resort@whiterockconservancy.org