As the recreational services branch of Whiterock Conservancy, our Guest Services program offers a family-friendly getaway in the scenic Middle Raccoon River Valley. Situated on 4,300 acres, the land base called Whiterock is dotted with sandstone bluffs carved out by the Middle Raccoon, oak savannas bursting with prairie wildflowers, and an abundance of wildlife thriving in its natural habitat.

We offer a variety of lodging options to best suit your needs. Spend a night in the comfortable bed and breakfast in the historic Garst Farmhouse, the home of Roswell and Elizabeth Garst. Or bring your family and friends for a night in one of the cozy cottages. If you enjoy the outdoors, Whiterock Conservancy Guest Services offers low-impact campgrounds and a remote 3-season cabin on the banks of the Middle Raccoon River.

Interested in planning your wedding at Whiterock Conservancy? We want to help you make your special day an unforgettable one. Please call us to arrange a visit to the Riverhouse & Dance Barn.

Please also look over our Guest Services Brochure and Price List for further information.

TRAILS Use of the 33-mile dirt trail system is open to the public for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and Whiterock Conservancy John Deere Gator use (ATV use is prohibited). The Gators available for rent. Adult-sized trail bikes are also available for rent. Fees are applicable to horseback riding. Trail maps are available at the Home Farm and Main Campground or download here.

PADDLING The scenic 8-mile Middle Raccoon River Water Trail starts at Riverside Park in Coon Rapids and ends at WRC's Main Campground. This scenic float takes approximately two to three hours (depending on put in). Paddling 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 and eight kayaks are available for rent. Canoes hold 2-4 passengers and kayaks hold 1. Shuttle service, life vests and paddles are provided along with rental.

FISHING in of one our ten ponds or in the Middle Raccoon River is free to the public. Several ponds are home to largemouth bass, catfish, grass carp, and bluegill, 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 Hardware Hank's in Coon Rapids or at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website. We currently have an 18" inch limit on bass in the ponds.

GUIDED NATURE HIKE Explore Iowa's outdoors on a guided hiking tour tailored to your group's interests, size and abilities. Discover 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.

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.

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 Roswell and Elizabeth Garst Farmstead Historic District..

HUNTING 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 is a phenomenal resource for sportsmen and 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

RAPTOR PRESENTATION 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 (Saving Our Avian Resources).

ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE TOUR Meet with Darwin Pierce, Whiterock's Farm Manager for an informative talk on agricultural history in the region and around the world. Tours can also be scheduled to visit Wiggles LLC, a local vermiculture operation (worm farm).

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; and owls and hawks cruise the woodlands. Whiterock Conservancy is working together with SOAR (Saving Our Avian Resources) to reintroduce Osprey to the property.

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.

TOUR GUEST FACILITIES Explore the Roswell and Elizabeth Garst Farmstead Historic District on your own or with helpful staff guidance. Subject to occupancy, guests may visit the Bed &Breakfast rooms, which are full of antiques and historical photographs.

Inquiries or reservations can be made by contacting the Guest Services Manager at (712) 684-2964 Ext. 112 or guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org