Pammel Park
Pammel Park was originally one of the first State Parks in Iowa (dedicated in 1928). It has been managed by the Madison County Conservation Board since 1989. The park is noted for its natural woodland beauty highlighted by its signature limestone ridge known as the “backbone.” It is home to numerous botanical treasures that include a lush diversity of woodland vegetation from wildflowers and native plants to the best quality Walnut stands in central Iowa. Some of the oldest recorded Oak trees anywhere in the State grow from the craggy surfaces of the “backbone.” All this natural beauty is graced with the meandering flow of Middle River. This 350-acre park, with carefully planned development, is quickly becoming the destination park of the Madison County park system.
Trails: Nearly 5 miles of trails wind through Pammel’s woodlands exploring the many diverse ecosystems created by the river, geology and plant life. Three separate trail systems are located in the park. The Backbone Trail has a trail head on the east side 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.
Canoeing/Tube Floats: Canoe/Kayak access is available on the west side of the Middle River Ford. Middle River forms a “horse shoe” downstream of the ford before arriving at the next water trail access located on the east side of the Harmon Tunnel. Visit the Water Trail activities page for more information on paddling Middle River.
Fishing in Middle River: Catfish (Channel, Blue and Flathead) is excellent, especially below the ford following heavy flows.
Category: Parks & Recreation
Hours
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact
1900 Pammel Park Rd.
Winterset, IA 50273
515-462-3536
