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Des Moines Outdoors

Des Moines Outdoors

A Guide to Whiterock Conservancy in West-Central Iowa

DSMOutdoors

Redrock Climb Trail, Whiterock Conservancy
Redrock Climb Trail

Whiterock Conservancy is 5000+ acres of protected land near Coon Rapids, Iowa. And it’s an outdoor lover’s dream. With miles of trails, a diverse Iowa landscape, and so many ways to enjoy nature, you’ll want to go back again and again. The good news is, it’s just over an hour’s drive from Des Moines–the ideal day trip!

History of Whiterock Conservancy

Whiterock Conservancy is a beautiful gift to Iowans and visitors from all around. It began in 2004. And in its short history, it has gone above and beyond its mission of conservation, education, and outdoor recreation.

The Garst family donated the land for Whiterock Conservancy. It’s part of a land trust designed to protect and conserve the area for generations to come. And it’s run as a non-profit organization, relying on donations, fees, and farm income.

The Garst Farm made history when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev visited in the 1950s, during the Cold War. You can learn more about the history of the land and farm while visiting. Interpretive signs and brochures offer a glimpse into the past. History tours and talks are available on request.

Steve Garst Trail
Steve Garst Trail

Things to Do at Whiterock Conservancy

The list of things to do at the conservancy is looooong! Plan to spend some time there; you won’t run out of things to do and see.

Hiking

Hike on 40+ miles of multi-use trails! Trails are well-marked gravel, paved, dirt, and mowed paths throughout the area. You can even hike the double-track trail that circles the property (also designed to accommodate UTVs). 

Hiking is free, but $2 donations are welcome (pay at the trailheads).

Mountain biking

Over 16 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails wind through the southwest side of the conservancy. A $5 day-use fee (or $25 annual pass) gives you access to all the singletrack trails. For trail conditions, check the Whiterock Conservancy Singletrack Facebook page. 

Many of the mountain biking trails are intermediate. But if you’re looking for easier trails, you can also bike on the other multi-use trails there.

Bike rentals are available–call (712)-790-8221 Ext. 5 or email guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org.

Horseback riding

Six miles of designated equestrian trails got specially designed for horseback riding. Horses are also allowed on the doubletrack trail and the Town Loop Trail. For trail updates, see the Whiterock Conservancy Equestrian Trails Facebook page. Fees are $10/horse per day or a $50 annual pass. Parking for trailers is available at the River and Oak Ridge Campgrounds.

Middle Raccoon River
Middle Raccoon River

Go fishing

Fish for free at any of twelve ponds at Whiterock Conservancy (Iowa fishing license is required). The ponds get restocked with Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Perch. For more info, download the conservancy’s fishing brochure and map. Fishing equipment is available to rent–call (712)-790-8221 Ext. 5 or email guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org. 

See the stars

Whiterock has minimal light pollution and is an ideal spot to view the night sky! On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way with ease. So if you’re searching for the perfect stargazing opportunity, this is the place to go. Also, the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers hosts a Star Party there each year!

Rent a UTV to explore Whiterock Conservancy

Rent a John Deere Gator™ and drive the double-track trail to explore the conservancy. For reservations, call (712)-790-8221 Ext. 5 or email guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org.

Have your own ATV/UTV? The conservancy hosts a few “Slow Sunday Drives,” so you can enjoy the double-track trails.

Birdwatch

The diverse habitats offer the perfect place to spot a variety of birds, including waterfowl, bald eagles, songbirds, and more. Over 150 species of birds live in or pass through the conservancy each year. 

Paddle the Middle Raccoon River (rentals available)

The eight-mile water trail starts at Coon Rapids and ends at the River Campground at Whiterock Conservancy. You can also begin at Roadside Park for less time on the water. Single kayaks and 3-person canoes are available to rent, with shuttles. For reservations, call (712)-790-8221 Ext. 5 or email guestinfo@whiterockconservancy.org.

Play a round of disc golf

The 9-hole Star Field disc golf course is at the Star Field Campground, at 1523 140th St, Coon Rapids, IA. Start at the northwest corner of the parking area (see the course map here).

See the farm

The farm is a working farm complete with livestock. And there’s a small Bison herd southwest of the family farm. You can even stay in a farmhouse! The Historic Garst Farmhouse, Betts Farmhouse, and Oak Ridge Farmhouse are available for rent.

Fees: Your donations are important

Whiterock Conservancy doesn’t receive federal or state financial support. It’s a non-profit land trust that relies only on donations, fees, and farm income. Paying fees and making donations help keep this fantastic place going! 

Bluff over the Middle Raccoon River
Whiterock bluff over the Middle Raccoon River

Whiterock Conservancy Maps

For trail, campground, and other maps, see the Whiterock Conservancy website.

Camping at Whiterock Conservancy

Whiterock Conservancy has four campgrounds, nestled in the quiet countryside with views of the stars you can’t get anywhere else in Iowa. All camping is first-come, first-serve, and campers self-register at the kiosks. Below are brief descriptions of each campground.

Oak Ridge RV Campground

  • 13 campsites, each with electric hookup
  • Hydrants
  • Dump station
  • Modern restrooms/showers
  • Horse corral
  • Access to trails
  • See the Oak Ridge RV Campground webpage for more

Star Field Campground

  • 13 non-electric sites (no RVs or trailers)
  • Modern restrooms/showers
  • Spacious campsites bordering the woodlands
  • Trails nearby
  • See the Star Field Campground webpage for more

River Campground

  • Five non-electric campsites (trailers okay, no generators)
  • Shower house (heated by the sun)
  • Port-a-potties
  • Horses allowed
  • Trails nearby
  • See the River Campground webpage for more

Primitive Fishing Campground

  • Hike in tent sites
  • Port-a-potty
  • Trail and Garst Family Farm pond access
  • See the Primitive Fishing Campground webpage for more
Oak Ridge RV Campground Whiterock Conservancy
Oak Ridge RV Campground
River Campground
River Campground

Cabin and Farmhouse Rentals

Are you looking for an elegant one-room romantic getaway? Or a rustic, countryside cabin stay? Perhaps a private, rural home for the whole family? You’ll find it here. 

Rent the historic Garst Farmhouse, along with six other unique accommodations! Farmhouses, cottages, and cabins are reservable online. For more information, see their website.

River House Barn
River House Barn

Things to Do Nearby

If you plan to stay awhile, check out these other local attractions!

Check out the Sculpture Park off Hwy 141 near Whiterock Conservancy. See 15 sculptures there and others throughout the town of Coon Rapids. Speaking of Coon Rapids, there you’ll find one-of-a-kind shopping and dining options. It also has a golf course, aquatic center, and bowling alley!

The 89-mile Raccoon River Valley Trail isn’t too far from the conservancy. The Panora, Jefferson, Perry trailheads are all a 30-minute drive from there.

Perry is a 30-minute drive east of the conservancy. Dine at the Hotel Pattee, tour the Carnegie Library Museum, and be sure to stop at the Forest Park Museum (Dallas Co. Conservation HQ).

Suspension Bridge at Riverside Park
Riverside Park, Coon Rapids

Visit Whiterock Conservancy Today!

For more on this excellent recreational area, check out the Whiterock Conservancy website and Facebook page.

Whiterock Conservancy is at 1436 IA-141, Coon Rapids, IA 50058. Access to many of the conservancy destinations requires traveling on gravel roads.

Directions to Whiterock Conservancy from Des Moines

  • Take I-35/80 to IA-141 W/SE Grimes Blvd (EXIT 127). Follow Hwy 141 north to Whiterock Conservancy.
  • Or take I-80 west to IA-25 N (EXIT 86). Head north on Hwy 25 to Hwy 141. Then head west on Hwy 141 to the conservancy.
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Des Moines Outdoors is a site dedicated to helping you find the best of everything outdoors in the state of Iowa. We’re native Iowans that, for over 25 years, camped, hiked, biked, and explored our home state. We encourage you to do the same.

There’s so much more to see and do in Iowa than many people imagine! Our goal is to help visitors and residents alike experience the best of our beautiful state.

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