Whiterock Conservancy joins as a new BIKEIOWA Sponsor

Posted Jun 18
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Please welcome Whiterock Conservancy as BIKEIOWA's newest sponsor.

Whiterock Conservancy is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2024! Read about it in the Winter 2024 Newsletter and check out the 2024 Adventure Guide.

Enjoy the rolling hills, landscape and wildlife! Walk, hike, bring your bike or horse, and ride our 45 miles of trails. Fish in one of our many ponds, explore the oak savanna habitats, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy an escape from the hectic pace of everyday life.

Whiterock Conservancy is open year-round. You may participate in self-directed activities at any time.

Stay With Us

Now is a great time to schedule a weekend, a whole week, or simply an afternoon trip to Whiterock Conservancy. Whiterock offers a variety of lodging options great for gathering with family, a couple's getaway, or just some quiet time for yourself.

Maps.Stay.
Explore.
Event Calendar.

Accommodations

With sunset views overlooking prairies, being surrounded by a quiet woodland, or waking up to the sounds of farm animals, Whiterock Conservancy offers a variety of vacation rentals just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Spend a night in the comfortable, individual rooms in the historic Garst Farmhouse, the home of Roswell and Elizabeth Garst. Or choose to rent one of our country cottages with comfortable beds and full kitchens. Check-in is at 3pm and check-out is at 11am.

Read More.
Book Online.

Camping

With beautiful sites and easy access to all that Whiterock offers, our RV, tent, and car camping options provide plenty of opportunities to explore, learn, or relax year-round.

Trails

12 miles of double track trail running around the entire property

16 miles of single-track trails that are designed to provide a fun and challenging ride for varying ability levels

Views throughout the savanna and forest

Interpretive signs featuring natural, agricultural, archeological, and cultural points of interest

More Info.

Canoeing & Kayaking

An eight mile Middle Raccoon River water trail starts at Riverside Park in Coon Rapids and ends at our River Campground.

Float past views of sandstone outcroppings, prairies, and savannas
Takes approximately 2-5 hours to float
For a shorter trip, you can start at Roadside Park in Coon Rapids

Whiterock Conservancy rents canoes and kayaks, along with shuttle service, every day by reservation. Paddling is dependent on the river’s water level and staff will make the final determination on the safety of the float.

More Info.

Recreation & Education

Whiterock Conservancy provides opportunities for the public to experience and learn from this landscape, with over 40 miles of trails for walkers, hikers, runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, and paddlers. In addition to our trails, Whiterock offers accommodations, camping, fishing, stargazing, and other outdoor activities. We hope to provide the opportunity for thousands of visitors to get up close to nature, view sustainable agriculture practices, and explore the history of the area.

Do I need to buy a pass to use the trails?

There is no fee for hikers but a suggested user donation of $ 5 per person can be made at any trail head/kiosk. Trail use for cyclists is $5 per day, $10 per horse per day for equestrians, and can also be paid at trail heads or kiosks. We encourage all trail users to purchase a year long pass, which is $25 for bikers and hikers and $50 for equestrians. Fees help to cover trail maintenance costs. Contact the Visitor's Center to purchase your trail pass or purchase online.

Volunteer

Without help from volunteers, like you, our conservation efforts would not be the same! Whiterock volunteers are encouraged to join us in a variety of projects throughout the year, from land restoration and trail work to events and outreach.

About Whiterock Conservancy

Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500 acre, nonprofit land trust dedicated to providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public, improving and protecting the land through conservation, and demonstrating sustainable farming methods.

Whiterock Conservancy is a non-profit land trust whose mission is to find balance between agriculture and the environment, while involving the public in both. The Conservancy stewards more than 4,200 acres of mixed use land along the Middle Raccoon River near Coon Rapids, Iowa.

Explore over 40+ miles of hiking, running, mountain biking, and equestrian; set up camp in our RV or tent camping areas; or enjoy the comforts of home in one of our vacation rentals.

Kayak, canoe or paddle board the Middle Raccoon River which runs through the property.

Donate.
Newsletter.

About Coon Rapids

Coon Rapids, one of the original three designated Iowa Great Places in 2005, was notified by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs that its re-designation application as an Iowa Great Place was accepted in 2023.

Coon Rapids is a city in Carroll and Guthrie counties with a population of about 1,300 residents.

Things to do in Coon Rapids.
Local Attractions.

Coon Rapids has a rich history that represents the major historical trends in the state, first as a river town, then as a railroad town and retail center, and then as a hot spot for seed corn innovation. It is now evolving into a community that focuses on quality of life with an emphasis on natural resources and recreation. One of its greatest assets, the Whiterock Conservancy, is a 5,500 acre non-profit land trust that balances sustainable agriculture, natural resource protection and public recreation. Located along seven miles of the Middle Raccoon River valley, it is open to the public every day for recreation and exploration. Currently a 40-mile trail system is available for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian riders.