CABIN DESCRIPTION
Roughing It At The Ridge
Kurt Baker, Director
One of my favorite holiday post cards showed a rustic log cabin either nestled at the base of a snow capped mountain or tucked away in a secluded woodland scene. These images always provided a sense of adventure and a true connection to the outdoors. Although the mountain thing is out of the question, the woodland scene is certainly applicable to Southeast Iowans.
As a way to help keep people connected to the natural world, the Wapello County Conservation Board decided to construct a family overnight facility that would provide a unique experience while catering to most of the luxuries afforded to today’s life styles.
The initial question raised by the Board was “can we market solitude”? The overwhelming response from both the Board and the public is YES!!
As one user said, “your worries tend to melt away the longer you stay”. Another user said “it was great to have a place close to home where we could get away from everyday life and enjoy ourselves”.
The construction of the cabin was made possible from funds provided via tax revenues and state Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) money. The long term objective is to build additional cabins as determined by demand. If this cabin is as successful as we hope, construction of the second unit will probably begin in the summer of 2009.
Cabin amenities include a full kitchen with a stove/oven, microwave oven, refrigerator and sink. The kitchen has plates, utensils and basic pots and pans along with a toaster and coffee pot. A full bathroom with a shower, toilet and sink is also available. The cabin has a loft that includes one queen size bed on one side and a bunk bed on the other side. The main floor has a queen size futon that can sleep two and a futon chair that can sleep a small child.
When renting, the following items must be provided by the renting party:
- all bedding that includes blankets, sheets, pillows or sleeping bags.
- towels, washcloths and personal hygiene items.
- food and any specialty cooking items.
Cabin rental cost is $60.00 per night and may be rented from one to fourteen nights. Weekly rates are $360.00. A $50.00 damage/cleaning deposit is required with each reservation. This deposit will be destroyed if all checks out following your rental. All fees must be received within ten working days of making a cabin reservation to validate that reservation.
Reservations must be made by either calling or stopping by Pioneer Ridge Nature Center.
