GARRISON ROCK
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General Description:Rolling terrain consisting primarily of
high quality oak/hickory timber and
open ridge tops. Much of the open areas
were farmed, grazed or hayed prior to
WCCB’s ownership. Prairie restoration
is underway on the balance of the open
ground making it ideal turkey and deer
habitat. Garrison Rock is actually a large
sand stone out crop overlooking the
Des Moines River valley. This area is very
important historically being a Native
American gathering site and one of the
first places European settlers occupied
in Wapello County. A Pioneer Cemetery
occupies a bluff top overlooking the Des
Moines River. Both Native Americans
and early settlers used Horse Thief Cave
for shelter, which collapsed over 50 years
ago. During the early 1900’s, Garrison
Rock was a must see site for all of the
local townsfolk. Horse drawn buggies
and sleighs would carry Ottumwa
residents out to the area to picnic, hike
and explore Horse Thief Cave. Garrison
Rock is a high quality oak/hickory forest
resource with excellent plant and animal
Location: About 2 miles southeast of Ottumwa on Cliffland Road. The parking lot is located in the northeast corner of section 4, Keokuk Township
Acres = 302
Site Amenities: Parking/walk-in area.
Recreation Activities: Public hunting, Wildlife viewing and photography, Hiking and picnicking.
Classification: Natural Area
Acquired: 2003
Our mission: To create awareness of our natural environment
by providing quality outdoor experiences. (June 1995)