The open shelter overlooks Dakins Lake and features a large charcoal grill, water fountains, modern restrooms, electrical outlets, and a kitchenette serving area with a sink and counters (no appliances). The shelter is available to reserve from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. or from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. for $35.00 per time session ($70.00 for both sessions) between April 1 and October 31 of each year. You do not have to use the shelter the entire duration of the rental, however, the fees are not reduced for partial use. Reservations for the next calendar year are accepted starting November 1.
If you want to reserve the shelter from 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. please go back on your browser and find "Dakins Lake Shelter 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m." in the facilities list. If you are wanting to reserve both time sessions, continue by clicking on "Book Now" and then click on "Continue Shopping" after making this reservation to add the other session to your cart. If you have any questions, please contact the Story County Conservation Center during normal business hours (Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).
The shelter is available for reservation from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. or from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. for $35.00 per time session ($70.00 for both sessions) between April 1 and October 31 of each year.
A deposit is required for any beer/wine consumption; hard liquor is not permitted. (Please check the appropriate box below to add the deposit to your reservation.) Any persons in possession or consuming beer/wine without the appropriate deposit will be subject to a fine, forfeiture of the rental, and/or confiscation of the beer/wine at the ranger's discretion. Deposits can be made via credit card with the reservation or by mailing a check to the conservation center (56461 180th Street, Ames, IA 50010). Deposits must be received at least four days prior to your reservation.
A Special Events Permit is required for any event or gathering numbering two-hundred and fifty (250) people or more, or any event or gathering charging admission or charging for services regardless of the number of people. A $75.00 non-refundable filing fee will be assessed for approved special events. Please call the conservation office if your event/gathering will require a special events permit.
There are no refunds for cancellations.
Park hours are 5:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. daily.
The shelter is available for reservations from April 1 - October 31 each year. (7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
If not reserved, the shelter is available year round on a first-come, first-served basis. The kitchenette is not available without reservations; water and restrooms may not be available between November 1 - March 31.
The shelter at Dakins Lake features a large charcoal grill, water fountains, modern restrooms, electrical outlets, and a kitchenette/serving area with a sink and counters (no appliances). The shelter must be cleaned and vacated by 2:00 p.m. for those renting the shelter from 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The shelter must be cleaned and vacated by 10:00 p.m. for those renting the shelter from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. All Story County Conservation parks close at 10:30 p.m.
Inasmuch as your name is recorded on the Shelter Rental Contract, you are responsible for the conduct of and/or damages caused by any member of your group. If the facility is not left in an orderly fashion, you may be charged extra janitorial services or repairs at a rate established by Story County Conservation.
It is illegal to consume or dispense hard liquor (any beverage with the alcohol content of more than 17 percent by weight such as whiskey, vodka, etc.) within or about any rental facility within the Story County park system. A deposit is required for consumption of beer/wine at the rental facilities; beer may not be sold in the park. A maximum of two kegs is allowed. Any persons in possession of or consuming any hard liquor or in possession of or consuming beer/wine without the deposit will be subject to a fine, forfeiture of the rental, and/or having the beer/wine confiscated at the ranger’s discretion. The responsible person shall ensure that all persons consuming beer at the event are of a legal age.
Deposits:
A refundable deposit is required for the following activities:
- Beer/wine deposit - $100.00 (cans, bottles, or single keg)
- Keg beer - $150.00 (two kegs)
Beer/wine deposit fees will be refunded in full or on a prorated basis depending on the condition in which the building and/or area is left. The refund schedule shall be as follows: any clean-up taking up to ½ hour - subtract 25% of deposit; any clean-up taking ½ - 1 hour - subtract 50% of deposit; any clean-up taking 1 - 1 ½ hours - subtract 75% of deposit; any clean-up over 1 ½ hours - subtract 100% of deposit. You may be charged for additional janitorial services or repairs at a rate established by Story County Conservation in addition to forfeiture of your deposit.
Persons or groups meeting either of the following criteria must complete a Special Events Permit: 1) Any event or gathering not sponsored by SCC and numbering two-hundred and fifty (250) people or more, or 2) Any event or gathering charging admission or charging for services regardless of the number of people. A $75.00 non-refundable filing fee will be assessed for approved special events.
