Prairie Oak Lodge, located in Wanatee Park, is the largest enclosed year-round facility available for reservations in the Linn County Park system with a capacity of 250 people. This facility was opened in 2004 and is very popular for graduation parties, weddings & receptions, family reunions and corporate gatherings.  

  • Floor Plan (PDF)
  • Take a Virtual Tour of Prairie Oak Lodge (Note: Prairie Oak Lodge has updates to the kitchen, windows, restrooms, interior walls, and air conditioning. These improvements are not currently illustrated on the virtual tour).
  


Check-In / Out Availability Check-in is after 07:00 AM and check-out is before 10:00 PM.

Location Address: 4201 Big Bluestem Dr., Marion, IA, 52302.


Amenities

  • A/C
  • Electricity
  • Fireplace
  • Firewood available
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Heating
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Pets prohibited
  • Picnic Table
  • Pressurized water
  • Refuse cans
  • Restroom
  • Table with chairs
  • 1960 sq. ft. main lodge space (35’ X 56’)
  • 686 sq. ft. secondary lodge space (28’ X 21’+)
  • Seating for 200-225 people banquet style
  • Sheltered capacity – 250 people
  • 250 folding chairs (brown), thirty 8’ X 30” folding tables & two 4’ X 30” folding tables (Storage closet)
  • Full kitchen facilities including: full-sized refrigerator, 4-burner electric range with oven, double sink, large amount of counter space and 7’ serving window w/36” wide countertop
  • AIR CONDITIONING NOW AVAILABLE 
  • In-floor heat throughout
  • Five (5) 30A, GFI double outlets in kitchen area
  • Fifteen (15) 30A double outlets in main lodge
  • Five (5) exterior 30A double outlets
  • No Wi-Fi or internet service available
  • Parking for 150 cars, 4 handicapped spaces
  • Interior restrooms (men & women)
  • Large fireplace with some wood provided
  • Interior drinking fountain
  • Catering and service entrance with two double outdoor cooking grills adjacent (renter provides own charcoal)
  • Large, 3000 sq. ft. exterior concrete patio with ten 7’ picnic tables
  • Downhill sledding facility ¼ mile away (lighted)
  • This is an ADA accessible facility
  • Donald Gardner Golf Course is 2 miles away (operated by the city of Cedar Rapids)
  • Campground approximately 1 mile away

SUPPLIES PROVIDED:
Toilet tissue & assorted cleaning supplies
Broom, dustpan & mop and sponge


Fees

Monday -Thursday, $300  

Friday - Sunday, $600

Special Discount: For any reservations that are made on or after April 1, 2023, a 15% discount will be applied at time of rental purchase if you book three consecutive days. Must check out by 3 p.m. on third day.  MUST CALL CONSERVATION OFFICE at 319-892-6450 TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT AT INITIAL BOOKING. Discount not provided for existing or previous reservations.

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Policies and Fees


Hours of Operation & Seasons

 Prairie Oak Lodge is available for reservations 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily on a year-round basis.


Address

4201 Big Bluestem Dr

Marion, IA 52302


Closures

Prairie Oak Lodge is closed on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.


Permits

Certain activities or items require that you request and obtain a special use permit from the Park Ranger in advance of your event.These include (but are not limited) to the following: horses (or horse activities), event tents, inflatable play equipment, hog roasts, carnival-type activities, etc. Please contact 319-892-6450 for additional information.

Beer Keg Permit - $25.00, can be selected at time of checkout or added later by calling 319-892-6450.


Availability


Where You'll Be


Linn County

The Linn County Conservation Board established in 1958, manages over 30 county areas: parks, trails, natural areas and preserves. The mission: to preserve and protect natural and cultural resources and to improve community through access to parks, trails, open spaces and recreational and educational opportunities that are managed sustainably for the future. 

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