Snow Bunting Lodge is on the south side of the lake. It accommodates up to 75 people. Snow Bunting includes a fireplace, picnic tables both inside and outside, a drinking fountain, and grill. A portable toilet is placed near the parking area during the summer. Snow Bunting Lodge is available to reserve from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. or from 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. between April 1 - October 31 for $35.00 per time session ($70.00 for both sessions). You do not have to use the lodge 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. All reservations must be made at least four days in advance.
If you want to reserve Snow Bunting from 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. please go back on your browser and find “Snow Bunting Lodge 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.” in the facilities list. If you want 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.).
There are no refunds for cancellations.
Firewood may be requested with a reservation for no additional fee.
Snow Bunting Lodge 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). You do not have to use the shelter the entire duration of the rental however, the fees are not reduced for partial use.
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.
Park hours are 5:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. daily.
Oriole Ridge Lodge is available for reservations from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and 3:00-10:00 p.m. between April 1 - October 31. If not reserved, Oriole Ridge is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Inasmuch as your name is recorded on the Lodge 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. All hard liquor will be confiscated. 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 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/wine 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.
