Madison

Pammel Park was originally one of the first State Parks in Iowa (dedicated in 1928), Pammel Park has been managed by the Madison County Conservation Board since 1989. Pammel is noted for its natural woodland beauty highlighted by its signature limestone ridge known as the “backbone”. Pammel is home to numerous botanical treasurers that include a lush diversity of woodland vegetation from wildflowers and native plants to the best quality Walnut stands in central Iowa. Some of the oldest recorded Oak trees anywhere in the State grow from the craggy surfaces of the “backbone”. All this natural beauty is graced with the meandering flow of Middle River. This 350 acre park, with carefully planned development, is quickly becoming the destination park of the Madison County park system.

Location

Pammel Park is located 4 miles southwest of Winterset. Modern camping facilities are located on the Backbone. Directions: From Winterset travel west on State Highway 92 for 1 mile, turn south on County Highway P68 for 3 miles. See information below for additional details on fees.

Features

Facilities & Features •Picnic Grounds •Pammel Lodge •Backbone Shelter •Modern Bathrooms •Play Equipment •Trails •Middle River Ford •Harmon Tunnel •Modern Campgrounds •Cabins •Dump Station •Nature Center Activities