Buchanan

Fontana Park contains 134 acres that offer many opportunities to visitors. It is also home to the Fontana Interpretive Nature Center. The nature center was built with conservation in mind, making use of local resources and energy-efficient technology. Exhibits in the Fontana Interpretive Nature Center helps visitors understand how we can "make our home in a living environment." As visitors use the nature center they see and touch natural objects, play games, and find answers to questions.

In addition to the nature center, visitors to Fontana Park can enjoy the live wildlife display that features animals native to Iowa. Animals in the display include orphaned, injured, or human-raised wildlife that can no longer live in the wild. Without human care they would perish. It is our belief that the animals displayed here serve a valuable purpose to educate the public about Iowa's native wildlife and the need to protect and respect them.

Sustainable Living Cabins

There has been a lot excitement expressed by area visitors to Fontana Park about the two Sustainable Living Cabins. The cabins feature overnight comfort with solar electricity and energy efficiency. Each cabin comfortably sleeps five, with two private bedrooms, and a private bathroom with shower. There is vaulted, wood-sided interiors, and exterior wood siding from trees harvested in Buchanan County. Each cabin includes a porch, table, grill, and fire ring. The cabins' comforts and amenities will be complimented by natural beauty, park attractions, and promotion of a sustainable lifestyle. The cabins are off-grid - receiving all electrical needs through roof-mounted solar panels with battery storage. Cabin construction makes use of energy efficient, structural insulated panels (SIPs), triple pane windows, water conserving faucets and toilets, and more. Details of the sustainability features are prevalent, with educational displays, printed materials, and components that can be easily viewed.

Call 319-636-2617 to reserve for your family today! Click Sustainable Living Cabins to see pictures of the cabins and reservation information.

Location

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Fontana Park and Interpretive Nature Center are located just 9 miles north of Independence on Hwy 150.

Fontana Park Interpretive center main shelter: 1883 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641

Fontana Park East shelter: 1886 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641

Fontana Park West shelter: sustainable living cabins: 1867 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641

Fontana Park Campground: 1880 125th St., Hazleton, IA 50641

Features

Fontana Park offers the following opportunities to visitors:

• Interpretive Nature Center and indoor displays
• Outdoor wildlife display
• Camping 
• Cabins 
• Fishing
• Picnicking
• Fire pits
• Reservable shelter buildings with electricity
• Hiking trails
• Playground

For more information see the Fontana Park Visitor's Guide

View an aerial map of boundaries of this property

Operating Hours & Seasons

Fontana Park is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The Fontana Interpretive Nature Center hours are:

• Mon - Tues 8 a.m. - Noon
• Wed - Fri 8 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4:30 p.m.
• Weekends 1-4 p.m. (5 p.m. summer)

Nature center is closed on County Holidays and during inclement weather - please call ahead if unsure (319-636-2617)

The camping season runs from April 15th to October 1st, but may be subject to change. Campground or portions of it may close due to flooding.

BCCB Rules and Regulations