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Lodge - Prairie Oak

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. 

Take a virtual tour of Prairie Oak Lodge

*PLEASE 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.

Location

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

Amenities

  • 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
  • 3,000 sq. ft. level turf adjacent to lodge for lawn activities
  • 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

A/C
Electricity
Fireplace
Firewood available
Handicap Accessible
Heating
Kitchenette
Microwave
Pets prohibited
Picnic Table
Pressurized water
Refuse cans
Restroom
Table with chairs

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.

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.