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Conant's Cabin and Park

Coordinates: 42°10′37″N 92°39′19″W / 42.17694°N 92.65528°W / 42.17694; -92.65528
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Conant's Cabin and Park
Conant's Cabin and Park is located in Iowa
Conant's Cabin and Park
Conant's Cabin and Park is located in the United States
Conant's Cabin and Park
LocationIowa Highway 96, 3 miles east of Gladbrook
Coordinates42°10′37″N 92°39′19″W / 42.17694°N 92.65528°W / 42.17694; -92.65528
Area15 acres (6.1 ha)
Built1920
Built byGeorge Conant
Architectural styleAmerican Craftsman
NRHP reference No.00000920[1]
Added to NRHPDecember 14, 2000

Conant's Cabin and Park, also known as the Rural Wayside Rest and Recreation Site, is a private park located east of Gladbrook, Iowa, United States. It was built in 1920 by local resident George Conant on 15 acres (6.1 ha) of farmland that he owned.[2] The American Craftsman-style cabin was inspired by his father, J.W. Conant, who wanted to see a cabin like he constructed in 1855 built in the grove of bur oak trees. The two-room log structure is possibly the oldest park shelter in Iowa.[2] In addition to the cabin the park features two outhouses, outdoor and indoor picnic tables, grills, a swing, merry-go-round and horseshoe pit. The park was meant for public use even though it has remained under private ownership throughout its existence. It is rumored that author Robert Waller began his notes for The Bridges of Madison County during a stop at the park.[2] The park's existence is an expression of one man's civic pride, and sense of community responsibility. Numerous community service groups have helped to maintain it over the years. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.[1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c Richard H. Thomas. "Conant's Cabin and Park" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved March 2, 2016.