When Iowa businessman Lowell Walter died in August of 1981, he and his wife, Agnes, left their dream home, Cedar Rock, to the Iowa Conservation Commission and the people of Iowa. Designed by the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the residence lies on a limestone bluff overlooking the Wapsipinicon River near Quasqueton in Buchanan County.

 The Walter Residence and the Visitor Center are open to the public Memorial Day Weekend into October, Wednesday through Sunday. Guided tours of the house depart the Visitor Center on the hour from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. We request you please reserve your party's tour. All tour requests need size of party, with desired date and time. Include a contact name and telephone number so that we may confirm your selection or possibly reschedule. The park telephone number is 319-934-3572Call: 319-934-3572 or email cedar_rock@dnr.iowa.gov. Walk-ins are accepted only as space permits. School and group tours are available; please contact the park for further information.

Cedar Rock State Park - Lowell and Agnes Walter Estate

Located about 5 miles northwest of Independence, 1 mile north of US-160

Dense oak and hickory woodlands meet rolling meadows of big bluestem and Indian grass at this striking 857-acre park located on the east shore of 4,500-acre Elk City Reservoir with 12,000 acres of wildlife area nearby. Elk City State Park offers a quiet, family-oriented get-away. The compact park allows easy, quick access to features including boat ramps, a swim beach, camping, playgrounds, and hiking trails. The lake area offers picturesque views ranging from open prairie to wooded hills and limestone bluffs.

The area is well-known for its diverse trail systems, including the Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail, the Post-Oak and Green Thumb Nature Trails, the Table Mound Hiking Trail, and the Squaw Creek Hiking Trail. Also nearby is the Elk River Hiking Trail, a 15-mile trail from the west end of the dam to the US-160 bridge over the Elk River south of Elk City. Wildlife watchers can see a variety of Kansas wildlife, including the large pileated woodpecker which is common in the mature trees along the Elk River.

State Parks Tagged With: Independence