Heartwood Pavilion

Welcome to the beautiful Heartwood Pavilion, carefully constructed from trees that were harvested from the heart of Hitchcock Nature Center! This unique, sustainably designed venue is perfect for your next outdoor gathering and offers a kitchenette, fireplace, and picnic seating. Educational signage can be found throughout offering insights on the pavilion's mindful construction and how its design contributes to habitat restoration in Iowa's globally significant Loess Hills.

Amenities

Electricity

Handicap Accessible

Microwave

Non-Smoking

Picnic Table

Playground Nearby

Potable Water

Refrigerator

Restrooms

Trails Nearby

What Do I Need to Bring?

Coffee Maker

Dishware & Utensils

Restrictions

Sound/Music

You are welcome to play music as long as it's at an acceptable level. Sound should not carry beyond the pavilion as this would be disruptive to other park visitors. Park rangers and staff reserve the right to determine what is an acceptable sound level.

Decorations

You are welcome to bring table top decorations - then let this beautiful pavilion do the rest of the work! Decorations may not be adhered to any part of the structure. This means no tape, staples, nails, etc. Please be sure to remove all decor at the end of your rental period.

Fireplace

You are welcome to use the fireplace during your rental. Wood only, no trash or debris. You are permitted to harvest dead fall wood from the ground for burning but may not cut down or damage live trees. You may contact the park ranger on duty or campground host for firewood for $5 per bundle. The campground office number is 545-328-5833.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I come in & tour the facility?

Yes! You may drop in as long as the shelter is not reserved. If you would like to see the kitchenette you will need to arrange an appointment in advance. Please email Dana Kruse or call 712-545-3283 to set up a time.

Are there restrooms?

Yes! There are two public restrooms you may use during your event. Please note that restrooms are not included as part of your reservation and will remain available to the public throughout your event.

What about parking?

There is a 20-space parking area adjacent to Heartwood Pavilion that you may use for your event. Please note that the parking area is not included as part of your reservation and will remain available to the public throughout your event.

Are we able to serve alcohol at our event?

Yes! Rental parties are permitted to serve alcohol with the payment of a $500.00 alcohol deposit in addition to the required $500.00 shelter deposit. Only bottles or canned beer & wine are permitted; no kegs or hard liquor. This includes mixed drinks.

Do we have access to a kitchen?

Kind of! Heartwood Pavilion has a kitchenette which includes a full-sized refrigerator with a freezer, microwave, and sink.

Kitchenware including serving utensils, cutlery, or other appliances are NOT included. Please plan accordingly.

Can I have my event catered?

Yes! Please see our Policies & Procedures for regulations regarding catering.

Can I decorate?

Kind of! Only table top decorations are allowed at Heartwood Pavilion. No decorations are to be adhered to any part of the structure.

This shelter was carefully constructed using trees from the park and maintaining its natural condition is a priority. Because of this, the use of tape, staples, nails, etc. is prohibited. Thank you for helping us make sure Heartwood Pavilion stays naturally beautiful!

Can I rearrange the tables or bring my own seating?

Yes! You may move picnic tables and trash cans and bring your own tables or seating to accomodate your event. All property must be placed in its original location at the end of the rental period. Please be aware that picnic tables, which are made from wood harvested in the park, are heavy.

Can I play music?

Yes! As long as the sound does not carry beyond the pavilion. We want to make sure everyone who is visiting the park has a great experience and that sound is not disruptive. Park rangers and staff reserve the right to determine what is an acceptable sound level.

How soon in advance do I need to reserve?

We ask that reservations are made at least 5 days in advance. If Heartwood Pavilion is available and you are looking to book less than 5 days out from your event, please email Dana Kruse or call 712-545-3283.

Cancellation Policy

Date Changes

All date changes must be made by calling the Park Office at 712-545-3283. Recognize that we must first administratively cancel your existing online reservation, and then create a second reservation for the new date. An Administrative Fee of $25 will be assessed to complete this transaction. Please consider this procedure prior to making your initial reservation.

Please note that date changes will not be allowed within two weeks of the scheduled reservation.

Cancellation Refunds

Please note that processing fees are non-refundable. ALL cancellations or requests for refunds cannot be done online and must be made by calling the Park Office at 712-545-3283.

Cancellation refunds will be paid based on the following schedule:

• 30 days or more notice.....................................100% refund
• 29-15 days notice............................................50% refund
• 14 days or less notice......................................No refund

Pottawattamie Conservation observes a NON-REFUNDABLE reservation policy for cancellations that occur within 14 days of the rental date with the following exceptions:

• Accident, serious injury, or death of an immediate family member
• Travel conditions where a substantial risk is required in order to travel such as a winter storm where a travel advisory has been issued
• We are unable to provide your facility (or like facility) in operable condition for the date of your event

Fees

Rental Hours & Fees

• Weekend & Holiday Rental:
  • Available Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
  • Rental Hours: Typically 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (12 hours)
  • Cost: $250.00/day due at the time of reservation.
  • Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted.
• Week Day Full Day Rental:
  • Weekday rentals can NOT be made online. Please call 712-545-3283 to reserve.
  • Available: Monday to Friday (not holidays)
  • Rental Hours: Typically 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (12 hours)
  • Cost: $150.00/day due at the time of reservation.
  • Cash, check, or credit cards are accepted.

All rentals are subject to the cancellation policy. A *4% nonrefundable processing fee will be applied to credit card reservations.

*Fees are subject to change.

Park User Fee: The $5/vehicle park user fee normally required at the entrance of HNC is covered by the rental fee. Renters and their guests do not have to pay the park user fee during their rental times on the day of rental.

Rental Deposits

• All rentals are subject to a required $500 shelter deposit and a $500 alcohol deposit (if applicable) via cash, credit card, or check.
• Beer and wine are permitted in your rental.
• Kegs and hard liquor are NOT permitted.
• Deposits will not be charged unless there is damage, disruption to other park visitors, or if the rental is not left in satisfactory condition after your event.
• Deposits are not to be construed as a limit of liability for damage to county property. The conservation board may take any legal action necessary to recover additional damage.

Pre- and Post-Rental Inspection

A rental inspection will be conducted by park rangers or staff before and after your rental. If you notice damage to the facility, you are responsible for notifying rangers of any damage prior to the start of your rental.