Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500-acre, nonprofit land trust dedicated to providing educational and recreational opportunities for the public, improving and protecting the land through conservation, and demonstrating sustainable farming methods.
Explore over 40 miles of hiking, running, mountain biking, and equestrian trails that meander through prairie, oak savanna, wetland and river valley; set up camp in our RV or tent camping areas; or enjoy the comforts of home in one of our vacation rentals. Enjoy the countryside and wildlife, and some of the darkest skies in Iowa for stargazing. Visit the Historic Garst Farmstead to learn about agricultural history or check out one of our multiple fishing ponds. We have fishing equipment, mountain bikes and kayaks/canoes (river level and weather permitting) for rent.
BEDROOMS: Looking to stay at our Historic Garst Farmhouse but don’t need the entire house rental? No problem. When the farmhouse is not rented, we offer individual rooms and suites, perfect for a night away. Check out individual listings for each room. Bedding is provided. Harvest Room is a homey, country feeling room highlighting agricultural history on the main floor. Includes queen bed, private bath, dresser and TV. The shower has a seat and both the shower and toilet have grab bars. Handicap Accessible. Garden Terrace is a bright flora and fauna themed room with private outdoor access on the main floor. Includes a queen bed and private bath with shower, reading chair, dresser and TV. Jane's Room is a cozy, country-themed room with a touch of simple detail. Includes one full bed, dresser, bookshelves and tv. Adjacent to bathroom with toilet and sink on the first floor. Roswell Suite, located on the second floor, features a king bed, private bath, reading chairs, dressers, and closet. It is decorated in theme of Roswell Garst's life. The Toshiama room is a homey, country-themed room with two twin beds, vanity with sink, dresser, and TV. Shares a spacious bathroom with Elizabeth's Loft. The room is named after Roswell and Elizabeth Garst two daughters, Tosh and Mary, who shared the bedroom growing up. Elizabeth’s Loft is a sweetly, comfortably decorated room on second floor featuring photos of Elizabeth Garst's life and travels. Includes queen bed, reading chair, desk and vanity, closet, and TV. Shares a spacious upstairs bathroom with Toshiama Room.
BATHROOMS: Harvest Room, Garden Terrace and Roswell Suite have private baths. An additional upstairs bathroom includes tub shower, vanity, and toilet. The downstairs hallway adjacent to Jane's Room features a half bath with toilet and sink. Clean towels provided.
KITCHEN AMENITIES: The fully equipped kitchen has a stove, full-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, charcoal grill, dishes and utensils. Features two deep sinks and lovely corner window.
LIVING/DINING AREAS: Living area features several sitting chairs, couch, and at-home library. The dining room table seats 8-10.
OUTDOORS: Includes a picnic table, lawn chairs, charcoal grill, and fire ring. Nearby fishing ponds, connecting trails for biking & hiking. The nearby farm buildings sometimes house sheep, goats, cows, and llamas. Check out the historical interpretive signs to learn more about the unique history of the farmstead and surrounding area.
PARKING: Park along the fence in front of Hollyhock Cottage. Please do not drive or park in the grass.
PETS: Absolutely no pets are allowed in the Historic Garst Farmhouse and Hollyhock Cottage.
Location has Wi-Fi, a smart tv, air conditioning, closet space, and clean linens & towels provided. Cell coverage may not be available from all providers.
Relax and take a step back in time (with all the modern conveniences) in the Roswell and Elizabeth Garst Historic Farmhouse site of the 1959 cold war visit by soviet premiere Khrushchev visit. Spend the night in one of the six rooms of this historic house, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Either rent the whole house or by the room! The communal living room, dining room, and kitchen include a collection of artifacts, photos, books and films that guests are welcome to view and enjoy. Subject to occupancy, guests may visit each of the individual rooms which are full of antiques and historical photographs.
