Garrison Rock

Garrison Rock Resource Management Unit is 302 acres of rolling terrain consisting primarily of high quality oak/hickory timber and open ridge tops. Much of the open areas were farmed, grazed or hayed prior to WCCB’s ownership. Prairie restoration is underway on the balance of the open ground making it ideal turkey and deer habitat. Garrison Rock is actually a large sand stone out crop overlooking the Des Moines River valley. This area is very important historically being a Native American gathering site and one of the first places European settlers occupied in Wapello County. A Pioneer Cemetery occupies a bluff top overlooking the Des Moines River. Both Native Americans and early settlers used Horse Thief Cave for shelter, which collapsed over 50 years ago. During the early 1900’s, Garrison Rock was a must see site for all of the local townsfolk. Horse drawn buggies and sleighs would carry Ottumwa residents out to the area to picnic, hike and explore Horse Thief Cave. Garrison Rock is a high quality oak/hickory forest resource with excellent plant and animal diversity.

About 2 miles southeast of Ottumwa on Cliffland Road. The parking lot is located in the northeast corner of section 4, Keokuk Township

Address

6951 Cliffland Road
Ottumwa IA 52501

Phone

641.682.3091

Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours