Sustainable Living Cabins
Visitors to Buchanan County’s signature park , Fontana, will be able to enjoy overnight comfort while being conscious of conservation and the environment. People can call 319-636-2617 to reserve a cabin for rental all year long! Fontana park is located nine miles north of Independence or one mile south of Hazleton, off Highway 150, and is managed by the Buchanan County Conservation Board. “We are quite excited about this project,” said Conservation Board President Roger Johnson. “The cabins are one-of-a-kind in combining comfort with a strong conservation message.”
The cabins' comforts and amenities are complimented by natural beauty, park attractions, and promotion of a sustainable lifestyle. Each cabin is planned to comfortably sleep five, with two bedrooms, kitchenette, and a private bathroom with shower. There will be vaulted ceilings, wood-sided interiors, and exterior wood siding from trees harvested in Buchanan County. Each cabin will have a porch, table, grill, and fire ring. A private drive for cabin users provides access to the cabins. The cabins are situated near the woodland trails and prairie on the northwest part of the park.
Conservation and Energy Efficiency
The cabins are off-grid – receiving all electrical needs through roof-mounted solar panels with battery storage. Cabin construction makes use of energy efficient: structural insulated panels (SIPs), triple pane windows, water conserving faucets and toilets, and more. Details of the sustainability features will be prevalent, with educational displays and printed materials. Cabin users will be able to view meters that indicate the flow of electricity from the solar panels and the supply of stored energy in the batteries.
Contractors include:
B&K Construction, Winthrop
Klever Concrete, Independence
L&M Electric, Sumner
Go Solar!, Decorah
Rick Ratchford Excavating, Brandon
Special thanks go out to Energy Panel Systems of Graettinger, Iowa which manufactures the SIP panels and provided financial support, and Parco Windows of Wisconsin for providing a discount on windows.
Cabins are open year-round. Current rates until April 14th are $65/night on weekends, and $55/night on weekdays. New rates will go into effect on April 15th, $75/night on weekends and holidays, and $65/night on weekdays. Call 319-636-2617 to make a reservation.
Please be sure to contact Fontana Office at 319-636-2617 to check for availability prior to sending any forms.
Cabin Reservation Form
Cabin Site Aerial
Rules and Procedures
Fontana Aerial Cabin and Shelter Locations
Cabin Brochure
Fontana Park Map
After calling and reserving a cabin, you can mail the above form and payment to
Cabin Reservation
1883 125th Street
Hazleton, IA 50641
  
 
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