Pammel State Park In Winterset Is Home To The Oldest Trees In Iowa

Madison County, Iowa is world-famous for its covered bridges and charming small towns. While most people stop by to visit the man-made wonders in Winterset and the surrounding area, Iowa historians and nature lovers flock to Pammel Park. This was one of the first state parks around, and it’s home to the oldest trees in Iowa.

Pammel Park was dedicated in 1928 as one of the very first state parks in Iowa. It’s famous for its sprawling woodland beauty and a limestone “backbone” that’s a hiking destination in Madison County.

AllTrails / Jeff Westendorf

The Lodge Trail and Pammel Backbone Trail offer easy ways to explore the whole park. They’re each just a few miles long and take you into the wooded forest that’s home to the oldest trees in Iowa.

Tripadvisor / SouthIA

Pammel Park is known for their towering white oaks that date back more than 400 years! When the oldest tree in the state was blown down by a storm, scientists were able to determine it was at least 440 years old.

Flickr / Zach Diehn

Sleep among these towering pines in their tent campground for a remote experience that will make you feel like a pioneer.

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If you’re looking for a slightly less rustic experience, you can rent a yurt from the park and enjoy a “glamping” trip instead.

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Along with the oldest trees in Iowa, Pammel Park is known for the beautiful scenery around the Middle River. It makes for a great picnic backdrop!

Tripadvisor / SouthIA

The Harmon Tunnel is another landmark you’ll find in the park. It brights highway 92 into the park and it’s the only highway tunnel in Iowa. The ridge it cuts through is over 100 feet high.

Flickr / Andy Lagager

The Harmon Tunnel was originally hand-dug, and it was expanded to accommodate two way traffic in 1924. Learn about this feat of engineering right here.

AllTrails / Jeff Westendorf

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Flickr / Zach Diehn

Flickr / Andy Lagager

You can learn more about this Madison County Park on the Iowa Parks website, here.

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Address: Pammel State Park, 1818 Pammel Park Rd, Winterset, IA 50273, USA