Lake Wapello, Camp Wapello 10.6.23

Lake Wapello is a favorite so far.  The rustic stone courtyard feel Elizabeth really loves.  The lodge has not been kept up, which is terribly sad.  There are some torn screens and a few disrespectful people carved their names into the limestone hearth of one of the fireplaces.  However, at this point she doesn't seem deterred.  There is a question whether they will allow the horses, as well as if there is air conditioning in the interior part of the lodge.  Hopefully we'll get answers soon.

The lodge itself has many rooms and many layers in addition to the semi-circular courtyard deck that juts out to the water's edge and an upper level that overlooks the courtyard.  There are at least 3 fireplaces, a stone stairway with windows, and an inside room with knotty pine walls and lots of tables and chairs all ready to go.    There is a beautiful drive in and around the lodge, and the whole place gives you the feel of kind of a modern castle-sort of building.  It's very 1940's and 50's.  The lake is a no wake area, so there are no noisy ski boats etc, but there is a swimming beach next to the lodge that could cause a noise issue.

Nearby is an area with 14 cabins to rent by the week.  It was a beautiful area, well kept and very clean looking.  Apparently they rent for very cheap.  There is also a camping area, again, kind of secluded and pretty with lake access.  Primitive camping is available as well with lots of nooks and crannies for privacy.

There is a trail that goes around the entire lake that used to be used for horseback riding, but they closed the park to horses because someone complained of stepping in road apples.  Nobody I talked to has ever seen anyone walking the trail, but there used to be many horses making the rounds.  It is a gorgeous place to ride.  We're hoping someday they may open it back to horses.

As a result, we don't know if they will allow Sammy and a wedding carriage in for this or not.  Will have to just call and start a conversation with them.  Additionally, it would relly be nice if they would let us cut some of the weeds and powerwash the stone so it doesn't trash her dress.  We'll see.

Here are more photos on someone else's Iowa blog.

Here is the website to make reservations for cabins, and the phone number to reserve the lodge.

This is the front view. It is sunken and there is a wall behind me. The upper viewing area can be seen under the upper roofline.  The indoor room is on the right where the windows are.

This is the upper viewing area.  There are thick rubber tiles to stand on and a couple tables.  The girls are looking over the balcony at the courtyard and the lake.

View from the upper level to the front lawn. There is a stone wall and stone stairs leading down.

Girls are still looking over the rail to the lake and courtyard below. You can kind of see the upper fireplace behind them at the far left.

View of the courtyard from the balcony.

View of part of the courtyard as senn from the balcony.  The large rectangles are docks that are no longer in the water.  Somebody was enjoying a quiet day of fishing... until we came along!

Another view from the balcony.

Part of the courtyard as seen from the balcony.  I think the water is especially high this year, as you can see grass growing in it.

View of the courtyard to the left as seen from the balcony.

Stones in the courtyard

We're still on the balcony.  To the left is the stairway and a window overlooking the front lawn.  The fireplace is there, and to the right is a balcony overlooking the stairs.  To the far right (unseen) is the balcony to the courtyard.

View out the window in the stone staircase

More of the window in the staircase

Stone staircase

This is the lower level below the balcony.  It is open and is really the back end of the courtyard.  The stairs on the right go to the balcony, and the fireplace has two stone bench seats.

This is the view from the courtyard. The balcony is above and the lower room can be seen along with its entrance to the front lawn. 

Another view from the end of the courtyard. To the far right is the swimming beach.

Another view from the end of the semi-circular courtyard, into the first level below the balcony. Part of the front lawn and the stone stairway to the parking lot can be seen.

Picnic bench in the courtyard, overlooking the main level.  To the left are the unused docks.

Another view from the courtyard.  We've disturbed the guy fishing I'm afraid.

Another view from the end of the courtyard.  Stone stairs, main level and balcony evident.

Opposite side of the main level.  The two fireplaces are in this area as well as the stairway showing an additional window.

More of the courtyard, with Elizabeth for scale.  It's good sized and very rustic.  The swimming beach is to the right and all the way back.  It was almost empty that day.

The outside of the lodge.

The other balcony that leads to the lodge room with tables, chairs, kitchen, etc..  It also overlooks the courtyard and the guy fishing.

another view from the front.

The other balcony.  The two doors lead to the interior room.  We don't know yet if there is air conditioning or not.  There is one window unit in the kitchen area, but that's all we saw.  There is a fireplace in the lodge as well.

View from the stone jetty.  They're still up on the balcony watching a chipmunk.

Another view from the jetty. The courtyard is just beyond the unused docks.

This is from the parking lot.  This is the very far end of the lodge.  There is a stair under the pergola that goes to the swimming beach and curves around to the courtyard.

This is another view by the pergola to the front lawn.

These are the cabins.  There are 14 all total.  It's like a little village.

This is the camp sites.

Geese and ducks by the dam and bridge.

Part of the drive.