Marr Park

Officially known as the Thomas and Sarah Marr Home Haven Farm, Marr Park is our most developed public park and recreation area.   Its 125 acres is situated one mile west of U.S. Highway 218 on State Highway 92 and offers a place of relaxation and fun for both locals and travelers.  Marr Park features diverse habitats, from woodlands to prairie to ponds.   Scenic trails weave through and around these features, including a handicapped accessible trail around the mini-lake. Animals such as deer, pheasant, squirrels, and a host of birds utilize Marr Park's excellent mixture of native grasses, pine and hardwood groves, crops, and water (ponds and wetlands).   Quiet visitors find this refuge an outstanding wildlife observation area.   Fishing is especially popular in the park's two man-made ponds.  Both the smaller 1.2-acre north pond and the 5.7-acre south mini-lake provide opportunity to catch bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.  Marr Park offers a wide variety of opportunities. Children can run off energy on the playgrounds, playing fields, or hiking trails.  The modern campground features 26 sites with full hook-ups and a nearby shower house.  Cost for camping as of 2010 is $16 for an electrical site and $10 for non-electrical site. Picnic shelters are scattered throughout the park.  All open shelters can be reserved, without charge, beginning October 1 prior to the year of intended use.  Shelter 1, at the entrance of the park, and the Mary Marr Lodge, located scenically between the two ponds, are available by reservation only at a cost of $25 and $40 per day respectively.  For shelter reservations, contact wccb@iowatelecom.net   Whether you are just passing through Washington County or have lived here your entire life, Marr Park is a place you will want to visit.