Arnolds Park, Iowa
The site where 13-year-old Abbie Gardner was an eyewitness to one of the few violent conflicts between European-American settlers and American Indians in Iowa (what became known as the 1857 Spirit Lake Massacre). The cabin has been restored to resemble its approximate 1856 appearance. Nearby are a monument to those killed, a one-acre park, and a visitors center full of artifacts.
NEW HOURS effective July 1, 2009:
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Daily noon to 4 p.m.
Labor Day through September 30
Saturday and Sunday
Noon to 4 p.m. and by group appointment
School groups by appointment. Free admission. Donations appreciated.
Located on Monument Drive, one block west of Arnold's Park Amusement Park in Arnold's Park.
For more information or to schedule a group tour, use the contact information below.
Mike Koppert
Box 74,
Arnolds Park, IA 51331.
Telephone: 712- 332-7248
Email: gardner@iowaone.net
Jerome Thompson
State Historical Society of Iowa
600 East Locust
Des Moines, IA 50319
Telephone: 515-281-4221
Email: Jerome.Thompson@iowa.gov