Fontana Park


Overview

Sustainable Living Cabin Virtual Tour - Tour produced by Flight Spool 

 

A Unique Experience - 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 now click on the 'Facilities' tab to reserve a cabin! 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 comfortably sleeps five, with two private bedrooms, kitchenette, and a private bathroom with shower. Vaulted ceilings, wood-sided interiors, and exterior wood siding from trees harvested in Buchanan County. Each cabin has 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.

Location

Fontana Park is located nine miles north of Independence or one mile south of Hazleton, off Highway 150.

Features

Items supplied at cabin:

  • Microwave Refrigerator (dorm-sized)
  • Basic set of dinner service for six
  • Coffee maker
  • Toilet paper
  • Disinfectant cleaners
  • Broom, dustpan, mop, bucket, and sponge
  • One load of firewood/day (more may be purchased from campground host). No splitting of firewood on porches. Do not bring your own firewood (due to emerald ash borer)
  • Garbage container with bags
  • Adequate electrical storage for normal sustainable living use
Items renter should or may bring:
  • Complete bedding (sleeping bag or sheets and covers; pillow)
  • Extra cooking and eating utensils
  • All food and beverage supplies
  • Bath towels and toiletries
  • Radio or computer (turn off when not in use)
  • Lawn chairs

Hours

Cabins are open year-round

Fees

  • $85/night year round
*There is a two-night minimum stay on weekends, and three-night minimum stay on Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends.