Backbone Bunkhouse & Hitching Post

08/21/2026

Some evenings ask nothing of us except to be still. The fire settles the mind, the trees hold the quiet, and the warm glow of the cabin makes the whole world feel a little farther away.

There is something deeply comforting about sitting beneath the night sky with nowhere to be and nothing to solve. Just the crackle of the flames, the cool forest air, and a warm drink resting nearby.

This is the kind of pause that stays with you long after the fire has gone dim.

08/20/2026

You can find that here at the Bunkhouse!

08/19/2026

We are now live on Airbnb in addition to VRBO...Also be on the lookout in the coming days as we are working on our website so you can also make a direct booking there and skip the 3rd party fees and pass those cost savings on to you! As always you can skip all that and message us right here on Facebook and we can get you set up directly right here as well!

Labor Day weekend is still available as of now. Be sure to get it booked and spend the last long Holiday weekend of the summer with us! Weekend full of Hikes, Horse Trail Riding, Fishing, Golfing, activities at the lake and just relaxing at the Bunkhouse with some food on the grill and sitting around the campfire!

3-bedroom steps away from Backbone State Park.

08/17/2026

08/15/2026

Mother Nature changed things up a bit for today's rodeo. All parking will be through the driveway by the house. Follow the signs. Please be patient and remember to wear your boots, as things are wet and a bit muddy. Judy's Food Truck and Bent's Smokehouse will be here with yummy food and drinks. Work with us and let's all have a great day. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers and we'll see ya'll this afternoon. Gates for spectators open at 2, contestants at noon.

08/15/2026

Some updated photos after more updates being done! Still to come over the next month will include 12'×12' horse corals and hitching posts, layout for the already poured shuffleboard court with accessories, horseshoe pits in back yard, sidewalk connection front of house around both sides of house access to both patios! Along with games like outdoor patio games like jenga! Reach out to us for direct booking to save in 3rd part booking fees!

08/13/2026

08/09/2026

Shortly over 1 week until rodeo time. Here are a few announcements:
1. All contestants for Barrel Racing, Bull Riding and Chute Do**in need to check in and pay the secretary by 3pm. Fees are $60 and correct cash would be much appreciated. Our secretary has a lot going on, so your cooperation is very important. We have a waiting list so don’t get bumped if you show up late. Buddy passes- can only be used if you are present with the contestant.
2. The above riders must be in dress code at all time in the arena and by bucking chutes- this means cowboy hat, western shirt, jeans and boots. Only contestants allowed in competition area.
3. Sheep Riders (entries are full), bring paperwork to the secretary on the announcers stand by 3:30. There is no dress code or entry fee for you.
4. NO fireworks, dogs or any other pets allowed on the grounds. Sorry, they need to stay home.
5. We have limited bleachers so bring your lawn chair, cooler and be ready for a couple hours of great entertainment!!!
Can’t wait to see y’all on the 15th!

08/08/2026

The Old Bathhouse at Backbone

This old stone building at the Backbone beach was once the bathhouse, and I remember how it worked. I even had the privilege of filling in there for a few days, back when I was in high school.
You checked in and were given a basket with a numbered pin that fastened to your swimsuit. Then you entered either the men’s or women’s changing area, both open to the Iowa sky, and placed your clothes in the basket.

On the way out was another opening with a counter. You set your basket there with your clothes still inside, and it was placed on the shelves for safekeeping. You kept the numbered pin and ran down to the beach. There was little reason to walk when Backbone Lake was waiting.

When you finished swimming, you returned to the counter and handed over your numbered pin. They found the matching basket and passed your clothes back through the opening. You carried the basket into the changing area, got dressed and returned it on your way out.

It was a simple system, and it worked. So long as you kept hold of that little pin, you stood a fair chance of getting your clothes back.

The bathhouse was built by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in 1934 and 1935. The baskets, numbered pins and open-air changing areas are gone now, but the old stone building remains beside the beach, holding the memories of generations who once ran from there down to the lake.

I was fortunate enough to spend a few days working inside those walls when I was young. At the time, it was just a summer job. All these years later, I realize I had been handed a small place in the history of Backbone.