Civilian Conservation Corps-Prisoner of War Recreation Hall

The Civilian Conservation Corps-Prisoner of War Recreation Hall, located in Eldora, Iowa, is a historic site that showcases the dual history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and its later use as a POW camp during World War II. Constructed in 1933 as a barracks for CCC Company 1755, the building played a crucial role in local conservation efforts, including the development of Pine Lake State Park. After the CCC's departure, it served as a camp for German and Italian prisoners of war from 1943 to 1945, where they contributed to local agriculture and construction. Today, this unique structure is the last remaining CCC camp building in Iowa and houses a museum, making it a significant destination for tourists and researchers interested in American history and conservation efforts.