Staff of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources discovered damage to the lodge at Palisades-Kepler State Park that happened overnight on Dec. 23, 2019. (photo/Iowa DNR)

One Grinch or more was at work in Linn County, just before Christmas.

Staff of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources discovered the Palisades-Kepler State Park lodge was vandalized sometime in the overnight hours of Sunday, December 23, 2019.

Learn more about the incident in rural Mount Vernon from the Iowa DNR:

Staff discovered several windows, doors and the indoor furniture damaged at Palisades-Kepler State Park lodge. Parks staff is still evaluating and determining estimates of the damage done.

“We are very saddened to discover this vandalism and this is unacceptable,” said Todd Coffelt, DNR State Parks, Preserves and Forests Bureau Chief. “Our staff and department takes great pride in all of our state parks, and it is extremely unfortunate that someone or several decided to do this. However, we will rebound quickly in time to celebrate our 100th anniversary of our state parks—Parks 2020!”

Repairs will begin immediately and anyone with information is asked to call (319) 895-6039.

To learn about the Parks 2020 centennial celebration, visit https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/Parks-2020

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Doors were damaged at the Palisades-Kepler State Park Lodge in rural Mount Vernon, Iowa. (photo/Iowa DNR)