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Wapsipinicon is a great place for a family picnic. Several open picnic shelters
are available and may be reserved for a fee through the park ranger.
There are two lodges, ideal for group events such as wedding receptions and
family reunions, are available for rent through the park ranger. Both lodges
include a microwave, refrigerator, tables and running water. The newer lodge has
a modern restroom and is available year-round.
The shaded campground has 30 campsites (15 with electrical hookups), modern rest
rooms and showers. Starting February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can
be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still
available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Multi-use trails take you down to Dutch Creek but the Ice Cave and Horse Thief
Cave and out to the recreation area. The multi-use trails are open to hiking,
cross country skiing and snowmobiling. A hiking trail and nature trail are
located in the northern part of the park.
Hiking along the bluffs reveals rocky staircases, crevices and caves. A trip to
Wapsipinicon isn't complete without visiting bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave. The
excitement of years past exists in the legend of the two horse thieves who,
legend says, used the cave for their camp. In the Ice Cave, visitors can crawl
back into cool temperatures during the height of summer's heat.
The Northeast State Park Bike Route is a 130 mile route which connects
Wapsipinicon State Park, Pikes Peak State Park and Backbone State Park utilizing
county highways.
Carry your own gear and "rough it" in the campgrounds or take comfort in a
local "bed and breakfast" or motel along the route, some of which offer a
shuttle service for gear or luggage at a nominal fee. Reservations for this
service must be made in advance. Detailed route brochures are available.
(boating, fishing)
The Wapsi River has long been famous for its channel and flathead catfish,
spring crappies, bullheads and smallmouth bass, especially below the dam near
the park entrance. Dutch Creek meanders through the park and empties into the
Wapsi. At its mouth, fishing is good almost anytime. This is also a feeding area
for walleye and northern, providing anglers with a great challenge.
Hunting is allowed in season on a 140-acre area adjacent to the park which was
acquired in 1990. This area, bordered by the Wapsi River for a mile, features
two ponds, grassy slopes, brushy valleys, scenic vistas, and offers hiking,
snowmobiling, cross country skiing, fishing and hunting opportunities.
Don't forget your golf clubs. There is a nine hole golf course within the park
boundaries, maintained by the Wapsipinicon Country Club. For information, call
319/462-3930.
Wapsipinicon State Park, dedicated in 1923, was one of Iowa's first state
parks. It lies just south of Anamosa on the Wapsipinicon River (locally referred
to as the Wapsi). The sandstone and limestone bluffs in the 394-acre park are
covered with moss and columbine. Hiking through a multitude of flowers, trees
and wildlife leads one to splendid views from the bluffs.
The quiet walker along the Wapsi, or Dutch Creek, which runs through the
park, may see a deer stop to drink, a beaver constructing a dam, or a wild
turkey strutting through the forest. Mushrooms, nuts and berries may be
harvested in the park.
There are unforgettable views from the road that winds between the river and
bluffs. The white pine forest is one of the oldest plantings in Iowa and creates
a feeling of being "way out west" or in Paul Bunyan's "far north" territory.
Anamosa is immediately north of the park. The State Men's Reformatory is here.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second largest city and the home of Coe College, is 20
miles southwest on U.S. 151. Stone City, the birthplace of artist Grant Wood,
Mount Vernon and Monticello are all close to the park.
21301 County Road E34
Anamosa, IA 52205
ph. 319/462-2761
fax 319/462-4878
E-mail address: Wapsipinicon@dnr.state.ia.us
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