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Wildcat Den State Park |
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Facilities and Activities
Picnicking/Shelters
Wildcat Den State Park offers a variety of picnic settings ideal for a pleasant
outdoor cookout. There are two open shelters available and may be reserved for a
fee through the park manager.
Camping
Wildcat Den State Park is a great place for a family to "get away from it all"
for a weekend or a family vacation. The campground has 28 campsites and
non-modern rest room facilities. 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. Camping is also available at Fairport Recreation Area.
Trails
One of the major features of Wildcat Den State Park is its trail system. Trails
wind through a variety of terrain and lead to such fascinating sites as
"Steamboat Rock," "Devil's Punch Bowl," and " Fat Man's Squeeze." The beautiful
bluffs and rock outcroppings provide spectacular views to hikers.
Fairport Recreation Area
For a different type of camping experience, why not try the Fairport Recreation
Area Campground located 6 miles away from Wildcat Den State Park on Highway 22.
Fairport is located right on the Mississippi River and offers 42 campsites, all
of which have electrical hook-ups. Modern shower and rest room facilities and a
trailer dump station are available at the Fairport Campground. The same
opportunities for reserving campsites that occur at Wildcat Den apply here.
There are 3 boat ramps available at the Fairport area and provide plenty of
boating access to the "Father of Waters." A fish cleaning station is provided as
well as docks for loading and unloading boats.
The Fairport Recreation Area provides excellent access and viewing of the
Mississippi River. The large towboats, recreational boaters, river wildlife
(especially birds) and the majesty of the river all parade in front of the
campground.
Pine Creek Grist Mill at Wildcat Den State Park.
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most unique in Iowa, combining natural
beauty and solitude, preservation of historical structures, trails, camping and
picnic areas for recreational use.
One of the focal points of the park is the Pine Creek Grist Mill located in the
eastern part of the park on Pine Creek. The mill was built in 1848 by Benjamin
Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers who also built the county's first
store and post office in 1838. The Pine Creek Grist Mill is one of the finest
examples of mid nineteenth century mills left in the country and is on the
National Register of Historic Places. The Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill and
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working to restore the mill to its
original condition. The "turn of the century" Melpine Schoolhouse is located
near the mill and offers park visitors another glimpse of Iowa's past. To learn
more about the mill, the Melpine Schoolhouse, and the work of the Friends of
Pine Creek Grist Mill, visit their website at www.pinecreekgristmill.com.
A portion of the park was donated to the state by the Brandt sisters who
actually lived there at one time. A bronze tablet dedicated to their memory has
been placed in sandstone in a lovely setting where centuries-old pine trees line
75-foot cliffs.
Nearby Towns
Muscatine, Iowa , is located 10 miles west of Wildcat Den. Davenport, third
largest city in Iowa, is located 15 miles east of the park.
Contact Information
1884 Wildcat Den Road
Muscatine, IA 52761
ph. 563/263-4337
fax. 563/264-8329
E-mail address: Wildcat_Den@dnr.state.ia.us
E-mail address for Fairport Station: Fairport@dnr.state.ia.us |
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