TRAIL CLOSURE: TRAIL CLOSURE: Due to the wet heavy snow that we received, a couple of very large trees have fallen over the top of two of the Parks Trails. The Cave Trail, from the Lower Picnic Area to the crossing at State Park Rd., will be closed until Park Staff are able to get the larger tree removed and make necessary trail repairs. The Punchbowl Trail, between the Mill Trail intersection to the Punchbowl Stairs, is placed as, USE WITH CAUTION, as a large tree fell over the trail near one of the bridges. The trail is still passable at this time, just please be aware of the hazard. Park Staff are working to get these trees taken care, If you have any questions please contact the Park Office at 563-263-4337. All other Trails are open for use at this time. (Posted 2/5/2024)
Winter Closures: The campground and trails at Wildcat Den State Park remain open throughout the winter months, however, water hydrants and the modern restroom are closed for the season. These services will resume around May 1st, 2024. Pit latrines, located in the campground and Upper Picnic Area, will remain open year-round. The Pine Creek Grist Mill and Melpine Schoolhouse are closed for the season. If you have any questions, please call the park office at 563-263-4337 (UPDATED 10/16/2023)
Description
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most unique parks in Iowa, combining natural beauty and solitude, unique trails and preservation of historical structures.
Historical Attractions
Two historical attractions both have active friends groups. One is the "turn of the century" Melpine one-room schoolhouse, which is located in the park and offers visitors a glimpse of Iowa's past.
The other historical attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which was built in 1848. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers. He also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The mill is one of the finest examples of mid-19th century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill is being restored to its original condition. Great strides have been made at the mill and it is now grinding corn for the first time in more than 75 years.Recreation:
Trails
One of the major features of Wildcat Den State Park is the 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 majestic cliffs are composed of 300 million year-old sandstone and provide spectacular views for hikers.
Facilities:
Picnicking/Shelters
Wildcat Den offers a variety of picnic areas ideal for family gatherings or a pleasant outdoor cookout. There are two open shelters that can be reserved.
Camping
Wildcat Den is a great place for a family to "get away from it all" for a weekend or a family vacation. Campsites can be reserved in the non-modern campground which has water and vault toilets. There are no showers and there is no electrical service to the campsites.
Nearby Attractions:
Nearby Towns
Muscatine, Iowa is located 10 miles west of Wildcat Den. Davenport, the third largest city in Iowa, is located 15 miles east of the park.
Services & Amenities:
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Handicap Access
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Interpretive Programs
- Kayaking
- Park Office
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Registration Building
- Restrooms
- River/Stream
- Toilet, Pit/Vault
- Trash Dumpster
- Walking
- Water Hydrants
- Wildflower Viewing
- Wildlife Viewing
- ATM/Cash Machine
- Church
- Fish Hatchery
- Fuel, Vehicles
- Golfing
- Medical Clinic
- Motel
- Town
Alerts and Important Information
Concessions
Located in the mill at the park. Items for sale include soft drinks, candy and a variety of mill-related souvenirs.
Questions can also be addressed to Tom Hanifan at tomhanifan@yahoo.com
Getting There:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.46778,
-90.88111
41°28'4"N,
90°52'52"W
On Highway 22 go 12 miles east of Muscatine then turn north on Wildcat Den Ave. and go 1 mile to the park entrance.
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Wildcat Den State Park
1884 Wildcat Den Road
Muscatine
IA
52761
Phone Number:
Information:
(563) 263 - 4337