Iowa’s state parks are some of the most underrated in the country, and those who have explored a few of them will certainly agree! One underrated state park is located near Davenport and features a historic mill and bridge alongside enormous cliffs, bluffs, and a beautiful creek. Plan a day trip or a camping weekend out in the wilderness this year!
Wildcat Den State Park is in Muscatine, Iowa.
AllTrails / Ace Moore You can find the park at 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, which is about half an hour from Davenport.
The park is known for its incredible cliffs, bluffs, caves and historic Grist Mill.
AllTrails / Brandon Riebling
The historic Pine Creek Grist Mill was built in 1848 by Benjamin Nye, who was one of the first settlers in the area.
AllTrails / Brandon Riebling The Pine Mill Bridge was completed in 1878. The Grist Mill and Mill Bridge are the only Bridge-Mill pairing left in Iowa.
Wildcat Den State Park is home to several famous rock formations, which you can see on the 4-mile Wildcat Den Trail.
Flickr / John W. Iwanski
The trail takes you up and around cliffs that are nearly 80’ tall, and they tower over anyone walking in their shadow.
Flickr / John W. Iwanski
Steamboat Rock is one of the park’s most prominent features, and the narrow passage between the rock and cliff is known as “Devil’s Alley”.
AllTrails / Ben Jones
The “Fat Man’s Squeeze” is located at the top of Devil’s Alley, and it takes you to the top of Steamboat Rock.
AllTrails / Dayonna Ryan
Perhaps the most famous structure in the park is the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
Flickr / John W. Iwanski
Once you hike down into the bowl, you’ll be able to relax in the shade and, if you time it right, enjoy the sounds of the nearby waterfall filling up the bowl.
AllTrails / Tom Williams
Along the trail, you’ll also find the Wildcat Den Cave. Be sure to check it out - there aren’t actually any Wildcats hanging out in the park.
Flickr / John W. Iwanski
From the top of the Wildcat Den Trail, you’ll be able to look out over much of the park’s trails, cliffs, and the nearby Pine Creek.
AllTrails / Brian Mavis Wildcat Den State Park encompasses over 400 acres of preserved land. Campers can reserve primitive, hike-in spots to pitch a tent and enjoy being unplugged from modern technology. There are also several picnic groves throughout the park. You can find a map of the park and trail right here
With just four miles of trails, anyone can hike Wildcat Den! For more of the best short hikes in Iowa, check out 10 Amazing Iowa Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love
AllTrails / Ace Moore
You can find the park at 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, which is about half an hour from Davenport.
AllTrails / Brandon Riebling
The Pine Mill Bridge was completed in 1878. The Grist Mill and Mill Bridge are the only Bridge-Mill pairing left in Iowa.
Flickr / John W. Iwanski
AllTrails / Ben Jones
AllTrails / Dayonna Ryan
AllTrails / Tom Williams
AllTrails / Brian Mavis
Wildcat Den State Park encompasses over 400 acres of preserved land. Campers can reserve primitive, hike-in spots to pitch a tent and enjoy being unplugged from modern technology. There are also several picnic groves throughout the park. You can find a map of the park and trail right here
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