State Parks, Forests & Recreation Areas

Wildcat Den State Park

[Alert] Wildcat Den - WINTER ROAD CLOSURE

The through State Park Rd, from the Upper Picnic Area Shelter to the Lower Picnic Area Road, is closed for the winter.  It will reopen sometime in Spring 2025.  Visitors can still access the Park from the New Era Rd. entrance and the Verde Ave. entrance.  (Posted 12/2/2024)

[Alert] Wildcat Den - CAMPGROUND CLOSURE

The Wildcat Den Campground is closed for the winter and water is shut off. The Campground will reopen on March 15th, 2025, with the water being turned back on at the beginning of May 2025. The Vault Toilets will remain open throughout the winter months.  (Posted 11/15/2024)

About the Park

One of the most photographed Iowa state parks, at Wildcat Den State Park, visitors will find both historical and natural treasures to explore. Trails wind through a variety of terrain, leading to geological formations along the trail’s sandstone bluffs. 

Visit the Pine Creek Grist Mill, the oldest working grist mill between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, for a glimpse into Iowa’s past. Whether you’re looking to explore history or enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors, Wildcat Den State Park is the ideal destination.

Plan Your Visit

  • Hike one of the diverse trails at Wildcat Den, offering fascinating views of sandstone bluffs and natural formations such as “Steamboat Rock,” and the “Devil’s Punch Bowl." Trails are best observed during the peak of summer and fall when the season’s colors illuminate the park’s surroundings.
  • Explore the 19th century Pine Creek Grist Mill located on Pine Creek in the eastern part of the park. The mill was built by Benjamin Nye in 1848 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is also home to the “turn of the century” one-room Melpine schoolhouse. The mill is open for tours to the public Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm from May through early October. Visit www.pinecreekgristmill.com for more information about interpretive programs and history of the mill.
  • Reserve one of two open shelters at Wildcat Den. The Mill Shelter is ADA accessible and all shelters can be reserved through the online reservation system for Wildcat Den State Park.
  • Camp in one of the primitive sites at Wildcat Den by reserving a spot in the park’s non-modern campground. The campground has water and vault toilets, but there is no electrical service or showers. Advance campsite reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Wildcat Den State Park.

Concessions 

Visit Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill Gift Shop, located in the mill at the park. Items for sale include:

  • Soft drinks
  • Candy
  • Variety of mill-related souvenirs.

Questions? Contact Tom Hanifan at tomhanifan@yahoo.com or 563-263-4818.  

Amenities at a Glance

  • Historic sites
  • Swings
  • Hiking trails
  • Shelters
  • Restrooms 
  • Non-electric campsites
  • Group campsite

Explore the Park

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