Wildcat Den State Park (Muscatine, IA)

Description: Wildcat Den State Park is a multi-feature gem tucked between Hwy 22 and Hwy 61 just east of the city of Muscatine in Muscatine County, IA. It is home not only to the park, but also the Pine Creek Grist Mill.

Example of Wildcat Den hiking trail.

Trails: Dirt (not paved), but well kept. There are the main trails and “off the beaten path” trails for the more adventurous. There are several lookouts and staircases to help you navigate the steeper terrain–but depending on where you begin, you will more than likely be making your way up or down some hillsides. The Pine Creek Grist Mill has a paved path where you can make your way down the hillto the mill and overlook bridge.

Example of sandstone bluffs along hiking trail in Wildcat Den State Park.

Terrain: This park boasts some amazing sandstone bluffs–complete with caverns (“aka dens”) and some spectacular rock formations–be on the lookout for the “Devil’s Punch Bowl,” “Steamboat Rock” and “Fat Man’s Squeeze,” just to name a few. There are several different trails, all with differing terrain, but for the most part, the park is wooded. There is also a creek and several places where you can wade.

Pine Creek Grist Mill--part of Wildcat Den State Park.

Restrooms & Facilities: There are modern restrooms in the parking area for the Pine Creek Grist Mill. There are also reservable shelters, picnic tables, and primitive camping (the campground has water and vault toilets, but there is no electrical service or showers). 

Example of sandstone bluffs at Wildcat Den State Park.

Overall: Whether a simple stop at the mill for a step back in time, or a sunny summer day spent trekking the trails, Wildcat Den is sure not to disappoint.

If you go, we recommend you begin your hike at the Lower Picnic Area. Here you will find the dens located directly west from the parking lot, or you can head south on the Lower Picnic Area Trail where you will quickly encounter Steamboat Rock and can then make your way around to the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Once done there, you can head to the Pine Creek Grist Mill via the Mill trail, or head back to the car and take a quick drive around the park’s East side to the mill.

For a trail map, head here to vist the Iowa DNR’s park page and look for the PDF link on the right side.

For more photos, be sure to check out our park galleries!

Wildcat Den State Park Gallery

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