Wapsipinicon is a great place for a family picnic. Several
open picnic sheltersare available and may be reserved online through the
park reservation system.
There are two lodges which ideal for group events
such as wedding receptions and family reunions. The Boy Scout Lodge has a microwave, refrigerator, tables and running
water. The Rotary lodge has a stove, refrigerator, tables and running water. It also has a modern restroom and is
available year-round. . The lodges may be reserved online through the
park reservation system.
The shaded campground has 26 campsites (14 with electrical hookups), modern rest rooms and showers. Advance campsite
reservations can be made online through the park reservation system.
Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Multi-use trails take you down to Dutch Creek but the Ice Cave and Horse Thief Cave and out to the recreation area.
The multi-use trails are open to hiking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
Hiking along the bluffs reveals rocky staircases, crevices and caves. A trip to Wapsipinicon isn't complete without
visiting bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave. The excitement of years past exists in the legend of the two horse thieves who,
legend says, used the cave for their camp. In the Ice Cave, visitors can crawl back into cool temperatures during the
height of summer's heat.
The Northeast State Park Bike Route is a 130 mile route which connects Wapsipinicon
State Park, Pikes Peak State Park and Backbone State Park
utilizing county highways.
Carry your own gear and "rough it" in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local "bed and
breakfast" or motel along the route, some of which offer a shuttle service for gear or luggage at a nominal fee.
Reservations for this service must be made in advance. Detailed route brochures are available.
(boating, fishing)
The Wapsi River has long been famous for its channel and flathead catfish, spring crappies, bullheads and smallmouth
bass, especially below the dam near the park entrance. Dutch Creek meanders through the park and empties into the
Wapsi. At its mouth, fishing is good almost anytime. This is also a feeding area for walleye and northern, providing
anglers with a great challenge.
Hunting is allowed in season on a 140-acre area adjacent to the park which was acquired in 1990. This area, bordered
by the Wapsi River for a mile, features two ponds, grassy slopes, brushy valleys, scenic vistas, and offers hiking,
snowmobiling, cross country skiing, fishing and hunting opportunities.
Don't forget your golf clubs. There is a nine hole golf course within the park boundaries, maintained by the
Wapsipinicon Country Club. For information, call 319/462-3930.
Wapsipinicon State Park, dedicated in 1923, was one of Iowa's first state parks. It lies just south of Anamosa on
the Wapsipinicon River (locally referred to as the Wapsi). The sandstone and limestone bluffs in the 394-acre park are
covered with moss and columbine. Hiking through a multitude of flowers, trees and wildlife leads one to splendid views
from the bluffs.
The quiet walker along the Wapsi, or Dutch Creek, which runs through the park, may see a deer stop to drink, a
beaver constructing a dam, or a wild turkey strutting through the forest. Mushrooms, nuts and berries may be harvested
in the park.
There are unforgettable views from the road that winds between the river and bluffs. The white pine forest is one of
the oldest plantings in Iowa and creates a feeling of being "way out west" or in Paul Bunyan's "far
north" territory.
Anamosa is immediately north of the park. The State Men's Reformatory s here. Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second largest city
and the home of Coe College, is 20 miles southwest on U.S. 151. Stone City, the birthplace of artist Grant Wood, Mount
Vernon and Monticello are all close to the park.
21301 County Road E34
Anamosa, IA 52205
ph. 319/462-2761
fax 319/462-4878
E-mail address: Wapsipinicon@dnr.iowa.gov
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