Where in Iowa: Wildcat Den State Park
The trees are turning late this year as my first Fall hike of 2021 took place during the last week of October. Today’s destination is Wildcat Den State Park in Muscatine, Iowa. If I get an early start, my hiking roadtrips give me a fun adventure and still get me home in time for supper.
Any other stops along the way to my hiking destination are always considered a bonus. Traveling along the back roads to the park afforded me an unexpected stop to see the historic Old Stone Church sitting high atop a hill overlooking Pine Creek Valley below. The church was originally built in 1867 and restored in 2010. I’ve always had a fondness for churches so a quick peek was in order.
The Old Stone Church built in 1867
Outside the church is an information booth with pictures of the original church and I could imagine the horse drawn sleighs pulling up the hill in the Iowa winters.
The church will open periodically for special events such as the Christmas Eve service as well as rental for weddings and family events. The church is only a half mile from the state park so I didn’t have far to drive to reach my hiking destination.
Arrival at Wildcat Den State Park – Lower Picnic Area Trail
You will want to print the Wildcat Den State Park trail map before you arrive as I didn’t see any maps available upon arrival. The trails are well marked although having a pre-printed map will help you keep your bearings within the park from trail to trail. Trail Map
Beautiful sandstone bluffs line the Lower Picnic Area Trail
The majestic cliffs are composed of 300 million year-old sandstone and provide spectacular views for hikers
The trees are simply beautiful; I saw lots of yellow today. I didn’t see as much red as I had hoped but there was still plenty of color to enjoy!
I arrived at the north end of the park and parked in the Lower Picnic Area. Wildcat Den State Park has 4 miles of trails that wind thru a variety of different terrain. These colorful trails lead to fascinating sites such as Steamboat Rock, the Devil’s Punch Bowl and Fat Man’s Squeeze.
Shallow caves can be found along the Lower Picnic Area Trail
Dogs are allowed in the park but must be leashed and I saw several dog owners enjoying the day with their furry companions.
Located in the Upper Picnic Area are a plethora of picnic areas, camping sites and a playground. The campground has water and vault toilets but there is no electrical service or showers.
The Punch Bowl Trail
A scenic rest stop on the Punch Bowl Trail
A bridge leading into the Devil’s Punch Bowl
Bridges are plentiful throughout the park especially in the Devil’s Punch Bowl
Steep sandstone cliffs surround the Devil’s Punch Bowl giving it its name
A colorful staircase leading to the top of the Devil’s Punch Bowl
Looking down into the Devil’s Punch Bowl from above
If you love bridges, you’ll love Wildcat Den State Park!
In the campground area, you’ll find 28 non-electric, non-modern camping sites. The open shelter houses can be reserved for events as well. Wildcat Den Online Reservation System
The Mill Trail will take you over to Pine Grist Mill. While you can certainly drive to the mill, the Mill Trail is scenic and it’s not that far. It seems like it would be a waste of good scenery to drive. As I hiked the Mill Trail atop the bluff, I was rewarded with scenic overlooks of the river below along the way.
A bridge at the start of the Mill Trail
Pine Creek Grist Mill was built by Ben Nye in 1848 with his $100,000 investment which was a small fortune in those days. The mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is in fact, the oldest working mill still located in its original location between the Mississippi River and Rocky Mountains!
Pine Creek Grist Mill
The mill is open for tours to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. from June to August and is open weekend afternoons in May and September. But anyone can visit the outside grounds and bridge year round. For more info about the mill visit: Pine Creek Grist Mill
A beautiful iron bridge spans the creek next to the Mill
At one time, you could find 500 grist mills in Iowa. These grist mills were vital to the early settlers to feed themselves and their livestock thru the grain which was ground into animal feed or flour at these facilities. The grist mill became a central hub of activity where settlers exchanged news and socially networked.
Walking up to the grist mill, you may look for the waterwheel on the outside powering the grind but you won’t find one. It’s common in northern climates such as ours, for the mill’s wheel to be located on the inside. This was done to protect the wooden wheel from ice or flood damage.
Bridges and staircases continue even on the Mill Trail
Since the mill was powered by water, in times of low water, a miller might lose business to other area mills. Likewise when water was plentiful, a miller might work day and night to get the milling done.
Located just outside the mill is the one-room, historic Melpine Schoolhouse also constructed in the 1880’s.
It’s better to hike to the Mill rather than driving over. You’d miss so much!
After hiking for several hours and visiting the mill, I drove 10 miles to Muscatine for today’s late lunch spot: Boonie’s on the Avenue. This fun sports bar has two large dining rooms with ample seating and is loaded with TV’s so you can watch all the best games.
Boonie’s on the Ave in Muscatine
On a suggestion from my waitress, I had the Chipotle Turkey Sandwich. It didn’t disappoint! Sliced turkey, pepperjack cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced avocado, and onion served on a toasted ciabatta hoagie roll with chipotle mayo. I opted for loaded tater tots with white cheddar cheese sauce, bacon bits and green onion in lieu of the same old French fries. They were fantastic!
It was a great day for a Fall hike as I reflected on my adventure. If you love sandstone cliffs, bridges and the chance to see a working grist mill, I highly recommend a day trip to Wildcat Den State Park!
Chipotle Turkey Sandwich with loaded tater tots at Boonie’s on the Ave
Directions
From I-80 you will take the Exit 277 and head south on Yankee Ave toward Durant. Once in Durant, you’ll come to a T intersection and a left on 5th St/Historic U.S. 6. Take a right on Vail Ave and continue 8.2 miles. You’ll take a left turn on 180th St. You will only drive 1 mile and you will see the Old Stone Church on your left hand side.
The Old Stone Church is located in eastern Muscatine County, Iowa on the northeast corner of the intersection of 180th and Verde Streets (3507 180th Street), one half mile north of Wild Cat Den State Park. Using Google Maps, enter 180th Street & Verde Avenue, Muscatine, IA. Or click this link.
Wildcat Den State Park is a half mile from the Old Stone Church. Simply go to the bottom of the hill below the church where you will find the intersection of 180th St and Verde Ave. Head south on Verde Ave and you will run directly into park.
