Ready for a hike that is really out of the ordinary for Iowa? This state park has a canyon hike that showcases 300-million-year-old sandstone formations. The well-developed trail system will take you on a beautiful journey.

Wildcat Den State Park is located near Muscatine. The address is 1884 Wildcat Den Road. From Highway 22 you'll go 12 miles east of Muscatine, then turn north on Wildcat Den Avenue and go 1 more mile to the park entrance.
Google Maps
Google Maps
This is one of Iowa's most unique campgrounds, with 75-foot sandstone bluffs that create an amazing Iowa-only canyon hike that is great for people looking for a challenge. Here's a pro hiking tip: park in the area near Verde Avenue and 181st Street. This will make the hike back to your car downhill.
There are several trails available. Steamboat Rock, Devil's Punch Bowl, and Fat Man's Squeeze all have unique attributes and fascinating terrain.
Roberta/Flickr
The park itself is quiet, and visitors often report spending time there without seeing many other people.
Roberta/Flickr
The trails are well-maintained and safe for the most part. Many hikers choose to climb rock formations and go off the beaten path seeking adventure.
This state park has some of the most unique small bluffs in Iowa.
John Rutherford/All Trails
It's hard to resist exploring the amazing sandstone crevices.
You'll see landscapes that aren't typical of Iowa's terrain.
Mainstream Adventures/Facebook
David Wilson/Flickr
Many people bring their kids to Wildcat Den State Park, and it's a fun trail to explore with children. If you decide to park in the "lower" lot, you can spend time playing in the creek and then meander through the park on a one-mile hike. If you can resist the urge to climb the first staircase, and follow the path instead, just take a right by the "Pine Creek Grist Mill" sign to see the "Devil's Punch Bowl" and other amazing rock formations. Follow the path to the staircase, take it up, and go past the small parking area. If you follow the trail, it'll lead back to the first staircase you skipped at the creek. Take that down and you'll be back at the lower parking area in no time. This is about a one mile hike, and perfect for people who don't have the stamina, or desire, for a more challenging experience.
There are 28 campsites at Wildcat Den State Park with non-modern restroom facilities, and more than enough to keep you busy for a few days.
David Wilson/Flickr
David Wilson/Flickr
Parts of the more challenging portion of the trails get hilly, but that's the fun part of a canyon hike.
There are many perfect places within the park for a picnic, as well.
nome joy/Flickr
This park is a kid-friendly and even canine-friendly place to go exploring. With some of the best scenery, and a unique canyon hiking opportunity, it deserves a spot on your list of parks to visit in Iowa this summer.
nome joy/Flickr
This is a great place to rest after a fun day hiking at Wildcat Den State Park.
Roberta/Flickr

If you decide to check out Wildcat Den State Park, be sure to visit the historic Grist Mill at this site, as well. Pine Creek Grist Mill and the nearby Melpine Schoolhouse offer a glimpse into Iowa’s past.

Are there any other amazing Iowa hikes that offer views and steep terrain that we should know about? Say so in the comments, we’d love to hear about it!

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1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA