This Little Known Park In Iowa Is A Hidden Gem And It Will Take Your Breath Away

With more than 70 state parks and state recreation areas, Iowans have plenty of pretty parks to choose from. Here's a hidden little gem in Muscatine County that you'll want to check out — it's so beautiful it will take your breath away!

Wildcat Den State Park is a quiet, peaceful park that covers just 423 acres, but every inch of it is just beautiful.

The park has both natural and man-made beauty. Check out the historic Pine Creek Gristmill, which was built in 1848. The Gristmill is open to visitors during summer months.

The 75-foot-tall rock formations are another stunning feature of this park.

Take a hike along the Wildcat Den Trail to see these formations up close. The trail takes you to popular spots such as "Devil's Punch Bowl" and "Fat Man's Squeeze."

The trail is considered moderately challenging, with gains in elevation of about 500 feet.

During winter months, you may find that you have this park all to yourself.

The four-mile-long loop trail can get a bit muddy during the winter months, but it still offers fantastic views of the forest and rock formations.

Plan to spend the afternoon here; or camp at one of the sites in the primitive campground. During winter months, the water is shut off and the modern restroom is closed, but the park is still open for your enjoyment.

You'll find Wildcat Den State Park right on the eastern border of Iowa, in Muscatine County.

Click here for the interactive map and directions to the park.

Wildcat Den State Park is managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. For more information about the park, visit its website. Have you visited Wildcat Den State Park? We'd love to see your photos and read your comments about this pretty park!

If you'd like to explore more of Iowa, take a look at this peaceful little town.