Why Muscatine, Iowa, the Gateway of Wildcat Den State Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

You'll find some of the Hawkeye State's most dramatic scenery and landscapes along the creased bluffs of the Mississippi River valley in its easternmost reaches. Among the most beautiful, if you ask me, is the otherworldly topography of Wildcat Den State Park near Muscatine. The densely forested park is home to deep ravines lined with cliffs and rock formations, caves, wooded trails, and a historic grist mill along Pine Creek that was originally built in the mid-nineteenth century.

If this park isn't already on your Iowa bucket list, it definitely should be. Moreover, when you make your trip to Wild Cat Den, you get a two-for-one, because its charming gateway city, Muscatine, is worthy of a visit in its own right—so make sure to set aside plenty of time to visit this charming Mississippi River town in Iowa, as well. Growing up, I spent a lot of time visiting relatives in Muscatine, and I can vouch for its charm.

Muscatine sprang up as a trading post on the Mississippi nearly two centuries ago, in 1833. The community grew quickly, and by the late 1800s, a bustling downtown district stretched along the town's streets. Several buildings from that era are still standing and have been collectively added to the National Register of Historic Places as Muscatine's Downtown Historic District.

During the same era, Muscatine became a dominant player in the global manufacture of pearl buttons, using freshwater mussels from the Mississippi and surrounding rivers. The city eventually became known as "The Pearl Button Capital of the World," and one of its manufacturers, Weber & Sons Button Co.—once the largest producer of such buttons—continued making its products into the 21st century. Today, you can learn all about this fascinating part of Muscatine's past at the National Pearl Button Museum. You'll find it in the Muscatine History and Industry Center on Second Street, and it's open Tuesday through Saturday.

As the pearl button industry hints, life in Muscatine largely revolves around the mighty river along whose banks the town lies. So, you'd be remiss if you didn't stroll down to Riverside Park and the River Walk to pay homage to Old Man River. You'll also see the river's influence on the creativity of the city's citizens at the Muscatine Art Center, another can't-miss stop when you're in town. It also boasts a permanent collection that includes works by renowned artists, like Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso, far exceeding any expectations one may have for such a small-town museum.

If you're traveling with kids, you may also want to check out Weed Park. It's a beautiful, 77-acre green space with plenty of room to play (it even had a zoo until 2015). I have many fond childhood memories of playing at Weed Park, myself.

Make a weekend of your Muscatine area adventure with a stay at The Merrill Hotel, a luxe hostelry on Mississippi Drive that's part of Marriott Bonvoy's Tribute Portfolio collection. We think it's one of the best hotels in Iowa, and you won't find a better place to lay your head after a day of exploring Muscatine and Wildcat Den State Park.

Before calling it a night, though, venture next door to the former Hotel Muscatine for dinner at Mamma Mia Restaurante, a local crowd pleaser for its Italian comfort food and upscale dishes. If you're feeling like a nightcap after dinner, pop into The Pearl Martini Bar and Lounge, located in the same building as Mamma Mia.

Next time you're looking for an Iowa getaway destination, move Muscatine and Wildcat Den State Park to the top of your list. I promise you won't be disappointed.

What are some other state park gateway towns in Iowa that are worth visiting in their own right? We'd love to hear all about them.