Wapsipinicon State Park

Wapsipinicon State Park is a state park located in Jones County along the Wapsipinicon River with limestone bluffs and wooded grounds. The roughly 394-acre area features natural caves, sandstone formations, and the river corridor running through it.

The park was established in 1923 after local citizens raised funds in 1921 to purchase 180 acres and prevent logging operations in the area. This early effort reflected the community's desire to protect the river corridor from development.

Inmates from Anamosa State Penitentiary built the park's structures during the 1920s and 1930s using locally quarried limestone, which shaped the appearance of the grounds. These buildings remain central to how visitors experience the park today.

The park offers camping sites with different facility levels, hiking trails of varying difficulty, and fishing access along the river. Visitors can easily navigate the grounds and make use of available facilities during their stay.

The park contains two notable caves: Horse Thief Cave and Ice Cave, with the latter staying cooler throughout the year due to its geological structure. The cave's natural temperature regulation makes it an interesting feature to explore during a visit.

Location: Jones County

Inception: 1923

Website: https://iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Wapsipinicon-State-Park

GPS coordinates: 42.09528,-91.28556

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:41