For a different type of camping experience, why not try the Fairport Recreation Area Campground located 6 miles away from Wildcat Den State Park on Highway 22. Fairport is located right on the Mississippi River and offers a plethora of campsites, all of which have electrical hook-ups. Modern shower and rest room facilities and a trailer dump station are available at the Fairport Campground. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. 25% of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camping is also available at Wildcat Den State Park.

There are 2 boat ramps available at the Fairport area and provide plenty of boating access to the "Father of Waters."  There are also docks for loading and unloading boats.

The Fairport Recreation Area provides excellent access and viewing of the Mississippi River. The large towboats, recreational boaters, river wildlife especially birds) and the majesty of the river all parade in front of the campground.

Wildcat Den State Park, just 6 miles down Highway 22, is one of the most unique in Iowa, combining natural beauty and solitude, preservation of historical structures, trails, camping and picnic areas for recreational use. One of the focal points of the park is the Pine Creek Grist Mill located in the eastern part of the park on Pine Creek. The mill was built in 1848 by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers who also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The Pine Creek Grist Mill is one of the finest examples of mid nineteenth century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working to restore the mill to its original condition. The "turn of the century" Melpine Schoolhouse is located near the mill and offers park visitors another glimpse of Iowa's past. To learn more about the mill, the Melpine Schoolhouse, and the work of the Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill, visit their website at http://www.pinecreekgristmill.com/.

A portion of the park was donated to the state by the Brandt sisters who actually lived there at one time. A bronze tablet dedicated to their memory has been placed in sandstone in a lovely setting where centuries-old pine trees line 75-foot cliffs.

Fairport State Recreation Area

Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most unique in Iowa, combining natural beauty and solitude, preservation of historical structures, trails, camping and picnic areas for recreational use.

One of the focal points of the park is the Pine Creek Grist Mill located in the eastern part of the park on Pine Creek. The mill was built in 1848 by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers who also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The Pine Creek Grist Mill is one of the finest examples of mid nineteenth century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill Gift Shop (563-263-4818) is located in the mill at the park. Items for sale include soft drinks, candy and a variety of mill-related souvenirs. Questions can also be addressed to Tom Hanifan at tomhanifan@yahoo.com

The "turn of the century" Melpine Schoolhouse is located near the mill and offers park visitors another glimpse of Iowa's past. To learn more about the mill, the Melpine Schoolhouse, and the work of the Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill, visit their website at www.pinecreekgristmill.com.

A portion of the park was donated to the state by the Brandt sisters who actually lived there at one time. A bronze tablet dedicated to their memory has been placed in sandstone in a lovely setting where centuries-old pine trees line 75-foot cliffs.

State Parks Tagged With: Muscatine