Ultimate Guide to Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park, Iowa (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
We may have been compensated for this post. Please keep in mind that it affects you in no way financially. If an item is being reviewed, we are not obligated to give a positive review and always use our own words. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you would like a review done contact Dannelle at DannelleGay@gmail.com
Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park is in the town of Anamosa and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park’s unique feature is that the prisoners made structures like the stone arch bridge of the Anamosa State Penitentiary. What makes this park appealing to visitors is the Ice Cave within the park. The perfect place for residents who want to escape from the summer heat.
Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park, Florida
Wapsipinicon State Park is iconic as it is one of the first state parks in Iowa, which was dedicated in 1923. The park also houses a beautiful white pine forest, reportedly one of the oldest plantings in Iowa. There are multi-use trails in the park that will take visitors to the Ice Cave but do not forget to drive through the upside-down bridge!
History of Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park
There have been many myths, legends, and even historical facts about the development and growth of Wapsipinicon State Park. The State Park was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. When you visit the park and learn about its history, you will understand why Wapsipinicon deserves to be on that list.
The beginning of this park is vastly different compared to other Iowa State parks, as many of those resulted from massive efforts on the part of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. In 1921, local citizens purchased 180 acres of land near Anamosa. Construction started on the roads and bridges, and all-around efforts were made to put up facilities for a park.
However, the unique part of this project was the laborers; they were inmates from the men’s reformatory, which was very close to this area. The men worked hard for five years using dynamites, sleds, handpicks, and wheelbarrows to meet the challenge of creating a park in the middle of formidable limestone bluffs that bordered the Wapsipinicon River.
Ever since the park was set up, tracts of land have been added to the park regularly to aid its expansion. In November 1922, 24 acres of land were added, and the inmates created something that surely segregated Wapsipinicon from the rest of the State Parks in the state. They built a golf course tucked between the bluffs and the river inside the park.
It was a massive milestone in the park’s history, and an accompanying clubhouse was shortly built. It is a top-rated attraction and has been open to the public since its inception. The other recreational facilities include boating, camping, and fishing. There are hiking trails and a couple of caves, including the famous Ice Cave.
Geological Formations in Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park
The geological features of the Wapsipinicon State Park deserve special mention. The superficial rock layers along the cliff exposures are known as geological mounds. Some geologists have described these features as reefs.
A few of the pronounced mounds display fossil molds of stromatoporoid sponges. The unique features look like a haystack-shaped mound and can be spotted in the cliffs on the north side of Wapsipinicon Park.
Near the park’s west entrance, one can easily spot fossil types like crinoid debris and brachiopods. There is no doubt that Wapsipinicon State Park has an abundance of natural formations, and one can closely look at them to identify some of the fossil types.
Wildlife in Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park
The Wapsipinicon River is famous for the flathead catfish, bullheads, spring crappies, and smallmouth bass. The park has a sizeable population of butterflies, dragonflies, and small critters.
Is Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park Haunted?
The cave at Wapsipinicon State Park is as beautiful as the rest of the park. People love coming here and spend at least 3 to 4 hours here. However, there has never been any concern about the cave or the park being haunted.
How Big is the Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park?
The length of the ice cave is estimated to be 70 ft.
Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park Tours
Wapsipinicon State Park is one of the lesser-known parks and is technically a ‘hidden gem.’ Although it has an ice cave, not many people have visited it or have heard of it. The 394-acre park has limestone bluffs, hiking trails, and a unique ice cave.
The ice cave welcomes visitors to the cooler temperatures inside the cave, and it is a welcome relief for people who want to escape the sweltering heat of the summer.
You would need a bright flashlight to get into the tight crevice of the ice cave. The most interesting part of the ice cave is that you will suddenly feel a drop in the temperature as you approach the cave entrance.
Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park Tour Prices and Discounts
The entrance charge to the park is USD 6 per vehicle.
Is Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park Cold?
The temperature inside the Ice Cave remains cool, and it is perfect for you during the hot summer days.
What to Wear?
What you will wear to Wapsipinicon will depend a lot on the kind of activities that you want to do there.
There are a few things that you should always have, like a pair of proper hiking shoes, a change of clothes if you are traveling with kids, and golf clubs for playing at the 9-hole course.
Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park Hours
The park is open from 4:00 in the morning to 10:30 pm.
What to Do at Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park (Beside Tours)
Wapsipinicon State Park has lots of recreational activities on offer, and you can easily spend a couple of hours here.
Hiking
You can hike three miles of multi-use trails and make your way through the wooded areas. The trials would lead you to Horse Thief Cave and Ice Cave, and there is another trail that would lead you to Dutch Creek. In winter, the multi-use trails are used for cross-country skiing.
Golf
When you come to Wapsipinicon, don’t forget to bring your golf clubs. There is a 9-hole golf course that Wapsipinicon Country Club maintains within the park.
Fishing
The Wapsipinicon or Wapsi River is famous for the flathead catfish, smallmouth bass, and spring crappies found below the dam. The Dutch Creek makes its way through the park and empties itself into the river. At its mouth, one can fish any time of the year.
Picnicking
It is an excellent place for arranging a family picnic. There are quite a few open picnic shelters available here, and one can reserve them for a fee through the manager.
The park also allows hunting and a range of winter activities like snowboarding and skiing. There are several caves within the park to explore and satiate your spelunking hunger.
Best Time to Visit Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Parks
If you want to escape the extreme heat of the summer, you can come here to enjoy the chill of the caves.
How to Get to Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park
Wapsipinicon Park is on the SW side of Anamosa and just across the Wapsipinicon River. When you are coming from Highway 151, you need to take either Exit 49. From Exit 49, go north on County Road E-34 for about three miles. When you are coming down the hill, the entrance to the park will be on your right side.
Hotels near Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park
Camping is allowed in the Park’s shaded campground, which offers the perfect setting for a weekend getaway. It is a modern campground with electric and non-electric campsites, restrooms, and showers.
If you prefer to stay in hotels, you can choose any top hotels nearby. Super 8 by Wyndham Anamosa and AmericInn by Wyndham deserve special mention.
Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park Fun Facts
- Dogs are allowed in the park, and there are even 3.5 miles of hiking trails that they can use.
- The State Park shares a 1-mile shore with the Wapsipinicon River.
- The three-span bowstring arch bridge is the last in Iowa.
- Wapsipinicon State Park is one of the oldest of the 72 state parks in Iowa.
Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park Details
- Length: The length of the ice cave is estimated to be 70 ft.
- Time Recommended: 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: They are allowed but must be on a leash.
- Fees: USD 6
- Hours: 4 am to 10:30 pm
Visiting Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park
Do you need more information before visiting Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park? Call (319) 462-2761 or email Wapsipinicon State Park for an information packet.
Other Articles You May Enjoy:
- Ultimate Guide to Hendrie River Water Cave, Michigan (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Inner Space Cavern, Texas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Mystery Cave State Park, Minnesota (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Adventure Mine, Michigan (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Ice Cave at Wapsipinicon State Park, Iowa (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
