Wapsipinicon State Park
Beautiful Iowa Gem
Like many of Iowa’s natural areas, Wapsipinicon State Park began with a meeting of concerned community members. In 1921, the original site of about 160 acres was owned by Asa W. Smith. It was heavily forested and contained magnificent bluffs and scenic views. Word was spreading that Mr. Smith planned to contract with the Reformatory at Anamosa to harvest the timber, in return for half of the wood.
In short order, citizens raised $22,936 to purchase a 183.49-acre tract of land. The State of Iowa quickly accepted the gift, making Wapsipinicon State Park one of the first parks acquired as a gift. In case you are wondering how much money Anamosa citizens forked over, it was a lot: $373,130.00.
Now, instead of deforesting this pristine area, convicts were charged by the State Board of Control with making it available to the public. This was no small job and included building roads and bridges which sometimes had to be blasted through the towering bluffs. Much of the work was completed by hand, using picks, shovels and wheelbarrows. It took five years to complete.
Wapsi State Park has many unusual and beautiful features, with multiple areas for hiking and picnicking. One bonus is the public golf course contained within its boundaries. The 9-hole golf course was spearheaded by Clifford L. Niles and began with 118 charter members. It includes a clubhouse that incorporates locally sourced rock in the fireplaces and white oak that was brought in using bobsleds. The course has been open to the public since 1924.
Fast forward to 2012. Local historian Jan Pearson put together a 126-page application to make the park and surrounding areas into a Historic District. It was approved in 2014 and includes stone bridges, archeologic sites and all the forest that was once doomed to be harvested.
As you drive or hike this beautiful Iowa gem, keep in mind the generations of citizens that made it happen. Definitely, worth the drive!
