This 925-acre park along the Wapsipinicon River has long been admired for its scenic natural beauty. The hilly, heavily wooded area is divided by the river and home to many species of wildlife. Beginning as a rural picnic ground in the 1960s, Pinicon Ridge Park has been developed into a modern recreation area – a regional destination for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Location
Pinicon Ridge is located in NE Linn County, just west of Central City, IA. There are two entrances to the park, one each on the north and south side of the Wapsipinicon River. Access to the south entrance is off Maine Ridge Road from Hwy. 13, and then turning north (right) on Horseshoe Falls Road. This side of the park is home to the lodges and shelters, wildlife exhibit, watercraft rentals & canoe trips, the landmark observation tower, disc golf, hiking trails and the group camp complex. The north entrance is accessed from Hwy. 13 by going west on Valley Farm Road, and turning south (left) on Flying Squirrel Trail. You will find our main campgrounds and cabin complex on this side of the river, along with hiking trails and a hunting/dog exercise area. For a map of the park, click here.
Features
Park amenities include:
- Camping & Cabins
- 2 Enclosed, year round lodges
- 2 open shelters, seasonal
- Observation Tower
- Wilidlife Exhibit
- Lighted winter sledding hill
- Trails (available year-round)
- Hunting & dog training area
- Playground(s)
- Frisbee Golf
- Watercraft Concession/Canoe Trips
- Boat Ramp & Canoe/Kayak Access
- Shooting Range
Operating Hours & Seasons
- Campgrounds & Cabins are generally open from April 15 – October 15th (Weather, ground or river conditions may contract or expand these dates)
- Watercraft Concession hours (seasonal May-October): Weekdays – 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Weekends/Holidays – 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
