Pinicon Ridge Park

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Location

There are two entrances to the park, one each on the north and south side of the Wapsipinicon River just west of Central City.

Pinicon Ridge Park - South Access - 4732 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, hiking trails and the group camp complex.

Pinicon Ridge Park Campground - North Access - 4740 Valley Farm Road. The north entrance is accessed from Hwy. 13 by going west on Valley Farm Road. You will find our main campgrounds and cabin complex on this side of the river, along with hiking trails and a no-leash area.

Pinicon Ridge Park brochure and map

Operating Hours & Seasons

Pinicon Ridge Park is open from 4 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Campgrounds & Cabins are generally open April 15th - October 15th. Weather, ground or river conditions may contract or expand these dates. (check our official website, LinnCountyIowa.gov/Conservation for details on whether conditions allow for extension of the season)

Watercraft Concession Hours are seasonal May - September. Weekdays: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Weekends/Holidays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Hours may vary based on staffing.

Discover Pinicon Ridge Park in Central City

This 966-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.

Pinicon Ridge Park’s official website can be found at LinnCountyIowa.gov/Conservation

or click here: Pinicon Ridge Park | Linn County, IA - Official Website (linncountyiowa.gov)

CAMPING

Family campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations are accepted. All campers must self-register and pay the required fee. A dumping station for use by campers is available. Firewood is available at the campground host site. Group camping options are additionally available.

Visit the Facilities page for information about cabins, lodges, and shelters available to reserve and rent online.

CAMPING CABINS

Pintail Cabin has 2 bedrooms (sleeps up to 8 people)

Bobwhite and Aspen cabins have 1-room living area with restrooms (sleeps up to 6 people)

River Otter Cabin is a 1-room cabin with a pit vault restroom nearby (sleeps up to 6 people).

LODGES: These are enclosed facilities and available all year-round.

Horseshoe Falls Lodge

Woodpecker Lodge

SHELTERS: These shelters are open-air facilities and may be reserved April 15th - October 15th.

Eagle View

Riverside

Wapsi Bluff Shelter