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Shelter - Wapsi Bluff

4729 Horseshoe Falls Rd
Central City , IA 52214

An open air shelter and deck, which offers a breathtaking view of the Wapsipinicon River, is located just beyond the entrance of Pinicon Ridge Park. Along with a 250 person seated shelter, the facility includes new restrooms, a concrete parking lot and entrance road improvement, and bioswales to control stormwater runoff. Future development at this site will include a playground and a recreation trail connection to the park that also connects to Central City. The $2.08 million Wapsi Bluff Shelter project is funded in part by Linn County Water and Land Legacy Bonds and a $400,000 Iowa Great Places grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.  Pinicon Ridge Park is part of the Cedar-Wapsi Recreational Byway, along with Prospect Meadows and Indian Creek Nature Center, which received an Iowa Great Place designation in 2014. This redevelopment of an area that use to include a former park shop and service yard has transformed into a scenic overlook for public gatherings and events. The overlook concept was included in the Pinicon Ridge Park Master Plans, approved in 2015. 

Location

Wapsi Bluff Shelter is located in Pinicon Ridge Park on the south "day-use" side of the park. From Highway 13 turn onto Maine Ridge Drive, then right onto Horseshoe Falls Rd. Wapsi Bluff Shelter is located at 4729 Horseshoe Falls Rd., Central City, IA, 52214.

Amenities

9,500 sq. ft. venue total, including a 2,100 sq. ft. deck overlooking the river. 

  • Deck 56' x 35', except extension that is 20' x 6'
  • Patio 70' x 35' semi-circle
  • Main covered area 60' x 90'

Tables - 45 octagonal concrete tables seating up to 266 people - these cannot be moved. 41" wide. 4 ADA wheelchair accessible 

50 black folding chairs provided in storage room

15 8' beige tables provided in storage room. Seat 8 each.

Serving Counter - 36' long with 3 outlets

Electrical Outlets - total 19 receptacles with 38 outlets  available when reserved

Modern flush restrooms available when reserved

6 rolling trash cans provided with liners when reserved

2 exterior water spigots, locked, access allowed with reservation request

2 water spigots on each of the inner walls

2 pedestal grills. Cannot be moved.

Paved parking lot: approximately 80 vehicles

Overflow parking area adjacent to shelter area: approximately 18-20 vehicles

Wildlife pen sealcoated parking area: approximately 8-10 vehicles

NO parking in undesignated areas or along roadsides

Electricity
Handicap Accessible
Picnic Table
Pressurized water
Refuse cans
Restroom
Table with chairs

Fees

Monday -Thursday, $250;  Friday - Sunday, $350

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Starting April 1, Fees increase to: Monday -Thursday, $225;  Friday - Sunday, $450

Special Discount: For any reservations that are made on or after April 1, A 15% discount will be applied at time of rental purchase if you book three consecutive days. Must check out by 3 p.m. on third day.  MUST CALL CONSERVATION OFFICE at 319-892-6450 TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT AT INITIAL BOOKING. Discount not provided for existing or previous reservations. 

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Policies and Fees

Hours of Operation & Seasons

April 15 - October 15

Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Closures

Closed October 16 - April 14

Permits

Beer Keg Permit - $25. (Beer kegs are not allowed in cabins, campgrounds, or park spaces. A permit for a beer keg for a lodge or shelter event must be purchased upon reservation checkout, or can be added after initial reservation by calling Conservation Headquarters at 319-892-6450). 

Special use permits and proof of liability insurance may be required for additional features, including large tents with stakes, extra portable restrooms, bounce houses, water pools, etc. Special use permits are obtained by speaking with the park ranger at 319-438-6616.