Wapsi State Park Playground
Hey everybody!
Today I’m sharing our experiences at the playground at Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa, IA!
Wapsi park playground features two play structures, one smaller and one larger, swings, high/low bars, a pavilion, AND it’s nestled in the state park with plenty to explore.
When you arrive at the entrance of Wapsi State Park, there are two directions you can go. It’s really just a big loop. To get to the playground, take the low road to the left closer to the river and just follow it all the way around until you see the playground. Just remember to go slowly because it’s a park road so people may be walking and other cars may be coming in the other direction.
When you get to the playground, there’s a small parking lot right next to the playground and additional parking just across the road.
It’s worth noting that Wapsi Park has what is referred to as the “upside down bridge” right near the playground. This is an area of road that dips down and cars to drive through some shallow water. There is a pedestrian bridge that goes over the water for those not driving. When it’s hot out, I have seen kids playing in the water at the upside down bridge as well. That’s up to your parental discretion as to whether you allow your kiddos to do that.
Wapsi state park also has a nice golf course, winding trails, camping areas, caves to explore, and more.
Bathrooms: There are park bathrooms right across the road from the playground. I didn’t check them out but they are there.
Surface: The surface at the playground is those black rubbery squares. Unfortunately the ones here are pretty worn. They’re uneven, some of the corners are curling up, some of the squares are caved in, and weirdly some of them have bubbled up. I’m not sure what that’s all about but the kids kind of enjoyed bouncing on the bubbled squares. There is pavement going around the perimeter of the playground area.
Accessibility: The playground is not super wheels friendly. Like I said, there is a sidewalk that goes around the perimeter of the playground area, but it’s kind of bumpy and the playground surface itself is quite bumpy too. There is a little ramp from the pavement to the playground surface, but it’s almost counterproductive from my perspective and just gets in the way of those walking around the outskirts of the playground.
Baby/Toddler Friendly?: While there is a smaller play structure, it’s not super toddler friendly. There are 2 baby swings, though.
Shade: While tons of beautiful mature trees can be found a the park, there is no shade on the playground itself aside from the couple “roofs” on the play structures. The pavilion near the playground can provide shade for onlookers, like mama and baby watching the older kids play.
Picnicability: Wapsi park offers lots of picnic options throughout the park: pavilions, picnic tables near the playground, and plenty of other pretty park picnic places.
Pros: Wapsipinicon state park is a beautiful park, the playground is secluded, the play equipment is fun and novel (“doors”/houses, slides, tunnel), there are decent sight lines for caregivers to watch the kids play, AND it’s small enough I could do laps around the playground with the stroller while my 4yo played.
Cons: The main cons are the lack of shade and lack of accessibility. It could be considered a con that it’s “out of the way” because you’re not gonna just happen to go by it and stop to play; you do have to drive there purposefully… however that could also be considered a pro because there’s not a lot of traffic.
Overall, Wapsi state park is beautiful and it’s nice to play at a fun little playground nestled back in the park.
Have you been to Wapsi state park? What did you think?
