Visit Central City

Whether you’re on a day trip, an overnight excursion, or just passing through, there are plenty of great ways to play and stay in Central City. Get to know our parks and playgrounds, natural areas, campgrounds, museums and other attractions.

City Landscape

Parks and Playgrounds of Central City

“The Puddle” Splash Pad & Play Area

“The Puddle” located on South 4th Street in Central City is a modern splash pad with a large water play area, playground equipment, and a picnic area.

Brendel Park

Brendel Park features a modern playground and covered pavilion available for public use.

Riverside Park

Located right on the Central City Trail, Riverside Park has a picturesque gazebo with an adjacent playground, and easy access for riverside fishing.

Veteran's Memorial Park

Veteran’s Memorial Park is home to many of the city’s summertime activities including Farmer’s Markets, live music, and movies in the park.

Pinicon Ridge County Park

Explore miles of trails, check out the Observation Tower and Mary Lundby Bridge, go fishing at one of the many fishing jetties, bring your own boat or rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat and get on the water in this 1,018-acre park along the Wapsipinicon River.

Wakpicada Natural Area

Pronounced with a silent “K”, Wakpicada is a 352-acre natural area along the Wapsipinicon River. The area features oxbow wetlands and several ponds for excellent fishing. It’s also home to several primitive camping sites, and a small boat launch for access to the river south of town.

Camping in Central City

Pinicon Ridge Camping Grounds

Camping is a popular outdoor recreation activity at Pinicon Ridge Park. Campgrounds are open from April 15-October 15 and offer campsites that range from primitive sites with no hookups to modern sites with electricity and water, as well as group campgrounds for larger gatherings. There are also primitive campsites at the Wakpicada Natural Area.

Camping

Central City Sporting Attractions

Meadowview Country Club

Meadowview Country Club is a 9-hole public golf course located on the east edge of Central City. The course features bent grass greens and narrow, bluegrass fairways. Well-placed sand, trees and water features create challenges for even the most experienced players.

North Linn Fish & Game

North Linn Fish & Game has been in operation for more than 60 years and is supported by annual memberships. The sportsman’s club offers a modern clubhouse, covered shooting ranges, automatic trap shooting, archery tower and competitive rifle matches. The range is open for trap shooting every Wednesday night throughout the year.

The Linn County Fair

Tens of thousands of people converge on Central City each June for The Linn County Fair. It’s a celebration of our agrarian roots along with live music, fireworks, and racing.

Museums

History buffs can visit the four museums operated by the Central City Historical Society: The Sawyer House Museum, The J.C. Clegg Library Museum, The School House Museum, and The Brown Farm Museum.