This 25-acre park lies in the heart of Cantril. It's a dream come true for visitors and residents alike. A hike on the 1-1/2 mile rock trail will take you past the lovely one acre pond, complete with a fountain, and through wooded, prairie, and wilderness areas. The park is filled with identified native trees, wild flowers and small wildlife, all of which add interest along the trail. Whether crossing one of the three covered bridges or resting on one of the many park benches, this park is a nature lover's dream.
Dreams of community cooperation have resulted in a hive of activity during every season in the park. For II years, the park was transformed into the Haunted Waubonsie Trail for three nights preceding Halloween. Over 50,000 visitors walked the trail with over 100 community volunteers behind the spooky scenes and scary props. This event has been discontinued so other dreams can be pursued. The Easter Bunny still arrives each spring to supervise the Easter egg hunt enjoyed by many children. The Christmas season brings lighted holiday displays along the trail from Thanksgiving to New Year 's Day. A free will donation is accepted for the self-guided tour of this Enchanted Forest. Summer will find many enjoying the trail's newest addition, a 9-hole disc golf course. Bring your discs and follow the well-marked course for an afternoon of fun and healthy exercise for the entire family. A Wildflower Tour, also new in 20I0 will be held to educate visitors about the beautiful native flowers that are abundant throughout the park.
A relaxing interlude awaits you at the Waubonsie Trail Park Campground. On the west side of the park, campers will find modern camping facilities. There are 16 sites with electric and water hookups and II include sewer service as well. Waubonsie Campground also offers a tent camping area and a rental cabin that sleeps four people. An ultra clean modern shower house is available to all campers including those in tents. A shaded play ground provides safe fun for all children. Completing the park are two picnic shelters that may be reserved for family or group gatherings. The largest picnic shelter can accommodate up to 50 visitors and is new to the park in 2009.Reservations for camping or the shelter facilities may be made at 319-397-2193.
"A Bright Spot on the Waubonsie Trail,"
Cantril, Iowa continues to serve as a bright
spot to visitors in southeast Iowa. It is a
town where dreams become completed
projects. A non-profit organization, Grass
Roots, was formed by community members
to oversee the community projects that have
become reality. A town where, if we dream
it, we can do it!
The Dutchman ' s Store, started as a dream in 1985, is a lasting dream for the Cantril community. This old-fashioned grocery and dry goods store is a treasure to be explored.The store is filled with fresh fruits and
vegetables, bulk and canned foods, as well as foot wear, toys, craft supplies, fabric, fresh bakery items, a deli, spices , and a bulk candy
aisle. This is more than a shopping experience, it's a must see for the entire family!
Proudly standing at the west edge of Waubonsie Park is Township Hall. It is air conditioned,handicapped accessible and is equipped with a kitchen and large meeting
room. Although it has many modern amenities , the historic aspects of the building
have been maintained. Reservations are available for families and groups by calling
319-397-22 69 or 397-2216. With a dream of maintaining health, a new fitness center is
located in the basement.The fitness center is filled with the latest exercise equipment
and is open to residents involved in the Van Buren Healthy Villages Program.
Lake Sugema, a 570 acre lake surrounded by 3600 acres of public hunting. Rental cabins, camping area, and boat launch 5 miles east on Highway 2.
Fox River Wetlands, waterfowl hunting and public access, east of Mt. Sterling.
Lacey Keosauqua State Park, near Keosauqua. Enjoy camping, fishing, picnic areas, swimming, hiking and boating at Iowa‘s Largest State Park.
Historic Villages of Van Buren, including the Villages of Bentonsport, Birmingham, Bonaparte, Farmington, Douds/Leando, Iowaville/Selma, Keosauqua, Milton, Mt. Sterling, Pittsburg, and Stockport.
The Cantril area is home to Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities. Several of the businesses in town are owned by Mennonite families. Amish families have businesses at their homes. These can be found along Highway 2 and on V64 and J40 near Lebanon. Watch for homemade signs along the roadway. They are very friendly and will be glad to visit with you on week days and Saturdays. You will find buggies sharing the roadways, and horse drawn equipment in the fields. Although their homesteads and transportation are picturesque, please respect their privacy by not photographing the Amish families.
The Big Fox and Little Fox River Valleys form a border around the Cantril area. Deer, wild turkey, game bird and waterfowl hunting is available on public land. The DeVoss-Foster Wildlife area is just North of the Waubonsie Park on Highway 2.
