Pinicon Ridge Watchtower
Posted by: 
welch
N 42° 12.706 W 091° 32.609
15T E 620225 N 4674315
65 ft observation tower in Pinicon Ridge country park, Linn county, Iowa.
Waymark Code: WMNBD
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 08/25/2006
Views: 65
The tower:
The observation tower has a platform which is 65 feet above ground and 1,021 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest points in Linn County. The view from the observation platform is breathtaking as you look out over the wooded hills and valleys of the Wapsipinicon River Valley. Autumn is an especially good time to climb the tower and enjoy the striking leaf color from an aerial perspective.
History:
"The tower was constructed in 1965 at a cost of $19,000. The main support structure was purchased from the then Link-Belt Speeder Company of Cedar Rapids for $2. It had originally been destined to become a harbor crane on the east coast - but was determined to be too small. The tower was temporarily closed in 1992 due to liability concerns. A $150,000 funding package was put together by 1994, and following a year-long renovation, the tower was reopened to the public in 1995."
I don't know the all the things done during the renovation, but newer pictures of the tower will show the new fencing/wire mesh to totally enclose the stairway. Also four poles were welded into the corners for stability.
Visting:
The tower is generally open daylight hours, in the spring, summer and fall. The tower is locked up during the winter. There are several parking spots near the base of the tower. There is no fee for parking or to go up the tower. This is an easy stairway tower, there are many steps but I don't know the number.
There are a number of geocaches in/around Pinicon Ridge park, the closest being
, which actually starts at the tower.