Urbana, IA

Wildcat Bluff

4.675(based on 60 reviews)
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11 0
EspressoPatronum
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 19.3 years 316 played 298 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Lives Up to the Hype!

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 13, 2024 Played the course:once

Pros:

Basics:
- Mach X baskets are decent and fairly visible
- decent concrete tees showing their age but serviceable
- full color tee signs with current pin position marked
- well maintained area with no notable trash/unkempt grounds

Amenities/Extras:
- garbage cans and benches at every hole
- most holes have 2 tees and 3 pin positions
- tee signs show elevation change
- tee signs have QR codes for hole fly-throughs
- brooms for tee pads
- a few nice built-in staircases
- built in barrier to protect hole 16 tee pad

Course Design/General Thoughts:
- significant elevation change incorporated throughout
- tees are flat even on uneven sections of course
- straightforward navigation
- fairways well separated for safety
- good mix of hole lengths
- overall a fairly long course
- holes do not feel repetitive and course offers significant variety

Difficulty/Uniqueness:
- pin positions offer major differences in hole lengh for different experiences
- fair course that isn't punishing but with a fair level of challenge
- course plays technical enough to force lines and shot selection
- hole 21 has vibes of Blue Ribbon Pines #4
- incorporates virtually every element of an excellent disc golf course

Cons:

- camping area is closed in offseason - long walk to course
- parking is very limited in offseason
- some moderate rough and dry leaves can swallow discs
- could be nice if 2 baskets were populated per hole at all times for different skill levels
- limited water inclusion

Other Thoughts:

Sometimes when I wait a long time to play a course, I overhype it in my head. I kind of felt like that would be the case with Wildcat Bluff - after all, how good could the elevation change really be in Central Iowa? Well, as I've learned in other flat states (Nebraska, Kansas, etc.) there are pockets of magic if you know where to look. Wildcat Bluff is a phenomenal course that is well worth a trip out of your way. It didn't earn one of my elusive 5s, but is very close and I really don't have any major cons to note.

Wildcat Bluff is one of those courses that does everything right. It has built in stairs and barricades as needed, but its well laid out to avoid interference between holes so there aren't many instances of this. The equipment is all good to great, with the tee signs being some of the best I've ever seen, showing current pin position, alternate pin positions, alternate tees, elevation change and profile of the entire hole, plus full color and distance/par on the maps. All courses should emulate these.

Elevation change was intense and significant, but the comparison I saw to Hummel Park is laughable. Play both and see what you think - both fantastic courses, but Hummel is in a different echelon of brutal uphill hiking. Wildcat Bluff has a lot of up and down activity but didn't feel quite as strenuous as courses like Hummel or Justin Trails - Big Brother.

The course is technical and wooded but doesn't have incredibly tight, punishing fairways. Usually you need to hit your line but you aren't relying on luck. With that said, some fairways do have plenty of tree obstacles so this course can teach you a few lessons about precision. Shot variety is excellent, with uphill and downhill shots as well as flat ones. Overall, the course is pretty long but there is good hole variety and options with 2 tees. Technically, there is water on this course but it's not really incorporated and is one of the main downsides to the design.

I could see the benefit of populating 2 baskets so there was always a shorter option for newer players, as the pin positions make a huge difference in overall course length. Note that in the winter the camping area closes, and this means you are locked out of the main parking lot. Several holes are added in the camping area but I can't imagine these are that exciting, as this area is largely open and flat. I managed to show up the day before they opened the gate to the camping/parking area, but all the winter holes had been removed, so I had the honor of hiking across the whole camping area from the offseason parking to the start of the course - not my favorite, but it's a small thing. Navigation felt straightforward here; hole 21 ends very close to hole 1 near the in-season parking area, and while I probably consulted the map a few times, the flow of the course is pretty logical.

I saw no evidence of muddy areas or standing water and the course was in immaculate condition. There were no insect issues either, which is always a plus on a course this wooded. While it wasn't especially crowded, in mid-April on a Saturday at midday there were probably 5-10 groups playing through this course. It is a large enough course you don't always encounter a ton of other people.

There were a few holes I found notable. Hole 11 is a huge ravine shot where you want to end up high on the other side - who doesn't love these? This is followed by hole 12 which is a steep downhill shot where you break out of the woods right at the end to the basket out in the open before you cut across the park to the 2nd half of the course. Hole 19 has an elevated basket, which I usually find gimmicky. However, I think this is one of the few good ones. The elevation means it can be seen from the tee despite being mounted on the downhill side of a little hill. It also means if you miss your shot, you are headed downhill and kind of screwed. I like the challenge this shot creates. Hole 21 is a cool shot down a straightaway through huge pine trees which reminded me of Blue Ribbon Pines - thankfully over the years I've improved and did much better here than the 11 I scored on the similar hole at BRP. These aren't quite as towering as the pines at BRP, but this is one of those holes where ability to throw a straight, precision drive trumps distance.

Overall, Wildcat Bluff was well worth the time off the interstate to get to and was an amazing disc golf experience I'd encourage everyone to seek out. I can't imagine many players scoring this course below a 4.5 and the 5s it has certainly seem warranted depending on your perspective. This is one of the gems of the midwest and shouldn't be missed.
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16 0
knobby325
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 9.3 years 335 played 252 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Wildcat Still Rules

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 20, 2024 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Best Signage anywhere (full map of hole, elevation change, marker for which location the basket is in, QR code links to video overview of hole, marks for where the next tee is)
-Good use of terrain and location, off by itself in a mostly disc golf only part of the park
-Multiple all concrete tees for many holes
-Multiple pin locations (At least 2 for each hole and as many as 4 for some)
-Rough not so punishing as to lose discs
-Good Map
-Benches and trash cans are plentiful
-Upkeep is good, on going, and mostly volunteer
-Winter layout upgrades to 30 holes (See notes at bottom)

Cons:

-Couple of areas need work on steps that have been washed out (down #11 and #12)
-Beast of a course to hike up and down for the Am/Rec player
-Light on facilities

Other Thoughts:

TL: DR - Amazing course, go play it!

On many top ten lists for many reasons, Wildcat Bluff plays in the western part of the Wildcat Bluff Recreation area located just a few miles south of Urbana, IA.

The mechanics are top notch. Concrete tees are in place for every hole with 13 of 21 having alternate tees, all in concrete as well. Most tee boxes have benches, brooms, and trash cans. The signage is superb including amazing, detailed descriptions and even a QR code that leads to a flyover video of the hole. (Cell service IS a little spotty in area, so be aware.) Just under each sign hangs a letter designating the pin position for each hole. The bright orange Mach X baskets are relatively easy to see and catch well. Every hole has at least 2 pin positions (rotated regularly) and some have as many as 4.

The space lends to good challenges and wonderful views. The course opens in a small field but winds the rest of the track though a moderately wooded area with lots of elevation. Fairways are decent in size with lots of trees to challenge your shot. The signature hole is #11. A set of stairs (aptly signed as the "Stairway to 11") top out at the red tees with a look over a long shot down and up a valley. You can take a right and go up further for the shot from the blue tees. Even in this valley, water doesn't often come into play. There is a small stream to shoot over on the blue #1 tee that is also behind the #12 basket, but that is it for water hazards. What was the other signature hole here, unfortunately, lost a bit. #20 had an arching fallen tree crossing over the fairway. It succumbed in 2023, to much sadness. However, it would be a signature hole on many other courses as it stands now. Your track finishes up in a literal grid of trees with a couple of nice carvings of mushrooms at the back.

The course is a challenge, yet approachable. The Red tees run a little over 6500' with approximately 18 floors of climb. It will wear out the rec player. Blue tees run that to over 7600' and 24 floors. This course takes time and patience. As a rec player, I'm lucky to average a bogey per hole, even on the red tees. With the ever rotating pin positions and varied tee boxes, it's a little different every time you throw here.

Facilities are a bit lacking here. One set of toilets near the tee box for #21 is all that there is. The parking lot can seem really small on a busy day (and it does get busy here). There are couple sets of stairs that need some work (although I'm sure the Wildcat crew has them in their sights). The steps down from #11 red tees need some work and could use a few more to get to the bottom. The #12 steps are getting washed out. Small dings in an otherwise amazing course.

What keeps this as my top course ever played is the fact that I want to go back, again and again. It's a big deal to get here. My work takes me in the area a few times a year and I always hope to have the time to play it before the sun goes down. It's a tough course, and I'm an old, fat man with questionable knees. Let's go play this. Then next time we're in the area, let's go play again.

30 Hole Winter Layout
During the time that the campground area is closed, Wildcat bumps this up to a 30-hole track. 5 holes are added in the campground. 3 of the longest holes put pins in both the shortest and longest pin position and add a tee in the middle (#7, #17 and #20) and the practice basket becomes a hole after #12. All of these use a rubber mat for a tee box. The Wildcat folks leave updated scorecards with the map for this run near the locked gate at which you park at. The 5 in the campground and the one after #12 are mostly open shots, but still add to the joy of playing Wildcat and pushing it out to an almost 9000' layout. If you get the weather and the time, go out and get this one in, too.
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17 0
srsmith31
Experience: 7 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

A hidden gem! drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 27, 2023 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is absolutely amazing, but also very punishing. It is well-maintained and very clean. The course is fairly long for being tree-lined but you are reward for making good, accurate throws.

This course has seen numerous upgrades over the years. Each hole has typically A, B, or C (sometimes D) locations, and indication is shown accordingly. The signage is excellent! On long holes, there are wooden markers showing how far you are away from said hole, so might be "A-240, B-300, C-360" which is very useful for people that are new to the course.

Each tee box has a broom which is a nice touch. At the highest point of course (start of hole 16) there is a beautiful lookout and gazebo to sit and relax.

Also, there are little markers showing the 10m radius around the basket, which I have rarely come across in other courses, however it adds a great touch for the die hard players.

Cons:

I can see a casual disc golfer being very frustrated with this course, as it is pretty tight and treelined. Even with 2 tee boxes on some holes, it requires fairly precise throws. However, even with my most errant tee shots, I never lost a disc.

Other Thoughts:

Pins are already set; I don't know who determines what pin location, however on some of the holes, I've never seen anything but the long pin.

Also, you do have to drive back about 1/2 mile off the main highway and you'll be wondering, "am I in the right spot?" but after passing the campground you'll see the road end with parking and signage for the course. But for the avid disc golfer, this is a must play!
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21 1
SaralaAnne
Experience: 12.6 years 18 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

They're not bluffing, it's the best. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 1, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Amazing signage. All pin placements were shown on the sign, and the pin location shown bellow it. Also elevation changes were shown on the bottom of the signs.-Fantastic tee pads. Very roomy, level, and in great shape. The brooms on each sign pole were a nice touch that I've never seen anywhere else. -Garbage cans on almost every tee. -Lots of benches, and even a little rest area by hole 16s tee pads with a lattice backing so you can't get hit from behind. A nice little break after the massive walk uphill on 15.-Camping on site. Not a lot of camping areas, but it's seriously right next to the course. There's two tent spaces on hole one. Can't get any closer than that. -Quite a few little eater eggs. From wood carvings throughout the course to a face on one of the trees. Makes you want to take your time and really look around. -Challanging course. Lots of elevation changes, and lots of trees to hit. Seriously, expect to hit at least one on each hole, and be shocked if you don't.

Cons:

-No, really, it's hard. Like i said, you will hit trees. Lots of them. -Small parking lot. When we got there, it wasn't very busy, but when we left the lot was full.

Other Thoughts:

Honestly, we had a hard time finding cons for this course. The elevation changes are intense, and there's only maybe 3 flat shots on the whole course. With that being said, it's not one for small children unless they're very enthusiastic about joining you. Park was very clean and extremely well taken care of. They obviously take pride in having the highest ranking course in the state and it shows. Holes 20 and 21 were some of the most fun on the course, and hole 19 with the tree arch provided a unique obstacle. We drove 2 hours just to play this course and have zero regrets.
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15 0
Mhageman4
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.5 years 42 played 41 reviews
5.00 star(s)

The Perfect Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 28, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Two tee pads (red are short, blue are long) at each hole. Basket has multiple pin layouts (A,B,C,D) and the tee sign tells you whihc letter the basket is currently at so you know exactly where to throw and how far, along with the map for each one.

Cement pads are phenomenal.

There are even painted bricks along your path on the fairways telling you how far you are to each potential basket location at the time.

Trash cans are everywhere!

Rest benches and shelters after you climb some big hills are available for whenever you need a break.

Grass is never tall, and although it is thick with trees, you can raraly lose a disc because of all the anti-weeding and woodchips that have been placed down,

Cons:

If you can't throw a straight disc, you won't like this place... but that is also a lie, just hiking the course without playing frisbee is worth a trip!! (4.5 miles logged through the 21 holes according to my fitbit).

Bug spray is needed, but duh, you are in the woods. Doesn't take away from the course at all!!!

Other Thoughts:

The perfect course. Its in the woods and is heavily wooded (understatement maybe lol) but there are enough woodchips and constant maintainence that you can always find you disc even off of the path.

Perfect, phenomenal, insert other positive adjectives here...
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22 0
Upshawt1979
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 21.4 years 562 played 429 reviews
5.00 star(s)

No Bluff, Wildcat Rules 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 24, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a triumph of modern disc golf. I applaud those responsible for the design, installation and upkeep of the course. Bravo! Given a perfect piece of land to work with, the layout mixes in all types of shots. The heavy woods and elevation changes present ultimate test of your precision and accuracy. Most holes offer long and short tees, and multiple pin locations, so the look of individual holes may be very different from one round to the next.

The tee signs are perhaps the best I have seen, with an illustration, elevation change shown with a cool profile at the bottom, and the current pin position indicated on the post. There are even QR codes that link to video fly throughs on each hole. The tee boxes are lined with pavers, and they are roomy and level. The baskets are florescent orange and stand out from a distance. The longer holes will often have benchmark pavers placed mid fairway and stenciled with the remaining distance to each pin placement. The hills can be steep, but the stairs are all sturdy and well constructed. The covered deck on hole 16 is about as nice a place to stop for a rest as you will get on any course.

I can't break down every hole, but there are a few that need attention. First and foremost, hole 11. I chuckled when is saw the stairway to 11 sign. I stopped laughing when I got to the short tee. I looked toward the basket and saw a great hole, then looked up to the long tee and took in the rest of the stairway. It is kind of like making your way toward the pearly gates of disc golf heaven. The photos in the gallery here don't really do it justice. I do think the photo on the Wildcat Bluff page on Facebook captures it pretty well with the basket to tee POV. What a view down the hill, across the ravine and up the other side. I wanted to throw everything I had from that perch. Signature hole is understating it.

I liked the downhill fairway on 12 as well, and the tight gaps that allow clear flight to the field at the bottom. 16 was another fun downhill drive with the fairway lined by trees on each side. 17 is a winding fairway with a wild elevation profile.

Cons:

Mach 10 baskets are in great condition, but they never seem to treat me right. No birdies here didn't help me with that notion. I bonked baskets, splashed the chains, and ricocheted the rims. No love.

The difficulty here is high. I love this type of course but some will disagree. My round was from the long tees, but the shorts looked like they still had some teeth. If you don't like a challenge skip this one.

Holes 19-21 felt a little underwhelming compared to the first 18, some bonus holes to get you back to the car. 3 extra holes is a pretty sweet con, though.

Other Thoughts:

Judging from some of the old photos, this course has been getting upgrades regularly. The conditions were great on the day I visited. A little hot and humid, but no serious mud. Not a piece of litter that I was able to spot.

My biggest regret was playing West Lake and Shaver earlier in the day. I went in the wrong order, should have made Wildcat Bluff the first stop. I would have liked to have fresh legs for this one.

My score was way over par (+13 to be exact). No birds. I felt slightly better when I compared my card to some of the other posted rounds later. Apparently it isn't uncommon to shoot in the upper 70's here. I would love to make a return trip and try it again.

My tenth course in Iowa, and my favorite in the state. Reminds me of what Longview is to Kansas or Hummel is to Nebraska. Instant favorite, and I recommend it to all my disc golf buddies. Destination course for sure.
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12 0
Cujo
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 30.4 years 254 played 31 reviews
5.00 star(s)

My favorite course. Wooded Paradise 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 29, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is a GEM. Hole design from Hole 1 to the final hole is excellent. Elevation changes, heavily wooded, moderately wooded, tunnel shots, epic shots, Hole 20 has to be the most beautiful hole in the Midwest when you step onto the tee pad. That fallen tree, the lush green grass. it's awesome.

This course will punish you if you hit early trees. All rough is rough/pitch out. You need every shot, a little luck and a lot of skill to score here.

Nice bright orange baskets!

The multiple pads are really different. Playing this course from the long pads is ProTour stuff.

21 holes here too. All excellent. Even the little shorty is deceptive as it's kinda downhill and you really have to control the speed of the disc.

Cons:

Having to drive 5mph down the road to get there.
ummm....only one gas station close for snacks....

Other Thoughts:

This course is a tireless passion of the folks that maintain it and it shows. It's amazing. Always in great shape. Nothing more to be said that hasn't been said many times over in other reviews. Just go play it
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3 6
outsidedogs
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Best in Iowa 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 4, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Feel free to read the other reviews for detailed pros but the course is great. So much fun and good people.

Course has a fair amount of elevation and wooded holes for a course in Iowa.

Cons:

Again please see other reviews for cons but my one gripe would be a lack of water holes. But overall just an excellent course that is well worth a trip off Interstate 80 if traveling through Iowa.
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11 0
jgassman1991
Experience: 8.4 years 22 played 1 reviews
5.00 star(s)

One of the best wooded courses in Iowa! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 12, 2019 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- 21 hole course with a great layout and multiple basket locations
- easy to navigate with excellent signage for each hole
- lots of challenging obstacles and terrain
- perfect course for tournaments
- well maintained trails and built in steps to get around course
- benches and trash cans at almost every hole
- beautiful scenery throughout course
- camping available

Cons:

- not an easy course for beginners
- some fairways are long and narrow making it easy to loose discs if you miss your gap
- difficult terrain to walk if you are use to flat courses
- only one open hole
- wooded course so there will be poison ivy and bugs at different times of the year

Other Thoughts:

If you like playing wooded courses this is the place for you. The volunteers that maintain the course keep it in excellent condition year round. I've been playing here for 5+ years and continue to come back for its challenging terrain and unique design. The course architects continue to make upgrades and changes that keep this course challenging and unique for the state of Iowa.
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12 0
benny34
Experience: 18.6 years 55 played 15 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Wooded Course at its best! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 15, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

+ Hole design provides may risk/reward decisions
+ Fairways are fair but getting off track is punishing to your score (not your bag)
+ To score well you should think about landing zones before stepping up to throw
+ Great use of elevation
+ Variety of hole shapes to really stress throws you might not use every round
+ Bright Baskets easy to spot (and catchy too)
+ Very helpful signage
+ Nice teepads
+ Lots of memorable holes (#1, #11, #14, #20, #21)
+ Good "two throw" par 4s

Cons:

- Cell reception was spotty for me
- It was not wet when I played but I could see this being potentially tricky to get up and down the hills if it has rained recently

Other Thoughts:

This is my favorite course that I have played. I love that every hole is unique and requires some thought on how to play the hole. You can try to go big and are rewarded for hitting your lines (and there are fair lines), but punished for going off course. The punishment is not tall weeds to lose your disc in. Instead you are facing tricky decisions on how much you want to try to bite off and get back on track. There are plenty of risk/reward holes out here. The longer holes require consideration on how you attack them to score the best. The par 4s are legitimately two well executed throws to get a chance for birdie. This course uses its elevation and land available very well. Overall this is a course worth going out of your way for. I would advise anyone looking for a wooded course to check it out.
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8 1
iconoclastes
Experience: 11.4 years 84 played 10 reviews
4.50 star(s)

A Top 25 Course for sure 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 4, 2018 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Perfectly laid out with new baskets, easy to navigate and hard to throw, varied shots, varied elevations.. I love it. Easily a 4.5 but I wouldn't argue with someone giving it 5. You wind back to the parking lot a little over half way through as well which is nice if you need to re-up on sunscreen, mosquito spray or beverages. Very good wooden maps of each hole with garbages throughout the course. Wildcat Bluff has it all for every player and even beginners would enjoy this course for its beauty and enjoyment.

Cons:

I feel I'm kind of reaching here for a con, but if I had to give one I'd say many holes here would be a signature hole on most courses, it does seem to lack its own signature hole.

Other Thoughts:

This is one of the best courses in the country. I have played 8 of the current top 25 and this course should be up there. It was a great time and I can't wait to play it again.
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18 1
wolfhaley
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 20.5 years 1165 played 745 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 22, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

This amazing course is set up deep in the park in a disc golf exclusive area. The property here is gorgeous to say the least. It is completely away from everything non disc golf and is like you're in the remote wilderness of Alaska it seems at times. The tee pads are fantastic. They are made of bricks/blocks but are all very nice sized, level and were very grippy. Six holes I believe have dual tees. We played all the long tees which are labeled as the hole number B. The others are just the hole number. The baskets here are, again, top notch. They're beautiful, bright, almost blaze orange colored powder coated Mach X's that all catch great and are amazingly easy to spot in the woods which is almost the best part of them. The flow of the course is well thought out and pretty darn easy to follow. The first and thirteenth hole both start and end by the parking lot. This is always nice to have for longer, more challenging courses like this. Actually for any course this is nice. The course is free to play (what?) with restrooms right by the parking lot. The tee signs aren't the most spectacular things I've ever seen but more than serve their purpose. They all have the hole number in bold (and a B next to the number designating the longs), Par, and distances to the anywhere from 2 to 4 pin locations. They also have every pin position currently in play marked with a color coded circle on the post below each sign, which is extremely helpful with so many pin positions possible. All were accurate too. Last there is a basic route tree of possible pin positions on each sign. the course was well maintained, well immaculately maintained and one of the cleanest I've seen to date. There are quite a few benches and steps throughout to help with the overall aesthetic of everything.

Cons:

There are not too many cons I can think of at the moment. There's the typical ones. The bugs can be bad at times, The rough is rough in spots, blah, blah, blah.... When and if you play here you should expect all these usual cons. That's what you get playing rugged wild disc golf. I guess if I had to nitpick a little I'd say the signs aren't the best I've seen but this is really a stretch to say the least. A more thorough hole map would be kind of nice on a few I guess. A few. And I guess. The parking area isn't the largest? Is that a con? No. It is not. So I guess that's all I got.

Other Thoughts:

I can't speak on if this is the best course in Iowa because this was my first trip there. But this course compares favorably with some other courses I have played. Rollin Ridge, Blue Ribbon, Highbridge complex, Lincoln Ridge, Zobel, Idlewild, Visionquest etc. Not to name drop but I've played some of the top rated courses on this site and this one stacks up head to head with all that I've played. If you're anywhere remotely close to here I'd recommend it for above average players. As for my rating, I gave it a 4 and a half. This is as high as I personally rate a course because I haven't played all the courses out there, therefore I can't honestly give out a 5, which is the best of the best. I've been consistent in my ratings with this. This should not deter you from playing by any means. I can't wait to get down to cedar rapids as this will be on my list again for sure. Must play.
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5 2
BriMar
Experience: 10.4 years 30 played 17 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Best Course in the Area 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 1, 2017 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-More than 18 holes
-Beautiful, really well thought out
-VERY challenging
-Easy to navigate
-Can camp just a few feet away from the course and camp ground has water access for boats/kayaks

Cons:

-VERY challenging
-No water challenge hole, through there are a few small creeks that run through the course when it's not too dry
-Can get busy on weekends

Other Thoughts:

I'm new to the sport but I love this course and I try to challenge myself to it every weekend (I live only a mile north). It's not east and I fail more than I succeed, but it's such a beautiful, well design course that I always chalk it up to experience and a good hike. A lot of experienced players love this course and I see them there every time I go. Not too bad to find, take the southern Urbana exit off I-380, drive into Urbana, turn south onto Union Dr. and keep going south until you see the sign for Wild Bluff Recreational Facility on your right. It's the first road (gravel ) before you cross the river. Have fun!
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7 2
dickwolf
Experience: 28.4 years 50 played 21 reviews
5.00 star(s)

incredible 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 26, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

-extremely well thought out holes.
-great signage
-amazing detail and care taken
-great pads
-great baskets (nice touch being orange for visibility)
-wonderful elevation, creek, ravine, meadow, forest use.
-very challenging, but fair for slightly better than intermediate to advanced players.
-requires multiple discs and knowing how to use them.
-birdies and double bogies available. probably more double bogies, but fair.

Cons:

seriously? this course is too great, that is its only flaw. sorry, sounds dumb, but its true.

Other Thoughts:

every hole is as a dream hole, and the signature hole at most courses. hole for hole, this is the best disc golf course i have ever played. this is the course i vision in my head when i dream up a perfect disc golf property. so well thought out and so perfectly done it is unfair to overword. if you are ANYWHERE near this and i mean 200 miles or less, do not miss wildcat bluff.
tough, fair, BEAUTIFUL!!!
just down the road is 45 min. is shaver park in cedar rapids making it an incredible 1-2 punch.
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2 9
TeebirdDan
Experience: 21.4 years 90 played 24 reviews
4.50 star(s)

iowas best course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 20, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

great land ,with a awsome design , epic downhill fairway with staircase . hole 17 is one that stands out in my mind too

Cons:

hard place to find ,down some backroads

Other Thoughts:

onlything missing here was a water hole really pretty place
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2 8
conroy_01
Experience: 19.6 years 28 played 6 reviews
5.00 star(s)

My new favorite course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 3, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I bot love and hate this course. It's a beautiful quiet secluded course that can and will test your abilities. It is well maintained and has a variety of shots needed for the course. Tee pads are excellent, tee signs are informative, and it is rather easy to navigate. If you like a heavily wooded course with some hills thrown in you would love this course..

Cons:

Some holes are easy to lose a disc. There is no cell service except for a few holes like 7, 8, and 9.

Other Thoughts:

Overall best course around. Play it if you ever get the chance
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4 7
mdeeter
Experience: 12.4 years 109 played 4 reviews
5.00 star(s)

The best course in Iowa! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 7, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course has a ton of great holes and a beautiful layout.
+ It is well cared for and maintains its stature throughout the year.
+ The baskets are moved regularly and there are multiple pads on many of the holes.
+ The hole signage is gorgeous.
+ Well shaped fairways - even though you're in the woods a ton, every hole has multiple options.

I love playing this course, definitely one of my all-time favorites!

Cons:

- Stay close to the fairways... some of the holes have some thick rough if you get too far off.
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9 2
MarkDSM
Experience: 52.8 years 60 played 7 reviews
5.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 23, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

One astonishingly beautiful hole after another.
Active and thoughtful course maintenance
Seasonal camping directly onsite
Constant rotation of pin positions with indication on teesigns
Art on the course, spot the mushrooms
Navigation signage
Great welcome kiosk with info, scorecards, and donation box
Front and back loops from hole one

Cons:

Mild walk to main campground for water and toilets
Spotty cellular and radio signal on course


Other Thoughts:

Walk in 10$ primitive camping with fire rings to the north of hole one is very awesome. (i love it !)
Nearest full disc shop is Titan Disc Golf in Cedar Rapids located at Shaver Park. (search Titan Disc Golf - Facebook)
A few other good courses within 45 minutes to include onsite camping at Sugar Bottom in Solon, Iowa
Check Wildcat Facebook page for tourney days
Limited services in Urbana a mile north on the course. One large convenience store (Casey's) and one bar with simple food (The O-Zone at 309 W Wood St)
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4 5
Log242
Experience: 15.5 years 3 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Challenging and Superb 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 7, 2016 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Challenging
Fun
Additional Holes
Additional pads to throw from
Nature

Cons:

Muddy
Wet (Depending upon last rain)

Other Thoughts:

This year I'm making it an objective to play some different courses and this is the second new course that I've discovered and I'm glad I did. It's the most fun and challenging course I've ever played. Granted, I've played a handful of courses, but it has the credentials of being one of the best I'll ever play.

I ended up playing 4 rounds of 21 and I still feel like I haven't had enough if that says anything.

Personal Best (out of 18 and all par 3):
0 2 1 2 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 2 2 2 1 0 2 0 (+20)

Definitely a must practice course. If you want to have a tough practice, I would recommend this if you want to improve your game.
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2 7
mrkvnmnn
Experience: 15.4 years 140 played 7 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Best Course in Iowa 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 29, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

There is camping right next to the course.
Many Varieties of shots.
Well manicured.
Great elevation change with some holes you would never expect to see in Iowa!

Cons:

The only con is that this course is really hard in the long position, but that isn't really a con.

Other Thoughts:

This is the course by which I judge all other courses. I have not played a better course in Iowa and I have played 50+ Iowa courses.
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