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Maquoketa Caves State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Maquoketa Caves is probably Iowas most unique state park. Its caves, limestone formations and rugged bluffs provide visitors a chance to "step back" into geological time thousands of years. Caves vary from the 1,100 Dancehall Cave with walkways and lighting system to Dugout Cave. The remaining caves are all different sizes and shapes. Some can be explored by walking while others can best be seen by crawling. In any case - flashlight and old clothes and shoes are most helpful.
The park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. A beautiful trail system links the caves, formations and
overlooks while providing an exciting hiking experience. Many areas on these trails have seen new construction, making the journey to the caves safer and easier. Trail highlights include the dramatic "Natural Bridge" which stands nearly 50 feet above Raccoon Creek and
the 17-ton "Balanced Rock".
The park has beauty all its own each season of the year. Spring wildflowers give way to the lush green growth of summer. Fall brings dramatic hues of yellow, gold and crimson. Snow transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Whatever the season, Maquoketa Caves has something special to offer.
Camping
Trails
Picnicking
History of the Area
Artifacts such as pottery -s well as tools and projectile points made of stone have been found in the caves and surrounding area. These discoveries tell us that the Maquoketa Caves area has been a popular spot for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands of years. Early recorded history tells of the Native Americans in the area and
that they were likely visitors to the Raccoon Creek valleys. From the discovery of the caves in the 1830s by settlers until the present, the park has been a place to view the special beauty that nature has to offer.
Beautiful milk white stalactites once hung from the ceilings and stalagmites rose from the floor. Souvenir hunters have robbed the caves of this rare beauty, but many formations remain.
The first park land was purchased in 1921. However, the majority of the park facilities were not constructed until the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Both programs resulted from the federal government effort to make work for Americans during the Great Depression. Their work included the stone lodge, Dancehall Cave walkway system, stone picnic circle and several hexagonal picnic shelters along the trail. Some of these structures have been restored and efforts continue.
A major renovation effort was recently completed which included updating and modernizing the park facilities from the 1930s.
More Info
Show Caves of the World is a site about underground sights open to the public, like caves and mines
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do in Jackson County while you are here. The Maquoketa Caves State Park The Maquoketa Caves are 6 miles northwest of Maquoketa
available here at the Maquoketa Caves State Park -s well as a
RECREATION A premier attraction in the area is scenic Maquoketa Caves State Park, featuring a natural bridge - balancing rock
other park in Iowa). Maquoketa Caves State Park Maquoketa is the
...prehensive links & descriptions to hiking pages for Iowa
Trail review by Colin Kao on thebackpacker.com Maquoketa Caves State Park basic trail description, downloadable map. Maquoketa Caves
Nature Programs
The former Sagers Museum building has been converted into an interpretive center. This new facility contains detailed information about the geology of cave formations, park history and
a background of the early "inhabitants" of the park.
It also contains a "video tour" of the park, for those who are unable to withstand the rugged terrain that the park offers. This facility will be open on the weekends during the summer and by special arrangement with the park office.
Maquoketa Caves State Park