Maquoketa Caves State Park Appreciation Day

Maquoketa Caves State Park Appreciation Day

Saturday August 8 - 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Schedule of Events -

Rudy Vallejo-Native American Dance

10:30am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm

Live Music

Doug and Lisa Frey --performing from 1pm-3pm --Old Lodge Shelter

Hiking Tours -Flint Knapping - Visitor Center

10:30am & 12:30pm

Doug Gonner -Dutch Oven cooking demo

4:00-5:00 pm

Please join us in celebating our appreciation for YOU and the Maquoketa Caves. Bring your own chair. Come and enjoy free popcorn & Lemonade at the visitor's Center

9:00am - 5:00pm. For more information contact Maquoketa Caves at 563-652-5833.

Maquoketa Caves is probably Iowa’s 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, a flashlight and old clothes and shoes are most helpful.

The caves at the state park have been found to release treasures such as tools and projectile points made of stone, hundreds of years of history just waiting to be explored by you.
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 1830’s by settlers until the present day explorers the caves have revealed the story of the past.

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 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.

TrailsHikers can enjoy the scenery along the 6 miles of trails. The trails in the eastern part of the park connect the park facilities and provide access to the caves. Trail highlights include the dramatic "Natural Bridge" which stand nearly 50 feet above Raccoon Creek, 17-ton "Balanced Rock", and "Dancehall Cave." A trail in the western area of the park takes hikers past a restored prairie, an experimental oak savanna restoration and a wildlife food plot.

Interpretive Center

The former Sager’s 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.

Location: Maquoketa is seven miles southeast of the park. Actual address is 10970 98th St., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Phone: 563/652-5833