Maquoketa Caves State Park is a state park of Iowa in United States of America. Earlier about 111 acres (45 ha) on the east side of the park was listed as historic district. This park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa having a series of trail system links the caves, formations, and overlooks while providing a scenic hiking experience. The State of Iowa purchased an additional 161 acres (65 ha) on the west side of the park between 1961 and 1981 which was dedicated as a nature preserve. Park features include, 13 caves with public access, six miles of hiking trails, campground, parking, restroom facilities, a playground, and many Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) built structures.
Activities:
Trails/ hiking:
Here in Maquoketa Caves State Park, even if young children cannot keep up with the terrain of some of the trails. Don't hesitate to pack up and take the whole family, including the dog, to Maquoketa caves State Park. Carry a flashlight, or even better, a flashlight and a headlamp with backup batteries in your pocket. Keep a spare set of clothes in the car if you want to do some serious cave crawling, as it’s wet and muddy in these deep, dark spaces. The channel squeezes down tightly, but lights overhead provide a dim, spooky glow as you splash through 1,100 feet of linear chamber. You’re responsible for your own gear and your own safety. This is a hands-on outdoor activity with the associated risks of slipping and falling on slick surfaces and in dark, tight places.
Camping:
If you're looking for a place to spend your day that combines breathtaking views, adventure, and lots of history, there might be no better place than the Maquoketa Caves State Park. The campground is nestled in a tall stand of white pine trees. The smell of pine will seem pleasant to you as you set up camp. All trail sites here are back-in type and in full shade or partial shade. The camp site pads are level with a crushed stone base. 17 of the 29 campsites have electricity and some of the non-electric sites are hike-in type for tent camping. Campers my want to know that site number one is in an isolated spot next to a maintenance building. The campground shower and restroom facilities are well maintained. In the past, people have used the bathroom facilities to wash up after crawling through caves which made it a challenge to keep them clean.
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