Maquoketa Caves State Park
Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2020

Stroll through the bat village

Maquoketa Cave State Park , Maquoketo, Iowa

We stopped here for two days on our “Westward Ho” road trip in mid August 2020. Temperatures 80’s in the day to 60’s overnight.

I am not highly familiar with Iowa, I will admit however I AM extremely amazed at this little unique Park in the middle of farmland Iowa. Most of the trip here was driving between fields of corn as far as the eye could see (we came through Illinois).

The town of the same first name is small but the necessities can be had. Found a small shop with local meat, honey and yummies. The drive to the park was pretty straight forward with signage along the way.

This is a very basic park, no lake, no added attractions just trails , picnicking and a small , quiet (well.... I had a family directly across with very talkative, argumentative, sometimes loud children, ...luck of the draw ;) and well shaded, electric sites. I like the spacing, privacy and shade. There are several water hydrants throughout the campground to use. A shower house that I will be visiting soon. Firewood on site, with donation box.

You probably don’t want sites 1 or 2, they are directly across from the dump site. The plus is they are directly across from the playground , picnic area and trail access.

Trail access is a short walk across the shelter/ picnic area. As of right now Officially the caves are closed. I saw several hikers not being official though.

The trails have sign posts and the map in a VERY general way gives you some idea as to where you are at BUT there are trails criss crossing everywhere so make sure you have your map tracker on. The trails/scenery are AMAZING! LOVED IT! Needs some maintenance (ie, downed trees) but they may have limited staffing right now. I would suggest a visit even if you only have a few hours. Once they reopen the caves I will absolutely be back.

  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Most of the caves are closed
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  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Stepping stones
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  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Maquoketa Caves State Park by Shelly S., November 6, 2020