Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park is located in Jackson County, Iowa, northwest of Maquoketa.
History
Artifacts such as pottery, as well as tools and projectile points made of stone have been found in the caves and surrounding area. These discoveries indicate 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
Stalactites once hung from the ceilings and stalagmites rose from the floor, but 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 constructing a stone lodge, a walkway system, a stone picnic circle and several picnic shelters.
Trails
The park's caves, limestone formations and rugged bluffs provide visitors a chance to "step back" into geological time thousands of years.
The park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. A 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.
External links
Categories: Caves in the United States | Iowa