There are so many fun things to do in Iowa, especially when you center your trip around exciting cities like Dubuque and Clinton, two towns on the majestic Mississippi River. This summer is a particularly exciting time to visit Iowa, but it can also get pretty hot outside. If you’re looking for ways to cool off on these hot summer days, it’s time to visit Maquoketa Caves State Park.
Maquoketa Caves State Park is about an hour northwest of Clinton and just 35 minutes south of Dubuque. Both cities offer visitors an exciting opportunity to explore Iowa’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Though the area is filled with fantastic things to do, including things like paddling the Wapsipinicon River Trail near Clinton, there’s no doubt that one of the most popular things to do in Iowa is visiting Maquoketa Caves State Park. The park boasts a series of impressive caves that provide a cool respite from the sun.
Beyond the Maquoketa Caves, the surrounding area offers a variety of activities to enhance your summer getaway. Just a short drive away, you can discover the charm of small towns with their unique shops, local eateries, and welcoming communities. The region also features several historic sites, including restored 19th-century buildings and museums that provide a glimpse into Iowa’s rich heritage. For those who enjoy the outdoors, nearby rivers and lakes offer opportunities for all kinds of Midwest water adventures, ensuring that every moment of your vacation is filled with memorable moments.
After a day of exploration and adventure, there’s no better way to unwind than at one of Iowa’s finest bed and breakfasts. These charming accommodations provide a perfect blend of comfort and hospitality, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate the way you need. Whether you’re sipping a cup of coffee on a sun-dappled porch or enjoying a gourmet breakfast prepared with locally sourced ingredients, a stay at one of the leading Midwest Inns and Hotels offers the perfect end to your day. The best part of your Midwest summer vacation is waiting. Book a room at one of the best places to stay in the Midwest today!
Explore Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa
Whether you love caving or you’re just looking for a place to keep cool, there’s no better place to explore than Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa. Maquoketa Caves State Park is home to more caves than any other state park. In addition to the caves, there are towering bluffs and meandering hiking trails, making it one of the most unique places to explore in what many would consider a topographically flat state.
The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park were carved over millennia by the persistent flow of water through limestone bedrock. Underground, the park features a complex labyrinth of underground passageways and chambers and classic features like stalactites and stalagmites. Above ground, you’ll find a 7-mile network of meandering hiking trails, towering bluffs, and beautiful hardwood forests to explore. Below, we’ve listed the highlights of Maquoketa Caves State Park.
- Explore the 1,100-foot Dancehall Cave. It’s one of thirteen caves in the park and is certainly nothing short of impressive. Other must-visit caves include Hernado’s Hideaway, Shinbone Cave, and Wye Cave. Dancehall Cave is about 800 feet long and you can walk upright throughout most of it.
- Hike the trails to the park’s famed Natural Bridge, which stands 50 feet above Raccoon Creek, and the impressive 17-ton Balanced Rock. Most of the trails throughout the park are less than a mile long and can be combined to reach the park’s top attractions.
- At the Interpretive Center, you can learn about the natural history of Maquoketa Caves State Park, including the geology of how the caves were formed.
Depending on how long you spend inside the caves and how many hiking trails you choose to take, you can expect to spend about three hours exploring Maquoketa Caves State Park. If you’re short on time, consider taking the Maquoketa Caves Loop, a trail that will take around 45 minutes to complete and will showcase some of the park’s top features.
The Best Midwest Lodging For Your Getaways
Whether you’re making it a mission to explore the best State Parks in the Midwest or just so happen to find yourself in western Iowa, a visit to Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Like so many of the Midwest’s State Parks, Maquoketa Caves State Park preserves something unique about the state and invites visitors to explore what makes the Midwest such a remarkable place to visit. Add to your experience in Iowa this summer the perfect lodging, and you will have a summer vacation you won’t forget.
The Midwest Association of Independent Inns partners with the top-rated Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, Boutique Hotels, and Cabins around the region to bring you the best lodging in the Midwest. Our lodging properties promise an unforgettable guest experience marked by comfort, charm, and personalized service. From luxurious lakeside retreats to quiet cabins in the woods, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns offers an array of accommodations to suit every traveler.
Though the guest experience at each of our member properties is unique, they all feature a dedication to service and hospitality. Unlike Airbnb and other vacation rental organizations, all properties are licensed and inspected to ensure a quality guest experience. Most properties start your day with a locally sourced, fresh-made breakfast, the perfect fuel for any adventures ahead. The settings of these inns are just as unique as their owners, too. They range from rural farms to historic, luxury mansions.
The surrounding areas of these bed and breakfasts are rich with activities and attractions that cater to a wide range of interests, truly showcasing the best of the Midwest. Guests can explore nearby cultural sites, including museums, theaters, and historic landmarks, or explore unique parks and activities outside. Whether seeking adventure or respite, staying at one of these Midwest Inns provides the perfect balance for a memorable summer vacation. Choose your adventure, and book a Midwest getaway today!
