Join your EISC friends for a day trip adventure to Maquoketa Caves State Park followed by a late lunch/early dinner at the Bluff Lake Catfish Farm Restaurant, which is right in the park. Explore as much or as little as you want. Hopefully, we’ll have a nice early Fall Day.
About the Park
With more caves than any state park, Maquoketa Caves is one of Iowa’s most unique outdoor attractions. Enormous bluffs tower throughout the park, and a six-mile trail system winds through geologic formations and forests brimming with natural beauty.
As one of the state’s earliest state parks, Maquoketa Caves has been a popular destination for picnickers and hikers since the 1860s. Grab your hiking shoes and a flashlight before traveling to Maquoketa Caves, because this state park is nothing short of adventure.
Plan Your Visit
- Hike the six-mile trail system linking the caves and scenic overlooks throughout the park. Trails provide access to caves and park facilities while weaving through the rich landscape. Highlights of the park include the “Natural Bridge” standing 50 feet above Raccoon Creek and the 17-ton “Balanced Rock.”
- Explore the 1,100-foot “Dancehall Cave” and many others such as Hernado’s Hideaway, Shinbone Cave and Wye Cave. About 13 caves can be found in the park, some of which can be explored by walking, while others are better suited for serious spelunkers who are used to crawling in tight spaces. Before entering the caves visit the interpretative signs for information on the bats and White Nose Syndrome (WNA).
On Sunday’s, the Bluff Lake Catfish Farm features their delicious All You Can Eat chicken and shrimp dinner which is served family style. You can also order off of their menu if chicken and shrimp are not your idea of a delicious meal! The menu and more information about the restaurant are available at: https://www.blufflakecatfishfarm.com
Please respond to Rosanne Van Cura at SpecialActivities@eastiowaskiclub.com if you plan to attend.
Address of the park is: 9688 Caves Rd. Maquoketa, IA 52060.