Spelunk in the Maquoketa Caves

Maquoketa Caves State ParkMaquoketa, IA

Description

The park’s caves, limestone formations, and rugged bluffs represent are a step back in geological time of thousands of years. Stalactites once hung from the ceilings and stalagmites rose from the floor. Souvenir hunters have robbed the caves of this rare beauty, but many formations remain. The park’s limestone caves, arches and chimneys including Dancehall Cave, Hernado’s Hideaway, Shinbone Cave, Wye Cave, and an unmarked cave within the Dancehall Cavern locally known as Steelgate Cave.

Today a modern interpretive center outside the park entrance provides maps and other informational materials. Inside the park, a central map kiosk includes charts of some of the more interesting caves. The caves are open mid-April through mid-October to allow the bats undisturbed hibernation. All cavers are required to attend a brief, mandatory presentation on white nose syndrome, a fungus that is killing bats throughout the Midwest.

DETAILS

DIFFICULTY

21 & OVERNO

KID FRIENDLYYES

PET FRIENDLYNO

PHYSICAL RESTRICTIONSNO