With more caves than any other Midwest 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, hikers, and
cavers since the 1860s. Home to huge caverns, cave crawls, and deep passages,
this park offers a variety of caving experiences for both beginners and
experienced spelunkers. So grab your hiking shoes and headlamp and get ready to
join UREC Outdoors for a subterranean adventure you won’t forget! Bring clothes
you don’t mind covering in orange cave mud – you WILL get muddy! This 3-day trip
leaves Friday afternoon and returns Sunday evening.
Registration Includes: Travel, Lodging (campsites), Instructors, all
Camping Equipment, Most Meals (excludes restaurant and gas station stops,
personal snacks), all caving equipment, optional caving clothes.
Physical Activity Rating: Moderate
Early-Bird Registration: August 1 – September 11
Regular Registration ($20 more): September 12 – September 25
Late Registration ($20 more): September 26 – October 5
Registration Closes: October 6
Basic Itinerary:
Friday, 10/10:
Meet at Shorewood Center early afternoon
Drive to Maquoketa Caves State Park
Camp in the park
Saturday, 10/11:
Hike and cave
Up to 5-7mi of hiking and 8-13 caves
Camp in same campsite
Sunday, 10/12:
Repeat any favorite caves
Visit caves missed on Saturday
Rinse off cave mud
Drive back to GB
Home around 8pm