Maquoketa blends the outdoors and a vibrant downtown in Northeast Iowa
With just over 6,000 residents, Maquoketa feels like another small city in Northeast Iowa. However, its outdoor recreation and bustling downtown paint a different picture. “We have small-town charm, but amenities that larger towns may be known for,” says Erin McCaulley, executive director of the Maquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce. "There is a variety of things to do." People may recognize Maquoketa Caves State Park, but there is also the Maquoketa River, a community theater and events like Timber City Race Adventure. "Sometimes people live here and don’t see that [variety], but as we draw people into town, we start pointing it out, and the residents are like, 'Oh, yeah, that’s right. I can do it all here,'" McCaulley says.
Locals explore Maquoketa Caves State Park and community parks
Maquoketa Caves State Park has a 6-mile trail system that passes a natural bridge and accesses about 13 caves, including the 1,100-foot Dancehall Cave. Some areas are meant for spelunking, others are walker-friendly. The caves are closed from November 15 to April 1 to protect hibernating bats. “They draw in over 300,000 visitors a year from all 50 states and many countries each year,” McCaulley says. “Residents definitely enjoy them as well, and our local conservation group works with the schools each year.” Jackson County Conservation plans field trips and works with the Iowa Junior Naturalist Program.
Kayakers and canoers paddle down the Maquoketa River, with access points along the North and South forks, including near the skate park along Fifth Street. Prairie Creek Recreation Area has over 5 miles of hiking trails and a 2-acre fishing pond. City parks include Horseshoe Pond Park, which has a playground, dog park and volleyball court. Maquoketa Golf Club’s nine-hole course is open to the public, although members pick from more tee times.
Homes dating back to the late 19th century fill the area
Shaded sidewalks separate Maquoketa’s grassy lawns from wide streets. Late-19th- and early-20th-century properties make up most of the area, ranging from Foursquares to Queen Annes and National Folk styles. Ranch-style houses are more common towards the city’s outskirts. Most were built in the mid-to-late 1900s, although some newer construction exists. Depending on size and condition, prices range from $100,000 to $250,000. Larger homes cost $270,000 to $490,000. Investment properties have sold for as low as $10,000.
According to First Street, Maquoketa has a major risk from flooding.
Community events include the Timber City Adventure Race
One of Maquoketa’s biggest events is the Timber City Adventure Race. “It’s a triathlon of sorts,” McCaulley says. Instead of swimming, the race begins with an 11-mile kayak or canoe trip on the Maquoketa River before a 12-mile bike ride and a 5K that ends downtown. It’s a Wonderful Life in Maquoketa is the community’s holiday celebration, with carriage rides, kid-friendly games and a chance to visit with Santa. The night ends with a tree lighting ceremony. As the Jackson County seat, Maquoketa hosts the county fair every July. Programming ranges from 4-H events like livestock shows and tractor pulls to races at the Maquoketa Speedway on the fairgrounds.
Residents shop and dine in and around downtown Maquoketa
Local businesses and recreation fill downtown Maquoketa. Residents can get dinner from the Mexican restaurant La Casa De Pancho and pick up a knickknack from Make a Splash Home Decor & Gifts. “She’s got everything,” McCaulley says. “Everyone from Maquoketa knows Make a Splash.” At Maquoketa Art Experience, there are creative workshops and rotating exhibits by local artists. Glovik Community Park will be open by the end of the year. Besides having a sensory play area, the park will be the new location for downtown’s summer concert series.
Maquoketa’s entertainment, restaurants and stores are not limited to downtown. The Ohnward Fine Arts Center hosts concerts and live theater performances. It is the location of the Maquoketa Farmers Market, which runs on Tuesday evenings from mid-May to mid-October. Obie’s Bar and Restaurant has been serving homestyle cooking since 1982. People travel to the Maquoketa River for an all-you-can-eat meal from Bluff Lake Catfish Farm. Moore Local is a farm-to-table market with cheeses, meats and specialty groceries. Residents also shop at Fareway and Walmart.
Cardinal and Briggs Elementary will merge by fall 2027
Prekindergartners through second graders may attend Cardinal Elementary, which scores a C-plus from Niche. The C-minus-rated Briggs Elementary currently serves third through fifth grade, but is expanding to include the earlier grades by the 2027-2028 school year, when Cardinal Elementary will close. Maquoketa Middle also receives a C-minus, and the high school earns a C-plus. Sacred Heart School is a private, Catholic institution that offers pre-K through sixth grade.
Highways connect to the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids
Maquoketa residents rely on cars to get around, although McCaulley says, “We do have nice sidewalk systems, and it’s not a big deal to walk somewhere.” U.S. Route 61 passes through the area and into the Quad Cities, about 40 miles away. State Route 64 leads about 60 miles to Cedar Rapids . Quad Cities International Airport is about a 50-mile drive. Jackson County Regional Health Center’s services include emergency care.
