Crystal Lake Cave
Dubuque, IA, 50°F inside, from $22
Iowa's state park with the most caves: about 13 of them, linked by a six-mile trail system. Some, like Dancehall Cave, you can walk through; others are better left to experienced cavers.
The story
Maquoketa Caves has drawn picnickers and hikers since the 1860s. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the park's stone shelters in the 1930s, and the interpretive center was once known as Sager's Museum.
History source: iowadnr.gov.
What you'll see
- Natural Bridge
- Balanced Rock
- Dancehall Cave
- Hernando's Hideaway
- Shinbone Cave
- Wye Cave
Tickets and timing
- Hours
- The caves close every year from November 15 to April 1 to protect hibernating bats. The visitor center opens weekends 9 am–5 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Booking
- No tickets for the caves. Campsites must be reserved online.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- Six miles of trails. The caves and their approaches are steep and uneven, with rocks, roots, stooping and long winding staircases.
- Wheelchairs
- The caves and trails are not accessible. Restrooms, parking and some routes at the visitor center and lower shelter are.
Good to know
- Wildlife
- The caves are a winter roost for bats, which is why they close each winter. Signs explain white-nose syndrome.
- On site
- visitor center with museum, campground, showers, playground, shelters, hiking trails, park store
Getting there
9688 Caves Rd., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Parking: Accessible parking near the visitor center and the lower shelter/park store.
- Madisonabout 96 miles
- Des Moinesabout 151 miles
- Chicagoabout 163 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Questions people ask
Can you visit Maquoketa Caves State Park in a wheelchair?
The caves and trails are not accessible. Restrooms, parking and some routes at the visitor center and lower shelter are.
Do you need to book Maquoketa Caves State Park in advance?
No tickets for the caves. Campsites must be reserved online.
Where is Maquoketa Caves State Park?
9688 Caves Rd., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Listed in: self-guided caves, caves with camping or lodging
Checked on 2026-10-23 against iowadnr.gov (Maquoketa Caves State Park page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.