The Maquoketa Caves Will Finally Reopen This Month

It's been almost a year, but you'll soon be able to check out one of the most important features at one of Iowa's favorite state parks again!

According to a new article from CBS 2, the caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will once again open to the public next week. They've been closed for over a year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but also because of bats. Back on October 16th, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website announced that the caves would be closed until the spring due to bat hibernation. They will finally reopen on Thursday, April 15th. The modern restrooms will also open April 15th.

If you've never visited Maquoketa Caves State Park, you're really missing out! It's one of my absolute favorite places in the state of Iowa. The Iowa DNR website reads:

"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."

If you are planning to take a trip over there sometime soon, there are still some restrictions in place at the park. According to the website, parking is currently limited to less than 150 spots, which means that you will have to wait for a spot to free up before you can head into the park. Peak visiting hours are weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so if you can come during the week or a little earlier or later in the day, your odds of finding a spot are much better.

For more information on Maquoketa Caves State Park, you can visit the Iowa DNR website HERE.