DNR News Releases

Search for a News Release

Press/Media inquiries: PIO@dnr.iowa.gov

DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: cavesReturn

Maquoketa Caves State Park to reopen Thursday

• 7/27/2022 2:41:00 PM
• View Count 4151

MAQUOKETA, IA -- Maquoketa Caves State Park will reopen for day use at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28. The campground will remain closed until further notice. All campers with reservations through Sunday, July 31 have been notified and refunded.

DNR Director issues statement about incident at Maquoketa Caves State Park

• 7/22/2022 3:27:00 PM
• View Count 5539

DES MOINES -- Statement from Kayla Lyon, Iowa DNR Director:

Caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park open April 15: Tips to plan your visit

• 4/6/2021 12:36:00 PM
• View Count 7013

Visitors to Maquoketa Caves State Park can fully explore the park’s caves starting April 15, 2021 after being closed for more than a year due to COVID and winter bat hibernation. Located in eastern Iowa’s Jackson County, Maquoketa Caves State Park is one of Iowa’s most popular outdoor destinations, with the largest cave system in the state, gorgeous scenery and unique geological formations drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park to remain closed through at least April 30

• 4/14/2020 2:16:00 PM
• View Count 2935

MAQUOKETA - The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will remain closed through April 30, in accordance with Governor Reynolds’ social distancing efforts. The trail system for the park’s most popular caves involves narrow boardwalks and handrails, making it difficult for visitors to maintain physical distances of at least six feet. Visitors can access the rest of the park while the caves are closed. 

Caves closed seasonally for bat hibernation at Maquoketa Caves State Park

• 3/24/2020 12:05:00 PM
• View Count 5484

MAQUOKETA - The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will reopen to the public after bat hibernation season on April 15. The popular caves are closed annually from Oct. 15 to April 15 to protect hibernating bats. Visitors have access to the rest of the park while the caves are closed. 

Maquoketa Caves operations and improvements discussion at public meeting

• 1/15/2019 1:01:00 PM
• View Count 2737

MAQUOKETA, Iowa – The Maquoketa Caves staff along with the friends group will be hosting a public informative meeting on January 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hurstville Interpretive Center.

8 hidden surprises at Maquoketa Caves

• 8/21/2018 2:08:00 PM
• View Count 20009

Maquoketa Caves State Park may be known for its caves and gorgeous scenery, but do you know about these “hidden surprises” suggested by park staff?

Maquoketa Caves State Park to re-open Aug. 24

• 8/14/2018 12:44:00 PM
• View Count 14225

MAQUOKETA – Maquoketa Caves State Park will open for visitors, including campers, on Aug. 24, just in time for fall travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Main road through Maquoketa Caves State Park to close temporarily

• 4/10/2018 1:56:00 PM
• View Count 3304

Summer construction projects are about to begin at Maquoketa Caves State Park, forcing the closure of the main road through the park beginning on April 23, 2018.

Congratulations Maquoketa Caves State Park

• 9/5/2017 1:02:00 PM
• View Count 7241

USA Today recently revealed their 2017 Readers’ Choice for Best Iowa Attractions, and the winner is . . . Maquoketa Caves State Park!

Iowa's most Instagrammed state parks

• 8/22/2017 10:07:00 AM
• View Count 21693

For many, when they step outside to enjoy Iowa’s state parks, snapping some pictures is a natural part of the journey. Explore parks all over the state by hiking, biking, relaxing lake side and experiencing extraordinary views – you can start with these 10, which are the parks posted about the most by Iowans on Instagram

Vote now for Iowa's best attraction

• 8/8/2017 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 3820

Both Maquoketa Caves and Pikes Peak state parks have been picked as “best Iowa attractions” by USA TODAY for their 10Best Readers’ Choice contest currently underway.

Six Iowa state parks to host University of Iowa wildlife camps

• 3/7/2017 12:11:00 PM
• View Count 9130

This summer, six Iowa state parks will host University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for families living near the parks. The popular conservation education day camp program will be offered at Maquoketa Caves, Mines of Spain, George Wyth, Springbrook, Viking Lake and Ledges state parks.

Don't Wait for Memorial Day Weekend

• 4/12/2016 7:29:00 AM
• View Count 6787

Don’t wait until the first big holiday of the season to get out and enjoy an Iowa State Park. There are some really cool things to see and do happening right now, before the end of April! Here are five to inspire a trip outdoors, sooner rather than later.

Exploring Maquoketa Caves State Park and the Grant Wood Scenic Byway

• 3/16/2016 4:42:00 AM
• View Count 37521

Traipse along Jackson County’s Grant Wood Scenic Byway for a trip through Iowa’s lifeblood.

7 Stunning Iowa State Park Views for Fall

• 10/8/2015 12:00:00 PM
• View Count 28629

While looks aren’t everything, they certainly don’t hurt when you’re talking about parks. If you haven’t seen the views below for yourself, put these state parks on your list of destinations to hit this autumn. Changing leaves make fall one of Iowa’s most picturesque seasons, so take plenty of photos when you stop to admire the view.

Go Cave Exploring in Iowa

• 8/20/2015 9:34:00 AM
• View Count 33954

You might not expect it, but Iowa has caves of various sizes and shapes on both private and public land. And since some of them can be explored, it’s time to go spelunking! (That’s cave exploring, for those in the know.)

7 Things to Do in Iowa’s State Parks This Summer

• 7/2/2015 6:45:00 AM
• View Count 15939

Whether you're interested in just relaxing or getting adventurous, Iowa State Parks have something for everyone this summer.

Great Escapes: 7 of Iowa’s Best Hikes

• 5/22/2015 7:55:00 AM
• View Count 107141

Whether you’re looking to get away from civilization for a weekend or just take in some beautiful scenery for an hour or two with the family, Iowa – yes, Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests.