Topics:

State Preserves

Indian Bluffs is an 845-acre, privately owned preserve located southeast of Monticello in Jones County. The area was dedicated as a state preserve in 1981. 

Back to top

About the Land

Located on the northeastern edge of the Southern Iowa Drift Plain landform region, this preserve contains the deep, narrow, entrenched valley of the South Fork of the Maquoketa River. The river and its tributaries have cut through the resistant Si­lurian dolomite (430 million years old), forming tall bluffs and rugged topography. 

This preserve is privately owned and not open to the public.

Back to top

Historical Features

Eby's Mill: Within the preserve, Eby’s Mill is the former location of a historic grist mill dating from the mid-1800s. A rock wall and several rock shelters and campsites are evidence of historic occupation and prehistoric occupation of the area by Woodland peoples. 

Back to top

Nearby Natural Areas

Other natural areas in the vicinity include:

  • Indian Bluffs 
  • Pictured Rocks 
  • Searryl’s Cave
  • Catfish Creek State Preserves
  • Maquo­keta Caves
  • Wapsipinicon State Parks
Back to top