The Maquoketa Cave is a Totally Unexpected Iowa Hiking Experience

Those who live in the midwest are fortunate to have a lot of places in Iowa where one can enjoy a good hike. One trail, in particular, is extra awesome as it allows you to hike through a natural cave.

This is Maquoketa Cave. If you've never been there, it's due south from Dubuque and east of Cedar Rapids.

A new video share shows what part of the cave hike is like.

Another standout feature for Maquoketa Cave is it's easy even if you have a family with kids. All Trails rates it as a 4.5 star experience covering a mere 1.7 miles. Their description is spot-on accurate:

Maquoketa Caves Loop is a 1.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Maquoketa, Iowa that features a river and is good for all skill levels.

The reviewers for the most part seem to love this place.

Tina Snider - "Fun hike that feels longer with the scrambling up & down. Be prepared to get muddy exploring some caves."

Ariel Hernandez - "Awesome trail. Some parts are closed due to rain. Cave system is awesome."

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Some good news to pass along as recent hikers have shared that the cave system is open now after it had to be closed last year due to the pandemic.

It seems that spelunkers who like a good cave adventure have fun exploring the Steel Gate Passage in the park.

Are you up to this kind of Iowa adventure? My family is all for it. A hike through a cave sounds like an entertaining combination to us and the drive to and from isn't bad either for a fast road trip.

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