There are several places to visit in Dunkerton, Iowa. Some of these places are located nearby, while others are farther away. You may find it easier to drive to a nearby town if you plan a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park offers a fantastic hike. There are over a dozen trails that take you through the caves and past the unique flowstone formations. The trails include the famous Natural Bridge, which stands 50 feet above Raccoon Creek, and the 17-ton Balanced Rock. Visitors can hike to these incredible locations on foot or with their RV.
Maquoketa Caves State Park is a fantastic place for hiking and spelunking enthusiasts. The park features more caves than any other state park in Iowa. It is almost 200 acres in size and has thirteen caves. The largest of them, Dancehall Cave, is 800 feet long, and can be walked through in an upright position. The park also features several scenic overlooks and hiking trails.
While the caves are beautiful, visitors should take extra caution to avoid visiting on the weekends. Weekends are the busiest times of the year and visitors can expect to find 3,000 or more visitors on a single day. Camping is also available on site, and there are 29 reservable campsites, including 17 with electricity. However, reservations must be made by 9 p.m. on the day of arrival to avoid having to wait for a campsite to open.
Maquoketa Caves State Park offers something for everyone. There is a newly renovated campground and primitive hike-in sites. The campground is open from mid-April to mid-October. During off-season, the park is closed for bat hibernation.
Maquoketa Caves State Park is located in the eastern part of the state. The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore over a dozen cave structures. Highlights include a lighted Dance Hall Cave that hosts a variety of national and regional touring acts.
Crystal Lake Cave
The Crystal Lake Cave is a fascinating natural wonder located in the rolling hills south of Dubuque, Iowa. The cave was formed two million years ago and is still growing. It is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The cave is open for tours led by informative guides.
The cave is open from Memorial Day through October. Depending on the season, hours will vary. The cave is 52 degrees year-round. However, visitors should dress appropriately, as it can get chilly. It is also recommended that people wear comfortable shoes.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
If you are looking for nonstop casino action, live horse racing, sports betting, and big name entertainment, Prairie Meadows is the place to be. Prairie Meadows also has a hotel on site that offers a comfortable and convenient place to stay. You can also host a large event at the Prairie Meadows Events Center. The center can accommodate weddings, business meetings, and community events.
If you’re planning a trip to Duckert, Iowa, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying in a hotel close to the races. The Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Inc., is located just 12 miles from downtown Des Moines and offers horse racing, casino gaming, and musical acts. The hotel also offers event packages, amenities, and other services.
If you’re a true sports fan, you’ll want to visit the Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. This casino is home to over 85,000 square feet of casino action. The casino also offers a wide range of restaurants. In addition to horse racing, you’ll be able to enjoy live entertainment every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April to September.
Maquoketa Colonies
A visit to the Maquoketa Colonies is a great way to learn about American Indian history and culture. The region is also home to the Amana Colonies, which span 26,000 acres and feature seven villages. The Amana Colonies are a national historic landmark. Visitors can tour the museum, which tells stories of the culture, and check out the artisan shops. Visitors can also visit the Effigy Mounds National Monument, which is considered one of the most sacred sites for American Indians.
The park features a campground and hiking trails that take visitors through cave passages and unique flowstone formations. The campground has electric and non-electric sites, as well as modern restrooms. There is also a Maquoketa River within the park, and you can rent an inner tube from local vendors.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Maquoketa Caves State Park is one of the best places to visit in Duckert. It contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. The caves are accessible through walking trails and are lighted. The 370-acre park also has a large camping area.
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
If you are interested in the American Riverways Museum, you’ve come to the right place. The museum features a boatyard, aquarium, cafe, cinema, and exhibits that explore life along America’s riverways. You’ll find a unique blend of natural and technological features that will make your time at the American Riverways Museum an unforgettable experience.
Visitors will enjoy the Museum’s six major habitats, including a bayou that is home to an 8-foot, 300-pound alligator. The museum also features a 45-year-old alligator. There are a variety of other exhibits for children to explore. The admission fee is just $20.
The museum’s four aquariums feature fish, turtles, and birds. Its largest tank depicts the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors will learn about the history of the river, its impact on commerce, and how it affects the arts and sciences. The museum also features a hands-on splash zone.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is located near the Mississippi River. The museum has a wide range of exhibits that highlight aquatic life in the Mississippi River. It also has a touch pool where children can learn about the different kinds of animals that inhabit the river. The museum is open Monday through Sunday.