Location: Maquoketa
Top Things to do in Maquoketa
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What to do and see in Maquoketa, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Maquoketa /ˌməˈkoʊkɪtə/ is a city in Jackson county in the U.S. state of Iowa. Located on the Maquoketa River, it is the county seat of Jackson County.
Restaurants in Maquoketa
1. Hurstville Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Jceurv - Davenport
This is a great place to come to get an education. We attended a short session on geodes. We were able to interact by breaking open our own rock after learning about these types of rocks. We then did some geocaching on the site and in nearby parks. This is a great place to bring children.
2. 61 Drive In Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By la_letterata - New England
You can spot this drive in carved out of a cornfield right off US 61 just south of Maquoketa, in Delmar (exit 153). It looks pretty lonely during the day, but the Saturday night we attended, it was packed full with people of all ages.
The gates open at 6:30 and you will find that people do arrive right at 6:30 to get the best spots. Some evenings apparently the place fills up so full that you have to park outside and carry your chairs or blankets in to watch the flick.
Once you park (you can nose in or back in), you get yourself set up with blankets and snacks and enjoying the weather and amenities. The concession stand is indoors and has a large concession menu (from candy/popcorn/burgers), along with some "necessities"... Frisbies and bug spray!! They didn't sell BLANKETS-- I might have bought one or two. It was a gorgeous summer day when we arrived (80s) but temps dropped into the mid 60s with lots of dew after dark. Bring sweats and a couple blankets to snuggle under.
Atmosphere:
This drive-in is 100% A+ in old school atmosphere. My son kept saying "we are seeing movies the way they did in the OLD DAYS!" and just couldn't get in his head that we were actually going to see a movie in the CURRENT DAYS... that drive-ins still exist. It was a very existential conversation. Everyone was so chatty and relaxed and our kids played ball with other kids from adjacent cars. Also, the owners have a great old "train" that they drive around the lot for the kids to ride on.
There is plenty of great food at the concession stand, or just enjoy a picnic of your own. In town, there is a Subway, and Happy Joe's and other restaurants (in Maquoketa); easy to pick something up. Be sure to remember to pack your cooler! Alcoholic beverages are allowed.
The quality of the film is EXCELLENT. Once it is dark (about 9 ish) they start the first movie (kids feature) and you listen to it on your radio (88.5). We were parked about halfway back (close to the concession) and felt engrossed in the event. However, if you bring your chairs or blanket, you can feel free to sit closer up.
The setting is wonderful, the atmosphere is casual and wonderful. The kids were propped up on pillows in the back of the SUV and fell asleep on the way home. The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained.
Can't recommend this fun experience enough. Great night out for family, college friends, date night, girls night too.
3. Old City Hall Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Art gallery displays original oil paintings for sale in hand-crafted frames by Maquoketa Iowa Nationally-known artist Rose Frantzen whose 180 oil paintings of Maquoketa residents entitled "Portrait of Maquoketa" exhibited at National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian, Washington DC. Art by Charles Morris & pottery by Sylvia March are also on exhibit. Gallery open daily-closed Holidays.
Reviewed By Goodscout - Dubuque, IA
My cousin had a showing in the gallery. This prompted us to attend. A 35 mile trip from Dubuque. The gallery poured complimentary wine from Tabor and had
Hoursederves. Local volunteers keep things under control. Friendly conversation
And some nice art can be appreciated. We
Had a nice time. I recommend this.
4. Jackson County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By empressoftheuniverse - Corydon, Iowa
We discovered this awesome museum while driving the Grant Wood Scenic Byway. Its in a machine shed at the Jackson County fairgrounds, and is well worth a visit. The downstairs has an amazing assortment of artifacts, such as an antique Wurlitzer harp, a working player piano, antique agricultural equipment, a military exhibit, and many other items of historical significance. Upstairs there are representations of rooms from different eras, a one-room schoolroom, and much more. The museum is handicap accessible; there is an elevator for those who have trouble with stairs. My only regret is that we didn't have more time to spend perusing. We will definitely be back!
5. Iowa Grape Vines Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Small family-owned winery with international award winning wines. Also producing Old Fashion Root Beer, wine jellies and more.
Reviewed By Lynette R - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Iowa Grape Vines Winery has a wide variety of wines from dry to sweet wines to taste and love! I must return for more!
6. Maquoketa Art Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Helen Z - Delmar, Iowa
My husband and I have loved the exhibits of many different mediums and types of art. Exhibits change regularly so one will see something different each time you visit. We have also enjoyed the musical entertainment and art lectures that are offered occasionally. I have taken some of the workshops and they have always been very well done. We are lucky enough to live close enough to take in many of the offerings and find them stimulating, thought provoking and entertaining.
7. Codfish Hollow Barnstormers
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Live music in a barn in the Hollow. We host live local and national indie bands in our barn. Come on out and take a hayrack ride down to the barn with Marvin. Vendors on site selling food and non-alcoholic beverages. We DO sell alcohol. No coolers on the hay rack or past the ticket booth! ALL SHOWS ARE ALL AGES! Bring your kids Bring your grandparents! Bring your lawn chairs. Bring a blanket.
Reviewed By krogersku - Johnston, Iowa
This place is amazing! By far the best music venue I have ever visited. Small outdoor round wooden barn with a stage set at far end. The acoustics and lighting were great. Very small setting with a camp ground. We stayed in Maquoketa at the Decker hotel and received a discounted rate by showing our show tickets. We saw John Moreland perform. Will definitely be back to see more shows.
8. Clinton Engines Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By empressoftheuniverse - Corydon, Iowa
The Clinton Engines Museum preserves the history of the Clinton Engines Corporation, an iconic manufacturer of small, air-cooled engines from 1946 until the 1980s. It's located in the former Clinton Engines administrative building, and it tells the history of the company, how the engines were manufactured, and is full of examples of lawnmowers, outboard motors, chainsaws, toys, and other machines using Clinton engines. If you love machines as much as my husband does, you'll love this museum.
9. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By john l - fort dodge
Very beautiful, very popular, very busy state park. Parking fills up fast on weekends. Lots to see and do. Hiking, bird watching or climbing through caves are popular activities. Wear comfortable, sturdy, waterproof shoes. Bring water and a flashlight. Excellent family activity.
10. Hurstville Lime Kilns
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Dk C - Rock Island, Illinois
Just off Hwy 61 near Maquoketa you can't miss the imposing site of the old Hurst Lime Works. A huge wall of 4 old lime kilns originally built ca 1870 makes this a perfect get-out-and-stretch-stop when traveling through this neck of the woods. Doors and "windows" have been locked, sealed or grated to prevent anyone from climbing into them and a chain link fence erected along the upper level to prevent falls (it's a long way up) but otherwise visitors have free rein to climb, touch, wander, explore or just sit and marvel at this road side stop. A picnic shelter sits at one end of the site and would make the perfect picnic site but, alas, no toilet facilities are to be found anywhere. So I highly recommend you "go" before you stop.... but definitely stop by!
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