If you’ve ever wanted to explore the amazing cave systems hidden beneath Iowa’s limestone landscape, this is the trip for you!
Get down and dirty inside the earth! There’s a reason this is one of our most popular trips every year! On this trip, you’ll explore two different cave systems in eastern Iowa — Maquoketa Caves State Park and a private cave close by in Clinton County! Get to know the amazing cave landscapes and formations through some of the richest Karst landscape in the state!
We’ll start our trip at a private and amazing cave in Clinton County, led by a Clinton County naturalist. This cave is no joke—hard hats and lights are necessary to see the many channels and features of the cave! Don’t worry, guides and other Wanderers will be there to support you along the way, and you’ll come out with an amazing appreciation for all the underground has to offer. Then, we’ll head to Maquoketa Caves State Park, one of the state’s most popular, to hike the trails and see Maquoketa’s famous caves before enjoying a magical in-cave dinner at twilight! If you’ve never experienced the Maquoketa Caves, know that there are so many rooms and holes to explore—choose your own adventure! There’s no better way to beat the heat of summer!
Adventure Rating: Beginner
This trip is rated Beginner because of access to modern accommodations and introductory level cave exploration.
ACTIVITIES
Enjoy a private cave tour with a Clinton County naturalist in the morning of a local cave that’s been explored for generations. This cave is a great introduction to more serious caving, but is very beginner friendly! You’ll rock a hard hat and head lamp as you crawl through the rooms of this expansive cave system. Folks who are claustrophobic may have an issue with the short but narrow cave entrance, but the cave quickly opens up and provides plenty of room for our group after!
Explore the beautiful trails and many smaller caves of Maquoketa State Park in the late afternoon/early evening! Maquoketa Caves has over 20 caves to explore, varying in height, depth and expanse.
Keep the cave vibes going with a magical in-cave dinner inside one of the larger caves at Maquoketa Caves. We’ll eat picnic style with plenty of lights and ambiance!
Participants may also explore the trails of Eden Valley Refuge, where we’ll be staying. The county park’s trails are great for hiking and seeing the landscapes of Clinton County.
ACCOMMODATIONS & LOCATION
Participants will have the option of staying in two bunkhouse cabins or tent camping. The cabins are rustic and feature 4 stow away beds, air conditioning and a small deck. Tenters will set up tents outside the cabins. The area is walking distance from flush toilets and a 24/7 showerhouse.
About Eden Valley Refuge and Maquoketa Caves State Park
From the earliest blooming hepatica to the brilliant fall colors and snow-covered trails, Eden Valley Refuge offers a refreshing and natural experience for the visitor. The limestone bluffs and forested hills teem with plant and animal life. The park's 201 acres are nestled along the banks of Bear Creek. Source: mycountyparks.com
With more caves than any state park, Maquoketa Caves is one of Iowa’s most unique outdoor attractions. Enormous bluffs tower throughout the park, and a six-mile trail system winds through geologic formations and forests brimming with natural beauty. As one of the state’s earliest state parks, Maquoketa Caves has been a popular destination for picnickers and hikers since the 1860s. Grab your hiking shoes and a flashlight before traveling to Maquoketa Caves, because this state park is nothing short of adventure. Source: Iowa DNR
“I had a wonderful time! Caving was a fun adventure. I successfully pushed the limits of what I thought were my capabilities. The Maquoketa Caves were as beautiful as I remembered from my childhood. The guides were terrific, the accommodations were comfortable and the food was excellent.”
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your registration provides you:
Two professional Wander Women guides to help make the trip as seamless and fun as possible
Camping/cabin accommodations & parking
A Wanderer swag bag full of goodies
All meals cooked for you by Wander Women guides
Naturalist-led private cave tour & caving equipment
WW led guided cave hike at Maquoketa Caves State Park
Camping accessories: Camp kitchen, camping chairs, fire kits, first aid kits, dining ware, fire wood, games, coolers
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Participants will be responsible for providing/paying for:
Transportation to/from trip (we always encourage carpooling and can connect you with other participants to ride with!) and to trip activity locations
Gear: Participants are able to rent camping gear from Wander Women
INVESTMENT
There are multiple accommodation options for this trip — pick which is best for you!
Tent: $395
Cabin: $425
PAYMENT PLAN
We offer payment plans for all our trips, so you can pay a deposit now and the rest over time! WeTravel (our booking platform) easily lets you make a downpayment (this is also your non-refundable trip deposit!) and set up automatic payments for the remainder. For the payment plan schedule, just check the WeTravel page for details. There is NO fee for choosing the payment plan option!
Deposit for this trip: $200 (tent)/$215 (cabin)