Maquoketa: Enjoying the Fun Offerings of Iowa’s Timber City
Maquoketa, IA, originally known as Springfield, was also endearingly called “Timber City” during the late 1800s because of the tree-lined streets featured in the region. The town’s present name is adapted from the Maquoketa River and was changed in 1844. Maquoketa is a Meskwaki term that loosely translates to “Bear River”. During that time, there were plenty of bears living near the river banks and streams. Maquoketa, Iowa became the seat of Jackson County in 1873. Physicist Robert A. Millikan came from Maquoketa. He was awarded the Nobel Prize laureate for Physics in 1923 for his work on the photoelectric effect.
Best Time to Visit
March, July and October are the busiest time for tourism in Maquoketa, Iowa. However, to avoid costly Maquoketa, IA hotel room rates, you might want to visit during August to experience the Annual Potosi Brewfest or during April to attend the Annual Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Take a glimpse and experience the history of Maquoketa when you head to the Gilbert Historical Museum located near the Squiers Manor B&B. Space and science enthusiasts would have a great time at the Mars Space Flight Facility. This facility specialized mainly on remote sensing research in planet Mars mainly it mineralogy and geology. It is home to the Hohokam culture, archeological artifacts that will bring you back to the past are featured at the Maquoketa Caves State Park. The budget-friendly Econo Lodge hotel is located near this museum.