Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve
It is high up on a limestone ridge above the Little Maquoketa River, not too far from the river's mouth with the Upper Mississippi River. Covering about 42 acres (170,000 m), it contains a fenced-in 3-acre (12,000 m) burial area with 32 mounds. The graves have been related to the Late Woodland culture, about AD 700-1200. Significant consultation went on with Native American tribes regarding the establishment of the preserve.
The land was purchased by the Iowa Department of Transportation in 1977, and in 1981, it became a state archaeological and geological preserve. By agreement with the state, the Dubuque County Conservation Board maintains and administers the area.
The remainder of the preserve functions as a park with a hiking trail, featuring mature forest and a segment of native blufftop prairie. As a part of the Driftless Area of Iowa, it has some geologically interesting areas, particularly the high limestone bluffs.
There is a parking lot. Access is year-round.
See also
Sources
- ^ Inc., Informatics. "Little Maquoketa River Mounds - Dubuque, IA". www.mycountyparks.com. Retrieved 2022-12-31.
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- Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Retrieved July 20, 2007
- Iowa State Preserves, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Retrieved July 20, 2007
- Dubuque County Conservation Board, Retrieved June 29, 2016
- "Little Maquoketa Mounds". protectedplanet.net.