Set off on a hunt for fossils, enjoy lake-based activities, visit the Amish and pursue your higher calling at the University of Iowa all within easy reach of Iowa City.
Before Europeans arrived, a unique American Indian "Effigy Mound" culture developed in the upper Midwest, building thousands of earthen mounds in the shape of animals across the landscape. Today, over two hundred mounds are preserved intact here; thirty one are effigies in the shape of bears and birds that are found along hiking trails offering magnificent views of the Mississippi River.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Visitor Center
Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Weekends, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - June to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Call for specific June date at 563-873-3491) Closed Thanksgiving Holiday, December 25, New Years Day Location: Highway 76, three miles north of Marquette, Iowa along the western shore of the upper Mississippi River.
Park Grounds
Access is offered (only) via 14 miles of hiking trails which are open daily sunrise to sunset (weather permitting).
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Travel 3 miles north of Marquette, Iowa on state highway 76 (The Great River Road).
From the North & West in Iowa (Waukon & Harpers Ferry, Iowa) Travel 17 miles southeast of Waukon, Iowa on state highway 76. Travel 10 miles south of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, on state highway 364; then 5 miles south on state highway 76.
We offer a compact version of Go-Iowa for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Iowa on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.