Outdoor Adventures: Camp and Cave

Let’s get down and dirty! Explore the caves and enjoy the wonders of the Maquoketa Caves State Park, located in the Raccoon Creek Valley of Iowa, two hours west of Sycamore. Beyond the astonishing caverns and crevasses, this park is home to a restored prairie and six miles of trails. Short hikes access the 16 limestone caves that we can explore. Some caves can be visited just by walking through, and others, if you are able, by crawling on your hands and knees. Great sights include the “Natural Bridge,” the 17-ton “Balanced Rock,” the 1100’ “Dancehall Cave,” and the famous, challenging “Wye” cave.

Registration includes transportation, leadership, equipment for caving (caving helmet with headlamp and pads) and camping (tent, sleeping pad and bag, headlamp), transportation, camping fees and all meals. All ages welcome. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over the age of 18. 

Mandatory pre-trip meeting: 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 in the Rec Center.

Date and Time: 4 p.m. Friday, April 21, to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 22. 

Registration cost/deadline: NIU student: $125, non-student: $175 by Tuesday, April 18.

Online advance registration through Fusion.  

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Check out some photos for an idea of what to expect.