Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve facts for kids

The Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Preserve is a special place in Iowa. It's a state-owned area that combines an important archaeological site with beautiful nature. You can find it in Sageville, just north of Dubuque, right along U.S. Highway 52.

This preserve sits high up on a limestone ridge. It overlooks the Little Maquoketa River, not far from where the river joins the big Upper Mississippi River. The preserve covers about 42 acres (17 hectares). Inside, there's a fenced-off area of 3 acres (1.2 hectares) that holds 32 ancient burial mounds.

What Are the Mounds?

These mounds are like ancient graves. They were built by people from the Late Woodland culture. This culture lived in the area a long, long time ago, between about 700 AD and 1200 AD. These mounds tell us a lot about the history of the people who lived here before us.

Before the preserve was created, leaders talked a lot with Native American tribes. They wanted to make sure everyone agreed on how to protect these important sites.

History of the Preserve

The land for the preserve was bought in 1977 by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Then, in 1981, it officially became a state archaeological and geological preserve. This means it's protected for both its historical importance and its interesting rock formations.

The Dubuque County Conservation Board helps take care of the preserve. They work with the state to manage the area and keep it safe for everyone to enjoy.

Exploring the Natural Area

The rest of the preserve is like a park. It has a nice hiking trail where you can walk through old forests. You can also see a part of a native blufftop prairie, which is a special type of grassland found on high cliffs.

This area is part of the Driftless Area of Iowa. The Driftless Area is unique because glaciers didn't flatten it like other parts of the state. This means it has some really cool geological features, especially the tall limestone bluffs you can see here.

There's a parking lot available, and you can visit the preserve all year round. It's a great place to learn about history and enjoy nature!