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Excitedly Exploring Keokuk, Iowa: The Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit

Keokuk sits on the Mississippi. Everything here faces the river. The Chief Keokuk Statue stands 35 feet tall above it, the riverboat museum is a retired boat you walk through, and the lock and dam is where you stand and watch ships get lifted. The Keokuk Union Depot dates from 1891. The Keokuk National Cemetery holds over 5,000 Union soldiers who died in the Civil War.

For an unusual destination, Keokuk, Iowa belongs near the top of the list. This city sits on the banks of the Mississippi River and carries history, culture and landscape in roughly equal measure. History reader, outdoor enthusiast or someone after a slow few days, all three are covered.

The history and culture are the biggest draw in Keokuk. The city holds several museums, the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum among them, which covers the area’s steamboat past. The Keokuk National Cemetery is the other stop, where many Civil War soldiers are buried. Keokuk is not only the past, though; the city also runs a real arts and entertainment scene, with galleries, theaters and music venues showing local talent.

No visit to Keokuk is complete without the landscape around it. The city is ringed by parks, forests and wildlife areas, which makes it work for outdoor people. Hike or bike the trails of Rand Park, or take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront. For something more adventurous, kayaking or fishing on the Mississippi.

Key Takeaways

• Keokuk, Iowa is a charming city located on the banks of the Mississippi River.
• The city is rich in history and culture, with several fascinating museums and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
• Keokuk’s natural beauty is also a major draw, with parks, forests, and wildlife areas offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

History and Culture

History readers are in the right place in Keokuk. The city’s past shows in its landmarks and attractions. These are the highlights of Keokuk’s history and culture:

Civil War Heritage

Keokuk played a significant role in the Civil War, and several sites in the city record that part of American history. The Keokuk National Cemetery is the first. It is the resting place of over 5,000 Union soldiers who died during the war. The Civil War Monument is the second, erected in honor of the soldiers who fought and died.

Shipbuilding and Steam Engines

Keokuk was once a hub for shipbuilding and steam engines, and the Keokuk Union Depot covers that history. The depot was built in 1891 and served as a transportation hub for passengers and freight. It is a museum now, showing the city’s transportation past. The Victory Park Historic Site is the other stop, home to the remains of a steamboat that sank in the Mississippi River in 1865.

George M. Verity Riverboat Museum

The George M. Verity Riverboat Museum is the other stop for history readers. The museum sits on a retired riverboat and shows what life was like for a riverboat captain. You can walk the engine room, the pilot house and the living quarters, and read the history of river travel on the Mississippi.

Keokuk Union Depot

The Keokuk Union Depot is a strong example of Victorian architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The depot was built in 1891 and served as a transportation hub for passengers and freight. It is a museum now, covering the city’s transportation history. You can walk the waiting room, the ticket office and the baggage room.

Civil War history, shipbuilding or steam engines, Keokuk covers all three. Pack the bags and work through the city’s history.

Landmarks and Attractions

For landmarks and attractions in Keokuk, Iowa, the city carries plenty. Historic landmarks through to parks, these are the destinations to find:

Chief Keokuk Statue

The Chief Keokuk Statue is the most recognizable landmark in Keokuk. The bronze figure stands 35 feet tall and looks out over the Mississippi River. It is a tribute to the Native American leader who played a significant role in the history of the region. Take a walk around the statue and read the history of Chief Keokuk and his people.

Keokuk National Cemetery

The Keokuk National Cemetery is the other stop for history readers. It is the resting place of soldiers who fought in the Civil War, World War I and World War II. Walk through the cemetery and pay your respects.

Victory Park

Victory Park is a green space in the heart of Keokuk. The park takes a picnic or a game of frisbee. Take a stroll through it for the scenery, the fountain and the gazebo. It is where you slow down in Keokuk.

Rand Park

Rand Park is the other park in Keokuk worth finding. It runs a swimming pool, tennis courts and a playground. Take a dip in the pool on a hot day or challenge whoever came with you to a game of tennis. It fills a day with family and friends.

History, the outdoors or an afternoon out, Keokuk covers all three. Work through these landmarks and attractions on the next visit to Keokuk, Iowa.

Outdoor Activities

For outdoor time in Keokuk, Iowa, you are in luck. The city sits on the Mississippi River with open country around it, which makes it work for outdoor people. These are the outdoor activities to try:

Mississippi River Adventures

The Mississippi River is the main attraction in Keokuk and there are plenty of ways onto it. Take a scenic boat tour, rent a kayak or canoe, or go fishing. The George M. Verity Riverboat Museum covers the history of river transportation and puts you on a historic riverboat. The Lock and Dam No. 19 is the other stop, where you watch ships go through the lock from the observation platform.

Hiking in Lee County

Lee County holds several parks and nature preserves for hiking and other outdoor time. The Keokuk National Cemetery sits on rolling ground with the Mississippi River below it. The Lost Canvas is an art gallery and children’s museum that also runs hiking trails and a picnic area. For more hiking, head to the nearby Rand Park, which runs several trails at different difficulty levels.

Whatever your interests, Keokuk, Iowa has the outdoor ground for them. Hiking, boating or an hour looking at the river, all three work here. Grab the gear and go.

Keokuk sits at the southern tip of Iowa, where the Des Moines River meets the Mississippi. Victory Park and the Keokuk Union Depot both sit on the waterfront, with the Chief Keokuk Statue on the bluff above them and the riverboat museum moored below. Rand Park holds the pool and the courts. The Keokuk National Cemetery is close in. Geode State Park is a drive out.

Arts and Entertainment

Art Galleries and Museums

If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll be pleased to know that Keokuk has a few art galleries and museums that are worth checking out. The Keokuk Art Center is a great place to start. It features a rotating collection of exhibits from local and regional artists. The center also offers art classes and workshops for both adults and children. Another must-see is the Hawkeye Log Cabin Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of Keokuk and the surrounding area.

Children’s Museums

If you’re traveling with children, you might want to visit the Keokuk Children’s Museum. It’s a fun and educational destination that offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. The museum is dedicated to promoting learning and discovery through play, and it’s a great place to spend a few hours with your family.

Blues Bars

If you’re looking for some live music and a good time, Keokuk has a few blues bars that won’t disappoint. The Hawkeye Restaurant and Lounge is a local favorite that features live music on weekends. They serve up delicious food and drinks, and the atmosphere is always lively. Another great option is Joystix, a bar and arcade that offers a unique experience for music lovers. They have a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, and they often host live music events.

Keokuk is a small town packed with arts and entertainment. Art, history or live music, all three are covered.

Planning Your Visit

Ready to explore Keokuk, Iowa? These are the tips for planning the visit.

Recommended Itineraries

To use the time in Keokuk properly, plan the itinerary in advance. These are the suggested itineraries to start from:

One Day Itinerary

• Start your day with a cup of coffee from Getwell’s Bar & Grill.
• Head to the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum to learn about the history of riverboats.
• Take a stroll through Rand Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Check out the Lock and Dam No. 19 and watch the boats go by.
• End your day with a delicious meal at The Lost Canvas, an art gallery and restaurant.

Two Day Itinerary

Day 1:

• Follow the One Day Itinerary above.
• In the evening, catch a show at the Keokuk Grand Theatre.

Day 2:

• Start your day with breakfast at Warsaw Brewery.
• Visit the Keokuk National Cemetery and pay your respects.
• Take a tour of the Lock and Dam No. 19 and learn about the history of the Mississippi River.
• End your day with a hike at Hawthorne Park and enjoy the beautiful views.

Tours and Points of Interest

There are plenty of tours and points of interest in Keokuk. These are our top picks:

• George M. Verity Riverboat Museum – Learn about the history of riverboats and explore the museum’s collection.
• Lock and Dam No. 19 – Take a tour of the lock and dam and watch the boats go by.
• Keokuk National Cemetery – Pay your respects and learn about the history of the cemetery.
• Rand Park – Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
• Hawthorne Park – Go for a hike and enjoy the stunning views.

Don’t forget to check out Tripadvisor for more reviews and recommendations from fellow travelers.

Keokuk in Popular Culture

Keokuk, Iowa has turned up in popular culture over the years. Literature through to music, the city has made its way into a fair few places. These are the examples:

• Mark Twain: Keokuk was a frequent stop for Mark Twain during his time as a riverboat pilot. He mentioned Keokuk in his book “Life on the Mississippi” and described it as a “handsome town.”
• Kansas City, MO: In the song “Route 66,” which was written by Bobby Troup and popularized by Nat King Cole, Keokuk is mentioned as one of the stops along the famous highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles.
• Music: Keokuk has been referenced in several songs over the years, including “Keokuk Blues” by Bessie Smith and “Keokuk Junction” by Lonnie Johnson.
• Film: Keokuk has been featured in a few films over the years, including “The Lucky Texan” starring John Wayne and “The Great Missouri Raid” starring Wendell Corey.

Keokuk is a small town and it has made its mark in popular culture. Literature, music or film, the city keeps appearing, and it keeps drawing visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best geodes in Keokuk, Iowa?

Keokuk is famous for its geodes, which are hollow rocks filled with crystals. Geode State Park, just outside the city, is where to find them. The rock shops and gem stores in the area carry them too. Bring a hammer and chisel to open the rocks and get at the crystals inside.

Which local restaurants in Keokuk, Iowa are a must-try?

Keokuk carries a range of local restaurants worth the time. For pizza, check out The Hawkeye Restaurant, which has been serving pies since 1952. For classic American fare, head over to the River City Mall, where the River City Beefstro does the burgers. And for something sweet, the Keokuk Creamery, with its ice cream flavors and other treats.

Enjoy the trip to Keokuk, Iowa.

Frequently asked questions about Keokuk, Iowa

What can you actually see at the Keokuk National Cemetery?

Over 5,000 Union soldiers who died during the Civil War are buried there. Soldiers from World War I and World War II are buried there as well. The ground rolls, the Mississippi is below it, and the walk is easy even if the setting is not.

Where do you find geodes near Keokuk in Iowa?

Geode State Park. Bring a hammer and a chisel, because the geodes are hollow rocks and the crystals are on the inside. The rock shops and gem stores in town sell them ready-opened if you would rather not dig for your own.

Is the Chief Keokuk Statue worth the short walk?

It stands 35 feet of bronze on the bluff, looking out over the Mississippi. The climb is short. It is a tribute to the Native American leader the city is named after, and the plaques around the base are worth reading properly.

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