Keokuk Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Keokuk, a charming city located in the Iowa region of the United States, offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational activities. Nestled along the Mississippi River, Keokuk boasts a rich heritage that dates back to the early 19th century. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant downtown, and a wide array of attractions, this city has something to offer to every kind of traveler.

Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in awe of the breathtaking scenery that surrounds Keokuk. The city is home to the stunning Lock and Dam No. 19, which provides visitors with a front-row view of the mighty Mississippi River. Watch as barges and boats navigate through the locks or take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront trails, soaking in the tranquility of the water's flow.

For history buffs, Keokuk is a treasure trove of captivating stories and landmarks. Visit the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum, an iconic steamboat that offers a glimpse into the river's bustling past. Explore the Old Main historic district, where beautifully preserved Victorian homes and buildings stand as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. Don't miss the Keokuk National Cemetery, a place of solemn beauty that honors the men and women who have served in the armed forces.

Keokuk also offers a variety of recreational activities for those seeking adventure. The Rand Park Recreation Area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring golf courses, tennis courts, and a scenic walking trail. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in Lake Cooper, known for its abundant catfish and bass. If you're looking for a more adrenaline-pumping experience, head to Keokuk Skate Park, where skateboarders and BMX riders can showcase their skills.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Keokuk boasts a vibrant downtown scene. Explore the charming shops, art galleries, and local restaurants that line the streets. Indulge in delicious Midwestern cuisine, or sip on a locally brewed craft beer at one of the city's breweries.

Alternative names: Founded: 1832 (192 years ago)Population: 10.6 thous.Area: 10.58 mi²Elevation: 568 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°23'60"N, 91°23'2"W

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IowaUnited States

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Keokuk Top Attractions

Keokuk Attractions - What to See and Explore

Keokuk offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Church of All Saints, The Bridge, United States Post Office and Courthouse, Keokuk National Cemetery. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Church of All Saints
The Church of All Saints is a parish of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Davenport. The church is located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. The church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as St. Peter Church, the name of the congregation that built it.
Bridge
The Bridge
The Keokuk-Hamilton bridge is a steel girder, 4-lane bridge from Keokuk, Iowa to Hamilton, Illinois. It carries U.S. Route 136 across the Mississippi River. It also has fully fenced off pedestrian walkway.
Tower
United States Post Office and Courthouse
The Lee County Courthouse, also known as the South Lee County Courthouse and the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States.

Cemetery
Keokuk National Cemetery
Keokuk National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the city of Keokuk in Lee County, Iowa. It encompasses 22.7 acres, and as of 2021, had over 6,000 interments. It is administered by Rock Island National Cemetery.
History museum • Museum
Justice Samuel Freeman Miller House
The Justice Samuel Freeman Miller House is a historic building in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. It is now operated as the Miller House Museum by the Lee County Historical Society. The significance of this house is its association with Samuel Freeman Miller who had it built.
Dam
Lock and Dam No. 19
Lock and Dam No. 19 is a lock and dam located on the Upper Mississippi River near Keokuk, Iowa. In 2004, the facility was listed in the National Register of Historic Places as Lock and Dam No. 19 Historic District, #04000179 covering 1,605 acres, 7 buildings, 12 structures, 1 object. The lock is owned and operated by the U.S.
40°23'44"N • 91°22'58"W
Keokuk Young Women's Christian Association Building
The Keokuk Young Women's Christian Association Building is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Ship
George M. Verity
George M. Verity is a historic towboat now displayed as a museum ship in Keokuk, Iowa. Built in 1927 as SS Thorpe, she is nationally significant for being one of only three surviving steam-powered towboats in existence in the United States.
Bridge
Keokuk Rail Bridge
The Keokuk Bridge, also known as the Keokuk Municipal Bridge, is a double-deck, single-track railway and highway bridge across the Mississippi River in the United States between Keokuk, Iowa, and Hamilton, Illinois, just downstream of Mississippi Lock and Dam number 19.
40°23'50"N • 91°23'0"W
Grand Theatre
Concerts and shows • Theater
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. John's Episcopal Church
St. John's Episcopal Church is a parish church in the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. It is located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. It was listed, together with the parish hall, on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
40°23'47"N • 91°22'39"W
Frank J. Weess House
The Frank J. Weess House is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. Built from 1880 to 1881, it is considered a fine, although a rather restrained, example of the Second Empire style.
40°23'40"N • 91°22'45"W
Hugh W. and Sarah Sample House
The Hugh W. and Sarah Sample House is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. Hugh Sample became the mayor of Keokuk in 1858 and had the house built the following year. He lived in the residence until his death in 1870.
Greek Revival architecture
Gen. William Worth Belknap House
The Gen. William Worth Belknap House is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. William Worth Belknap moved to Keokuk from upstate New York in the 1853 to practice law. He built this Greek Revival style house the following year. It is a two-story brick structure with a single-story wing.
Greek Revival architecture
Gen. Samuel R. Curtis House
The Gen. Samuel R. Curtis House is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. Samuel R. Curtis was an engineer, congressman and served as mayor of Keokuk in the 1850s.
40°24'5"N • 91°22'34"W
John N. and Mary L. Irwin House
The John N. and Mary L. Irwin House is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
40°23'48"N • 91°22'52"W
E. H. Harrison House
The E. H. Harrison House is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. It was designed in a combination of Federal, Greek Revival, and Second Empire styles by local architect Frederick H. Moore, and built in 1857 by local builder R.P. Gray.
40°24'9"N • 91°22'44"W
Alois and Annie Weber House
The Alois and Annie Weber House is a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. The significance of the three-story house is its association with the period of industrial growth in the city when it was built and as a fine local example of the Second Empire style.
40°24'16"N • 91°22'34"W
C. R. Joy House
The C. R. Joy House, also known as The Grande Anne Bed & Breakfast, was a historic building located in Keokuk, Iowa, United States. It was destroyed by fire in July 2018. It was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Day trips

Keokuk – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Keokuk, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Nauvoo Illinois Temple (Nauvoo), Mark Twain Cave (Hannibal), Community Field (Burlington).

10 milesN
Church, Sacred and religious sites, Temple
Nauvoo Illinois Temple, Nauvoo
The Nauvoo Illinois Temple is the 113th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the third such temple that has been built in Illinois.
49 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Campsite
Mark Twain Cave, Hannibal
Mark Twain Cave — originally McDowell's Cave — is a show cave located near Hannibal, Missouri. It was named for author Mark Twain whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Clemens lived in Hannibal from 1839 to 1853, age 4 to 17. It is the oldest operating show cave in the state, giving tours continuously since 1886.
32 milesNE
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport venue
Community Field, Burlington
Community Field is a stadium in Burlington, Iowa. It is primarily used for baseball and is the home field of the Burlington Bees collegiate summer baseball team of the Prospect League.
48 milesS
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Hannibal
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is located on 206-208 Hill Street, Hannibal, Missouri, on the west bank of the Mississippi River in the United States. It was the home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as author Mark Twain, from 1844 to 1853.
9.7 miN
History museum, Museum
Nauvoo House, Nauvoo State Park
The Nauvoo House in Nauvoo, Illinois, is a boarding house that Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, began constructing in the 1840s.