From the Caves to the State Fair: Jackson County’s homemade maple syrup

The Maquoketa Caves are known for their natural beauty, but they’re also home to maple trees that produce syrup right here in Jackson County.

Maquoketa Caves DNR Ranger Ryland Richards helps lead that process alongside local volunteers. One volunteer, a 4-H student, entered her own batch of syrup from those same trees in the Jackson County Fair, and it’s now headed to the Iowa State Fair.

Beyond the State Fair, the syrup produced at the Caves makes its way to the local community through an annual event. The Friends of the Maquoketa Caves alongside Park Rangers host a pancake breakfast that features the homemade syrup.

The pancake breakfast serves as the Friends Group’s largest fundraiser for the park each year. Organizers keep the cost affordable so as many people as possible can try the homemade syrup.

The full podcast on the Maquoketa Caves and activities held there is available by clicking here.