The 61 Drive-In Theatre

1228 U.S. ROUTE 61, DELMAR | 563-674-4367 ONLINE AT 61-DRIVEINTHEATER.COM AND ON FACEBOOK

Both of the area’s movie theaters are a three-generation local family operation, owned by Dennis Voy for more than 50 years. The drive-in is one of only four in Iowa and sits along a former alignment of U.S. Route 61 south of Maquoketa and west of Delmar. Opened in 1950, the 61 has eight rows of parking, but if the stalls are full, no problem: Moviegoers can park outside, bring a lawn chair and get a ticket to watch the movie. The drive-in also lets customers bring their own food, but there’s a concession stand to help support its operations. The 61 has a play area in front of the screen where kids can play before the first film, with a swing set, sandbox, tether ball poles, and spaces for whiffle ball, basketball and volleyball. If the kids want to explore more of the drive-in, they can do that too, with a “train” ride around the perimeter. The family’s second theater, Voy 3, is at 207 S. Main St. Call 563-652-353 or go to voytheaters.com for more information.

More on Maquoketa

The Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce, 124 S. Main St.; is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, or 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call 563-652-9925 for more information. The Chamber also operates websites showcasing its attractions, bars and restaurants, stores and hotels ...

Attractions: exploremaq.com

Drinks and cuisine: eatmaq.com

Shopping: shoppingmaq.com

Lodging: staymaq.com

Racecars vye for the checkered flag on most Saturdays from April to October on this 3/8-mile dirt track at the county fairgrounds. The speedway hosts International Motor Contest Association late model, modified, stock car, truck, sport mod and hobby stock racing, as well as sport compact races, mini late model racing, nostalgia car racing and events on the American Iron Racing Series.

Maquoketa Caves State Park

10970 98TH ST. | 563-652-5833

OPEN: DAWN TO DUSK YEAR-ROUND; CAVES CLOSED OCT.15 TO APRIL 15

ONLINE AT IOWADNR.GOV/PLACES-TO-GO/STATE-PARKS/IOWA-STATE-PARKS/ MAQUOKETA-CAVES-STATE-PARK

The ice age created a unique geographical feature with the Maquoketa Caves, which features more caves than any state park — 14 of them with differing levels of accessibility, from walk-in to crawl-in. Bats hibernate in the caves during the winter, so entry inside is allowed only from April to October. Staircases outside and concrete discs inside guide visitors to a cool and off-the-grid adventure in geology. The Dancehall Cave is the park’s largest at 1,100 feet long, and nearby is a natural bridge with a rock-shaped arch. In the park’s visitor center is the Paul Sagers Museum, which houses a collection of archaeological and agricultural artifacts. Camping also is available at the park.

Hurstville Interpretive Center

18670 63RD ST. | 563-652-3783

OPEN: 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, NOON TO 5 P.M. SUNDAY ONLINE AT HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/2UTEJE3T AND ON FACEBOOK

There’s more to Maquoketa than hills and caves.

The Hurstville Interpretive Center north of town is a well-preserved 18-acre wetland and 15-acre prairie with a butterfly garden and working beehive for visitors to see up close and personal. Indoors and outdoor exhibits offer education on native prairies and preservation methods. Children can catch a frog or a tadpole from the water and make their way through a prairie maze. The facility does its part to lend nature a hand: it is operated entirely by solar power.