Entertainment and Interests
Keokuk has a strong sense of community exemplified by its many annual events and festivals. Keokuk also has many attractions that appeal to visitors and residents alike.
Attractions
Chief Keokuk Statue
Overlooking the Mississippi River, Chief Keokuk, for whom the town is named, is honored by a monument in Rand Park.
Grand Avenue
A record of Keokuk's past is shown in the homes perched on the bluffs high above the river. Even today, each façade reflects signs of the refined wealth that was evident in the last half of the 19th Century. A walking tour brochure of these homes and other buildings is available.
Grand Theatre
Great River Players, a community theatre group, presents live theatre at the renovated Grand Theatre. This 1924 "hemp house" is one of the few remaining theatres of its type, and is also the home to concerts from the Keokuk Concert Association and McNamara's Band, dance recitals, and special musical entertainment throughout the year.
George M. Verity Riverboat Museum
The George M. Verity Riverboat Museum, on the riverfront, provides history buffs a return to steamboat days of times past.
Keokuk Art Center
The Keokuk Art Center in Keosippi Mall offers monthly exhibits by area artists, and has a permanent collection as well. Artist lectures and art classes are offered.
Lock & Dam 19 and Observation Deck
Keokuk has preserved its history by converting the old swing-span bridge to an observation deck. Visitors are invited to a bird's eye view of the Mississippi and lock and dam 19 and the hydroelectric plant, built in 1913, an engineering marvel of its time.
Miller House Museum
The Miller House Museum houses a collection of photos, furnishings, and objects d'art that focus on the lifestyles of area ancestors. The superintendent's house at the National Cemetery is in the process of being renovated for a future history museum.
National Cemetery
One of the original twelve designated by Congress, at the same time as Arlington, Keokuk's National Cemetery, was the first west of the Mississippi River, and is still the only one in Iowa.
Events
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days are held the 3rd weekend of January. Because the dam creates open waters on the Mississippi River, hundreds of eagles winter in the Keokuk area where they can fish below the dam. Bald Eagles can be seen around Keokuk December through March.
Battle of Pea Ridge Civil War Re-enactment
April marks the now famous Civil War Re-enactment of the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, featuring Keokuk's famous Civil War hero Samuel Curtis. The annual event, held in Rand Park on the 4th weekend in April, has garnered many awards.
Bluegrass in Rand Park
This event is held on the 4th weekend of August.
City of Christmas
The City of Christmas display of lights in Rand Park is held Thanksgiving through Christmas. The 100 plus displays, created by local volunteers, continues to grow each year, and attract over 30,000 carloads of viewers annually.
July 4th Celebrations
Festivities include a kids-n-pets parade down Grand Avenue, a fishing derby by the Keokuk Police Department, games for all ages in Rand Park, and celebrations conclude with a fireworks display.
Medicine Eagle Pow Wow
This event is held in the 2nd weekend of July.
Rollin' on the River Blues Festival
Rollin' on the River is a summer blues festival, held the 3rd weekend of August, and attracts big name R&B talent from across the country.
The L Birds or Bird Dogs and Wings Over the World Competition
The summer months see the gathering of one of the largest airplane conventions in the Midwest - the L Birds or Bird Dogs - and Wings Over the World Competition.
For more information on attractions, entertainment, annual event and festivals in Keokuk contact:
Keokuk Area Convention and Tourism Bureau
Kirk Brandenberger, Executive Director
329 Main Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-5599
Toll-free: 1-800-383-1219
Fax: (319) 524-5016
E-mail: keokukia@interl.net
http://www.keokukiowatourism.org
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