Keokuk

Keokuk sits where the Mississippi and Des Moines Rivers meet, serving as a regional hub for river traffic and commerce. The city spreads along the riverbank with Lock and Dam No. 19 managing water flow and generating hydroelectric power.

The settlement began in 1820 when Dr. Samuel Muir chose the location and it became an official city in 1848. The community grew because of the strategic position where two major rivers converge.

The Grand Theatre and Chief Keokuk Monument in Rand Park draw people together as gathering places that reflect the community's connection to its roots. These landmarks shape how locals experience their town's identity.

Walking along the riverfront gives you the best view of the city layout and the dam structure. The terrain is mostly flat, making it easy to move around and observe the landscape from different angles.

The city recorded Iowa's highest temperature at 118°F in July 1934, an extreme weather event that remains notable in the state's climate history. This record has stood for nearly a century.

Location: Lee County

Elevation above the sea: 174 m

Website: http://cityofkeokuk.org

GPS coordinates: 40.40250,-91.39444

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:38