River/Stream: Maquoketa River
Location: Backbone State Park, 5 miles south of Strawberry Point, Delaware County
Latitude: 42.600692
Longitude: -91.5367573
Built: 1930's by CCC
Owner: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Height: 25 feet
Length: 110 feet, two dams flanking an island
Hazards: drowning, height, usage; be aware there are two dams flanking an island
Warning Signs: none
Portage: multiple portage locations within the Backbone State Park shoreline. Excellent portage at DNR boatramp located on the island between the two dams.
Comments: canoe water trail begins below these dams.
Fatalities 1
- August 2, 1936 - Joseph Lathrop, boating
Photos by Dave Hillman
