Cascade: Waterfall, River and Parks

Cascade offers several distinct points of interest for planning a trip: The Falls on the North Fork Maquoketa River, park trails and sports facilities, Whitewater Canyon about five miles to the east, and seasonal live music. When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on—river scenery, outdoor activities, local history, or a stay timed to an event.

The Falls and the North Fork

The Falls is a waterfall on the North Fork Maquoketa River in Cascade, and it gave the town its name. Located in the town center, it is in a city park that provides a recreational opportunity and scenic views. The waterfall thus connects a tangible natural feature with the story behind Cascade’s name. Also in the town center, right next to the North Fork, is Riverview Park & Amphitheatre, which offers views of the river’s waterfalls. These are two different perspectives on the same landscape: the waterfall in the park and the views of the waterfalls from Riverview Park.

Parks for trails and sports

Cascade Community Park covers just over 8 acres. Its facilities include a playground, a baseball/softball field, tennis courts, a basketball court, and sand volleyball courts. The same park is also home to the Coohey Memorial Trail, a riverside path for walking and cycling. The park therefore offers two different ways to spend time outdoors: walking or cycling on the trail and playing on the sports facilities. If you plan to use a particular facility, check its current status before your trip.

Whitewater Canyon east of Cascade

About five miles east of Cascade is Whitewater Canyon, a 562-acre wildlife management area. Hikers will find scenic overlooks and panoramic views, as well as several caves and rock shelters. In contrast to the town’s parks and trails, the focus here is on hiking views, caves, and rock shelters. Trail and access conditions may vary; check them before your visit.

Local history and seasonal live music

The Cascade Historic Limestone Silo & Agricultural Interpretive Center is a historic limestone silo dating from the 1930s. The history of St Matthias Parish dates to a later period: it was formed in 1995 by the merger of the St Mary and St Martin parishes in Cascade. For those interested in cultural history, a structure from the 1930s and a specific change in the local church in 1995 provide two points of interest.

A seasonal event can also shape your stay. The recurring Rockin' on the River program brings live music to the Riverview Park amphitheater in June, July, and August. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the event dates in advance.

Canoeing or kayaking on the North Fork

For activities on the North Fork, there is also a landing with parking within walking distance of Riverview Park. It gives canoeists and kayakers access to the river toward several points south of Cascade. Water levels and access conditions may vary; check both before planning a trip.

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