Simply Beautiful

By Amanda Morgan

Jackson County is a picture postcard and is best described by the county’s slogan:  Simply Beautiful. Jackson County’s eastern border is formed by the Mississippi River giving locals the luxury of living amidst natural beauty and with a special connection to the Mississippi River. Communities are located in deep wooded valleys, comfortably nestled in lowlands or feature panoramic views from unforgettable limestone bluffs that were sculpted by the meandering Mississippi River. The friendly residents are overflowing with small town charm.

Jackson (named after President Andrew Jackson) County’s strong sense of history is exhibited through museums such as The Young House Museum in Bellevue, and historical sites including including Dyas Hexagonal Barn and Paradise Farm.

Jackson County has many sites and districts on the National Register of Historic Places. Area landmarks include Maquoketa Caves State Park, the Mississippi River, Maquoketa River, Bellevue State Park, Jackson County Fair, Hurstville Interpretive Center, Hurstville Lime Kilns, Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery, and Brush Creek Winery. Maquoketa and Bellevue are also filled with a variety of antique shops.

Jackson County has been designated “A Great Place” by the State of Iowa. And more attractions are coming soon.  In development are: a canoe trail on the Maquoketa River; a bicycle trail including expansion of the JC Recreational Trail and a loop system from the designated Mississippi River Bike Trail along U.S. Hwy. 52; construction of Mill Creek Recreational Trail; the Clinton Engines museum in Maquoketa; and rehabilitation of the historic county insame asylum.

Largest employers include Family Dollar, Pacific Coast Feather, and Rockwell Collins.

Sources: Jackson County Area Tourism Association, http://co.jackson.ia.us/community.htm, http://co.jackson.ia.us/museums.htm, http://www.bellevueia.com/living_here.html, http://www.iowaworkforce.org/lmi/empstat/jackson.pdf

Cities in Jackson County

Andrew pop. 460
Baldwin pop. 127
Bellevue pop. 2350
LaMotte pop. 272
Maquoketa pop. 6112
Miles pop. 462
Monmouth pop. 180
Preston pop. 949
Sabula pop. 670
Spragueville pop. 89
Springbrook pop. 182
St. Donatus pop. 140
Zwingle pop. 100