Keokuk’s numerous parks provide scenic overlooks, picnicking, disc golf, tennis and basketball courts, walking/jogging trails, playgrounds, softball and baseball fields, in-line skating, and an outdoor swimming pool. Excellent indoor sports facilities are provided at the YMCA. Two private golf courses are located in Keokuk, and public courses are within a twenty minute drive.

Located on the Mississippi River, water sports are a natural in the Keokuk area, from boating and water skiing to fishing. Two boat clubs (one above and one below the dam) and a municipal boat ramp provide easy access. A canoe and kayak trail is along the Des Moines River, from its beginnings in northwest Iowa to its confluence with the Mississippi at Keokuk.

As a major flyway for migrating water fowl, the Mississippi provides vast opportunities to observe and/or hunt ducks and geese, and the rural areas surrounding Keokuk are teeming with deer, squirrel, wild turkey, pheasant, quail, and other four-legged game. Nearby Lee County wildlife areas and parks offer trails, historic sites, nordic skiing, equestrian trails, camping, and archery ranges, and rock hounds can search the area for goodies.

A popular pastime is watching towboats push laden barges through Lock 19, as well as enjoying steam-driven paddlewheelers, from another era, ply the waters.

The Keokuk Public Library, in addition to its 70,000 plus collection, contains an excellent genealogy section. A Keokuk history room also houses many historical photos and books by Keokuk authors.

Annual Weather in Keokuk

Annual average summer temperature: 73.9 degrees

Annual average winter temperature: mid-20s

Annual average rainfall: 35.1"

Annual snowfall: 29.5"

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