Keokuk — Population: 11,427
To some, Keokuk's charm is found in its Victorian era architecture and tree-lined
avenues, the panoramic splendor of the majestic Mississippi River and a Main Street
that still hosts pickup trucks, an occasional tractor and homestyle cafes. To others,
Keokuk is a town of 12,500 with a growing economy, a school system that rivals any
in the nation, a performing arts theatre, a center for Japanese-American cultural
exchanges, a healthy industrial mix and a burgeoning commercial district.
Keokuk has done something that many towns fail to do; it has preserved its downtown.
In downtown Keokuk, you see all of the things that make Keokuk a great place to
live, play and do business. It speaks of home, welcomes growth and acknowledges
the past, but looks toward the future. Currently, 436 commercial, professional,
retail and service businesses and seven churches are located downtown. Founded in
1986, Main Street Keokuk is one of Iowa's veteran Main Street programs. Explore
Keokuk'shistory, charm and character!
Main Street Keokuk, Inc.
329 Main Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
phone: 319/524-5055
fax: 319/524-5016
e-mail: downtown@interl.net
Town History
In 1820, Dr. Samuel C. Muir, a surgeon in the U.S. Army, built a cabin on what is
now the northwest corner of Keokuk's Main and Water Streets. During Independence
Day festivities in 1829, George Davenport and John W. Johnston proposed that the
new village be named Keokuk after the Sac Indian Chief Keokuk. Thus, Keokuk became
the first permanent settlement in what is now the state of Iowa. The community boasts
one of 12 national cemeteries in the nation and celebrated its 150th birthday in
1997.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Downtown Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:
- The Hotel Iowa, 401 Main Street
- Lee County Courthouse, 7th & Blondeau Streets
- The Grand Theatre, 24 North 6th
- St. John's Church, North 4th & Concert Streets
Other Unique Properties:
- Lee County Courthouse - Completed in 1889, this historic beauty
is topped with a clock tower.
- Pierce Building - Eight-story building constructed in 1912-1913
to house workers constructing Lock & Dam 19. Today it serves as a multipurpose
use with apartments, overnight lodging and commercial and retail space.
- Keosippi Mall - Enclosed shopping mall that anchors downtown.
Annual Events
- January - American Bald Eagle Appreciation Days - At the foot of
Main Street, the Department of Natural Resources is available with spotting scopes
for birders to watch the eagles. Keokuk enjoys the highest concentration of winter
nesting eagles on the Mississippi.
- January - Winter Crazy Days
- April - Civil War Reenactment: Battle of Pea Ridge - In conjunction
with this popular event, Main Street merchants display quilts, and a raffle for
a hand-stitched quilt is conducted.
- April - Easter Bunny Tea
- July - Crazy Days - Three days of sidewalk bargains, special events,
prizes and food to enjoy.
- October - Holiday Gift Show "Holiday Magic" - A sneak peak at holiday
merchandise, music, food, prizes and 20 vendors on October 12 from 4:30 p.m. to
7:30 p.m.
- November - Holiday Open House - Customers are treated to cookies,
hot cider, music, strolling characters and more.
- Holiday Lighted Parade - Main Street is aglow with a Saturday evening
filled with the magic and wonder of Christmas.
- Festival of Trees - Keokuk Art Center auction of trees decorated
by the area's finest artisans.
- December - Puttin' on the Glitz - Luminary-lined streets, strolling
carolers and snow people, in-store appetizers and beverages, street vendors and
Santa turn the Main Street district into an "evening out" for adults.
Tuxedo-clad doormen welcome visitors to shops.
- December - It's a Charlie Brown Christmas - Children's ornament
workshop with snoopy.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
A one-third to two-third matching grant is available through Main Street Keokuk,
Inc. for property improvements. Grants were designated for facade improvements.
Main Street's share is capped at $500. Property owners must adhere to Main Street
design guidelines. If property owner did not receive design assistance, their improvements
must be approved by Main Street Keokuk. Work cannot start until after notification
of grant approval. Property owner submits paid bills to Main Street for grant payment
upon completion and inspection of work.
Main Street Keokuk, Inc. maintains a current list of available commercial properties.
For more information, contact Main Street Keokuk at 319/524-5055.
Local Links
Keokuk Tourism Bureau