Improvements Made to Eby's Mill River Access!
Recent development of the Eby’s Mill River Access has opened the door to a large section of the wild Maquoketa River. As a picturesque, major river flowing through Jones County, the Maquoketa has never had two hard surface access points connected within the county. Hard surface access points assist river enthusiasts with accessing the water with their boating equipment, in addition to providing a stable site for safely entering and exiting their equipment. Pictured Rocks to Eby’s Mill is the stretch of river with increased accessibility. Both now contain a hard surface ramp (Pictured Rocks – local quarried stone, Eby’s Mill – concrete) and stabilized shoreline to allow safe usage during a large variety of river levels. In addition to a new ramp, Eby’s Mill now also contains 9 vehicle-trailer or vehicle-vehicle parking spots, and 25 single vehicle parking spots. Overflow parallel parking is also available along the entry drive. Two of these parking locations are handicap accessible – one vehicle-trailer and one single vehicle. All are connected to the ramp and a soon-to-be added informational kiosk via a sidewalk. The kiosk will show maps of the area, images of local game fish, rules and regulations, and the tremendous group of donors it took to make the new access possible, including: Thomas Barry III, Matt and Beth McQuillen, Ohnward Bank and Trust, Chris Nelson, Wade Wamre, the Jones County Board of Supervisors, DNR Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program, DNR Water Trail Development Program, and the Grant Wood Loop.
If you haven’t had a chance already, feel free to visit the new access whether to enter the river, fish, or just to observe the sights and sounds of the river corridor. Stay tuned for a grand opening event announcement occurring spring 2023!
