The Menke Observatory is located a few miles outside of Dixon, Iowa.  Click here for maps.

From the Quad Cities - Take I-80 west to exit 284 (Walcott and Plainview, and the Iowa 80 truck stop), and take county road Y40 north (to the right), past Plainview into Dixon, about 9 miles.  Turn left in Dixon onto county road Y4E. Drive 1 mile. Where Y4E turns a sharp corner to the left, turn right onto a gravel road.  A sign indicates you are heading toward the Wapsi River.  Once on the gravel road, immediately turn left at the fork in the road (the right fork takes you toward Sherman Park).  After 1 mile you will come to another fork. The right fork (marked no Outlet) will take you straight to the Wapsi River camp, from which the observatory is a short walking distance.  Park in Parking lot A.

From Clinton - Take US-30 west to Wheatland and turn left onto county road Y4E. Drive about 1 mile past Big Rock until Y4E turns a sharp corner to the right, with a gravel road going left. Take the gravel road, then turn left at the fork and follow the Quad Cities directions.

From Iowa City - Take I-80 east to exit 284, take county road Y40 north toward Dixon, and follow the Quad Cities directions above.

From Cedar Rapids - Either take I-80 east to exit 284 and follow the Quad Cities directions, or take US-30 east to Wheatland and follow the Clinton directions.

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