Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Iowa

Rockville

A ghost town of unknown status in Delaware County, Iowa.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Rockville doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Rockville is a former city and unincorporated community in Delaware County, Iowa, United States. Bordering Dubuque County within the North Fork Township, it was approximately 3 miles northwest of Worthington and 1.

Rockville is the lone documented ghost town in Delaware County — for now.

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The story of Rockville

Iowa's ghost towns are coal camps and railroad towns in a state that farmed too well to need many of them.

Rockville is a former city and unincorporated community in Delaware County, Iowa, United States. Bordering Dubuque County within the North Fork Township, it was approximately 3 miles northwest of Worthington and 1.5 miles west of today's Iowa Highway 136.

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What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Rockville is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

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Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Rockville is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Rockville is roughly 42.4186, -91.1422 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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Rockville FAQs

01Where is Rockville located?
Rockville is in Delaware County, Iowa, mapped near 42.4186, -91.1422.
02What county is Rockville in?
Rockville sits in Delaware County, Iowa. See our full guide to ghost towns in Delaware County for its neighbors.
03What is the history of Rockville?
Rockville is a former city and unincorporated community in Delaware County, Iowa, United States. Bordering Dubuque County within the North Fork Township, it was approximately 3 miles northwest of Worthington and 1.5 miles west of today's Iowa Highway 136.
04What remains at Rockville today?
The on-the-ground condition of Rockville is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
05Can you visit Rockville?
Here's the honest truth: access to Rockville is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Rockville is roughly 42.4186, -91.1422 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Rockville, Iowa”), CC BY-SA.

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More in Delaware County

All 1 ghost towns in Delaware County →