Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque, the oldest city in Iowa, is situated along the bluff line of the Mississippi River where the states of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin converge.

Serving as the focal point for the Tri-State Area, Dubuque has emerged as an appealing destination that harmonizes natural beauty with a rich historical narrative.

This is exemplified by the vibrant downtown area, showcasing impressive mid-19th century architecture, a historic funicular that ascends the bluff, and a picturesque promenade along the riverfront.

Dubuque’s historical economy was primarily driven by lead mining. Just beyond the city limits lies the site where Julien Dubuque, a lead miner and explorer, founded the first Euro-American settlement in what is now Iowa.

1. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

This institution vividly illustrates the history, culture, and ecosystems of the Mississippi River. Located on the waterfront in Dubuque, it encompasses a history museum, science center, and a modern aquarium.

With countless exhibits, visitors can easily spend half a day discovering the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Patrons can explore the history of riverboats, visit an historic train depot, board a preserved steamboat, discover the natural diversity of the Gulf of Mexico, engage with a stingray, or enjoy an immersive 4D presentation.

Additionally, visitors can view the Mississippi River from space, learn about its significance as a waterway, observe river otters up close, grasp the vastness of the Mississippi watershed, and uncover the river’s importance to Native American cultures.

2. Mines of Spain Recreation Area

This expansive 1,400-acre state park, located south of Dubuque, traces the origins of Iowa.

The Mines of Spain Recreation Area occupies a rugged terrain once claimed by New Spain, where Quebecois explorer Julien Dubuque was authorized to mine for lead in the late 1780s.

Dubuque established significant relationships with the Meskwaki tribe, who had already settled in the area.

Today, the area is dotted with remnants of historical trading posts and villages, as well as enduring rock shelters.

The park features more than 15 miles of trails leading to scenic viewpoints atop the limestone bluffs. At a high point overlooking the Mississippi, a monument honoring Dubuque awaits, which will be discussed further below.

3. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Nestled in Dubuque’s northwestern outskirts is a spectacular collection of gardens, featuring over 13,000 individual plants from approximately 700 species.

This attraction spans 50 meticulously designed acres and is largely maintained by dedicated volunteers, establishing it as the largest volunteer-operated botanical garden in the United States.

Open year-round, it showcases a variety of environments, including a Japanese garden, a renowned hosta garden, an English knot garden, a formal rose garden, and a children’s flower and vegetable garden.

Visiting during spring and summer is particularly rewarding due to the concerts held on Sunday evenings.

4. Fenelon Place Elevator Company

This historic 19th-century funicular railway has served Dubuque since 1893, transporting visitors up the slope from 4th Street.

As the second funicular to operate at this location, the Fenelon Place Elevator replaced an earlier version in 1882.

Measuring 296 feet in length, with an elevation change of 189 feet, the railway operates on a counterbalance system, with two cars commencing their journeys from opposite ends of the track.

Operational hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., from April to November, allowing patrons to enjoy expansive views of downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River from the summit.

5. Eagle Point Park

Regarded as one of the most picturesque public parks in the Midwest, Eagle Point Park is located in the northeast section of Dubuque.

Covering slightly more than 160 acres, it is perched upon a bluff overlooking the Mississippi and Lock and Dam No. 11, which first opened in the 1930s. At this elevation, visitors can enjoy expansive views extending across parts of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Established in the early 1910s, the park was originally accessible via the Union Electric Company streetcar. Today, a multi-use trail commemorates the historical route of the streetcar line from Shiras Avenue.

The park features numerous enduring WPA (Works Progress Administration) projects in the Prairie Style popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, showcasing its rich heritage.

6. Downtown Dubuque

Dubuque boasts a wealth of history, which becomes evident upon arrival in the downtown area. With over 70 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors will encounter several striking buildings.

A few notable sites for history enthusiasts include one of the nation’s last functioning shot towers (1856), the Cathedral of St. Raphael (1861), the Grand Opera House (1890), and the Dubuque County Courthouse (1893).

Beyond a mere historical exhibit, downtown Dubuque has undergone significant investment in recent years, fostering a vibrant cultural environment with locally-owned restaurants, contemporary bars, eye-catching murals, and unique shops distinctive to the city.

7. Crystal Lake Cave

Located southeast of Dubuque, just beyond the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, lies a captivating limestone cave system, first uncovered in 1868 by lead miner James Rice.

The Crystal Lake Cave is recognized for its glimmering aragonite crystals and fascinating formations, making it the longest show cave in Iowa, with over three-quarters of a mile of explored tunnels.

Visitors can encounter an array of stalagmites and stalactites with whimsical names such as the Lost Gardens, Soda Straws, and The Chandelier.

Guided tours provide insights into the extraordinary geological processes that shaped the Crystal Lake Cave and resulted in its awe-inspiring formations.

8. Julien Dubuque Monument

Perched atop a prominent bluff within the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, this site marks the final resting place of Julien Dubuque, the city’s namesake founder who passed away in 1810.

A Quebecois lead miner, Dubuque married the daughter of the Meskwaki tribe chief and was interred under a log mausoleum with full tribal honors.

The current cylindrical Gothic Revival monument, constructed in 1897, offers a commanding panorama of the Mississippi River and a substantial portion of the Mines of Spain territory he established in the late 18th century.

An interpretive board narrates Dubuque’s story, providing a scenic view of modern Dubuque situated one to two miles upstream.

9. EB Lyons Interpretive Center

To gain additional context regarding your visit to the Mines of Spain, one can start at the accessible EB Lyons Interpretive Center.

The exhibits here provide vital insights into the remarkable landscape and its intriguing history, alongside even more attractions.

Notably, the charming Betty Hauptli Bird and Butterfly Garden features a diverse range of plant species, including dogwoods, arrowood, lupines, salvia, and shasta daisies, along with wildflowers like wild bergamot and blazing star.

This garden serves as a sanctuary for various bird species, including ruby-throated hummingbirds and multiple butterfly varieties.

10. Mississippi Riverwalk

Unsurprisingly, the Mississippi River, one of the world’s most renowned rivers, stands as a significant attraction in Dubuque. The river adds natural grandeur to the city and can be experienced along a multi-use trail that connects various landmarks and attractions.

Adorned with public art, the Mississippi Riverwalk extends just under a mile from the historic Dubuque railroad bridge (1868) to the William M. Black dredge (1934), docked on the south side of the Port of Dubuque.

The trail is characterized by red-patterned concrete and is a segment of the extensive 26-mile Heritage Trail, which stretches all the way to Dyersville, the site of the Field of Dreams film created in 1989.

11. Mathias Ham Historic Site

Adjacent to the entrance of Eagle Point Park stands the elegant residence constructed for lead mining entrepreneur Mathias Ham in 1857.

Now maintained by the Dubuque County Historical Society, the Mathias Ham House offers a rare opportunity to glimpse affluent domestic life during the Antebellum period.

Designed in the Italian Villa style, the house features captivating architectural elements, including the use of ashlar limestone and a hipped roof crowned with an octagonal belvedere.

Visitors can explore the original plasterwork and wooden installations, such as pine flooring and walnut staircases.

The interior showcases exquisite, period-appropriate furnishings from both the United States and Europe, in addition to displays of mid-19th century costumes.

12. Dubuque Museum of Art

Established in 1874, the Dubuque Museum of Art is the city’s oldest cultural institution and an integral part of the downtown commercial landscape. Occupying a modern facility completed in 1999, the museum boasts an impressive collection of approximately 2,200 artworks.

This collection prominently features works by celebrated Iowa artist Grant Wood (1891-1942), believed to be one of the most extensive in the world.

In addition to permanent collections, the museum hosts an engaging array of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing regional, national, and international artists.

Furthermore, like any esteemed museum, it offers diverse classes, tours, and community programs catering to all age groups.

13. Dubuque Farmers’ Market

Dubuque’s farmers’ market, established as early as 1858, ranks as the oldest in the state.

Operating weekly during the summer months, it occupies three city blocks along Iowa Street each Saturday morning from May to October.

With more than 125 vendors representing approximately 10,000 acres in Dubuque and nearby counties, the market features an array of certified organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, herbs, free-range eggs, cheeses, honey, homemade sauces, delectable baked goods, and artisanal crafts.

Additionally, there are numerous activities, including children’s entertainment, live music, cooking demonstrations, seasonal events, and more.

14. Stone Cliff Winery

Situated in the Port of Dubuque district, the old Dubuque Star Brewery building, constructed in the Romanesque Revival style in 1899, stands as a striking landmark. The brewery operated under various ownership until the early 2000s.

While the upper levels are primarily utilized for office space, Stone Cliff Winery established its presence on the ground floor in 2007.

The winery, which has roots dating back to 1995, welcomes visitors to its charming tasting room to sample award-winning wines as well as a selection of draft and bottled beers.

The winery also offers a lunch menu featuring a variety of fresh soups, wraps, paninis, and flatbread pizzas.

15. Casinos

Highlighting its status as a tourist hot spot, Dubuque features two major casino establishments: Diamond Jo Casino at the Port of Dubuque and Q Casino on Chaplain Schmitt Island, located northeast of downtown.

Diamond Jo Casino commenced operations at its current location in 2008, offering nearly 800 slots, 23 table games, three dining options, and high-end entertainment at the Big Wheel Bar.

Q Casino, which has been in operation since 1985, combines a racetrack for greyhound racing with a modern gaming facility.

In addition to the racetrack, Q Casino features around 1,000 slot machines, over 20 table games, a dedicated poker room, three dining options, and an array of live performances at the Back Waters Stage and Q Showroom.