Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Burlington, Iowa

Situated on the bluffs adjacent to the illustrious Mississippi River, Burlington marks the location where explorer Zebulon Pike first raised the American flag on Iowan territory in 1805.

By the 19th century, the city had evolved into a vital hub for both river and rail transportation. Burlington showcases remarkable brick architecture from this era, positioned within a downtown area currently undergoing significant revitalization.

In 1894, Burlington was recognized as the site of the “most crooked street in the US,” designed to address the steep gradient between a residential neighborhood and the commercial district below.

Known as Snake Alley, this unique roadway has become an attraction, featuring tighter turns than Lombard Street in San Francisco. Snake Alley also hosts events such as an art fair each June.

1. Snake Alley

The natural amphitheater surrounding downtown Burlington created a physical barrier that necessitated an innovative solution in the 1890s.

A section of N 6th Street was transformed into “the most crooked street in the US” to connect downtown with an upscale residential area on Heritage Hill.

Snake Alley, a project crafted by three German immigrants inspired by vineyard pathways in Germany and France, is an engineering marvel. The original curved limestone curbing and locally-fired bricks remain intact since their installation in 1894.

Extending over 273 feet, Snake Alley features five half-curves and two quarter-curves, operating as a one-way street with all traffic directed downhill.

2. Downtown Burlington

At the core of Burlington, one can witness a quintessential downtown setting reflective of the 21st century.

This U.S. Historic District is undergoing a renaissance that commenced in the 1990s and is progressing steadily.

With new developments introduced annually, downtown Burlington has become a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, enhanced by cultural institutions and a plethora of events, all set against a backdrop of stunning architecture.

Many significant structures, such as the grand Hotel Burlington, were established in the early 20th century when Burlington served as a transport nexus, both as a riverport and a crucial connection on the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad.

3. Burlington Bees

Burlington supports a baseball team that has been operational since 1889. Throughout much of its history, the Bees competed in Minor League Baseball’s Midwest League and currently plays in the collegiate wood-bat Prospect League following a restructuring in 2020.

The team boasts a rich history, featuring several Hall of Famers, including Larry Walker, Billy Williams, and Paul Molitor.

Established in 1947, Community Field has a capacity of 3,200 attendees, ensuring a great view from every seat, and received accolades following its recent renovation in 2005.

The team’s name is fitting, as the Bees thrive on community support in all respects, making fans feel integral to the experience.

4. FunCity

Located off U.S. Route 61 on Burlington’s northwest side is an expansive complex that houses the Catfish Bend Casino, along with two hotels and a variety of family-friendly attractions.

FunCity provides a myriad of activities suitable for all ages, with Huck’s Harbor Water Park serving as a standout feature. It offers both indoor and outdoor facilities, including water slides, a lazy river, and a sprayground for younger children.

In addition, the venue includes an indoor karting track with karts suitable for both children and adults, the expansive Ballocity indoor playground, a bowling alley, a laser tag arena, and a substantial arcade.

5. Crapo Park

Pronounced “Kray-poh,” this distinguished park and arboretum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is rumored to be the location where the American flag was first raised on Iowan soil in 1805.

Named in honor of influential local businessman and benefactor, Philip M. Crapo, the park was inaugurated in 1895 to coincide with Burlington’s semi-centennial celebrations.

The arboretum features over 200 varieties of shrubs and trees, enhanced by vibrant display gardens filled with annuals and perennials.

Crapo Park offers ample opportunities for leisurely walks and summer picnics, equipped with picnic shelters, a bandshell, an ornamental lake, a fountain, and a cave commemorating Chief Black Hawk. Additionally, a monument marks Zebulon Pike’s landing site from 1805.

6. Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum

Another striking edifice in downtown Burlington is the former Burlington Public Library (1898), constructed from dressed red sandstone blocks.

Designed in an eclectic architectural style inspired by Renaissance Italian villas, the library project was financed by Philip M. Crapo and served as the city’s main library until 2006.

Following this, the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum relocated to this venue, offering three floors of captivating exhibits that highlight thousands of years of history, tracing back to the prehistoric Clovis culture.

The building’s exquisite original interior adds to the experience, with a stunning leaded glass skylight illuminating a rotunda featuring an Italian mosaic floor.

7. Art Center of Burlington

Established in 1966, the Art Center of Burlington has become a staple of the local cultural landscape, positioned in the heart of downtown.

This venue showcases local and regional talent through monthly exhibitions, while also offering a retail space filled with unique works by local artists and creators.

The center organizes the Snake Alley Art Fair every June, a Father’s Day tradition spanning over half a century, featuring more than 80 artists, live music, activities for children, and additional performances.

With a strong community focus, the center provides art classes catering to various skill levels and age groups.

8. Garrett-Phelps House Museum

At the summit of Snake Alley stands a magnificent six-floor mansion constructed for local merchant William Garrett in 1851.

This residence, noted for its tower and mansard roof, was occupied by his descendants until the late 19th century when it was repurposed as a hospital and nursing school. The Phelps family later restored the property as an elegant home.

The museum, operated by the Des Moines County Historical Society since 1973, narrates this intriguing story.

Visitors can explore a diverse collection of furnishings and decorative arts from the 18th and 19th centuries, with a special exhibit in the third-floor ballroom featuring artifacts from the era of the Presbyterian Hospital.

9. Capitol Theater

A notable landmark in downtown Burlington, this Art Deco movie theater was one of the most opulent in the nation upon its opening in 1937.

The Capitol Theater served as a premier entertainment venue for Burlington until its closure in 1977, when it started to lose patronage to a multiplex located at the Westland Mall.

As downtown Burlington declined, the theater remained dormant for nearly 35 years until it underwent restoration and reopened as a performing arts venue in 2012.

The facade is striking, adorned with terracotta tiles in rich burgundy and brown hues, and the restoration revealed the original terrazzo tiles in the lobby.

With a seating capacity of 370, this venue provides a splendid setting for performances by touring artists and comedians, as well as screenings of classic and independent films.

10. Mosquito Park

Despite its modest name, Mosquito Park offers stunning views of the Mississippi River. It is located atop the bluff to the north of the Great River Bridge.

Visitors can enjoy expansive views both upstream and downstream for several miles, aided by a complimentary viewing tower that enhances the experience.

This location is particularly popular for wedding photographs during the warmer months. In midwinter, Mosquito Park serves as an excellent vantage point for observing bald eagles soaring over the Mississippi.

11. Burlington Memorial Auditorium

This remarkable Art Deco venue, owned by the city, sits by the riverside and was completed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1939.

Originally serving as a U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center, the Burlington Memorial Auditorium has evolved into an outstanding location for live entertainment.

Visitors to Burlington will find an array of performances, including concerts, dance shows, lectures, family entertainment, magic acts, and various sports activities, fairs, and Halloween events held in the expansive 6,000-square-foot arena.

12. Dankwardt Memorial Park

Located directly north of Crapo Park is another expansive area designed for leisure and recreation. Dankwardt Memorial Park, created in 1937 by Lydia Dankwardt in memory of her family, spans more than 70 acres and is accessible via a winding drive.

This park is renowned for its various recreational facilities, including a municipal outdoor pool in summer, a skate park, an 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, and trails such as the Sewer Trail, leading through to the riverbanks.

The Sewer Trail offers delightful views of the Cascade Bridge (1896), a Baltimore deck truss bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which has been closed to traffic since 2008.

13. North Gorge Trail

Nature enthusiasts do not need to venture far from the city to encounter the beauty of Burlington. Located a few miles to the north is a trail system nestled on the steep, wooded banks of the Flint River.

Stretching for several miles, the North Gorge Trail was completed in 2016 and accommodates hikers, joggers, mountain bikers, and, in winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Visitors can choose from various routes, navigating the dramatic landscape with the aid of wooden bridges.

There are sections along the trail where individuals can descend to the riverbanks to refresh themselves during summer. The gorge itself holds geological and archaeological significance, yielding numerous geodes and prehistoric artifacts such as arrowheads.

14. Catfish Bend Casino

Adjacent to FunCity, Catfish Bend Casino first opened in 1994 and relocated from its riverbank site to its present location in 2007.

Featuring close to 650 slot machines, a sportsbook, a dedicated poker room, and approximately 25 table games including craps and blackjack, the casino offers diverse gaming options.

Together with Huck’s Harbor Water Park, the complex features live entertainment at the Catfish Bend Convention & Event Center, a spa, two hotels, and an array of well-known chain restaurants such as Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen scattered throughout the premises.

15. Port of Burlington Welcome Center

Located on the riverfront just south of the Great River Bridge, the former Burlington Municipal Docks, constructed in 1928, served as a loading terminal for coal mined in southeastern Iowa onto barges navigating the Mississippi River.

This dock facility is now the home of the Port of Burlington Welcome Center, where visitors can acquire tourist information about the entire state of Iowa as well as highlights and historical sites pertinent to Burlington and its surroundings.

The center provides complimentary guides, maps, brochures, and knowledgeable staff ready to assist with directions, along with a selection of unique souvenirs available in the gift shop.