Balltown IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Balltown, Iowa.
1. Breitbach's Country Dining
IOWA'S OLDEST RESTAURANT
Breitbach's Country Dining is Iowa's oldest food and drinking establishment, dating back to 1852. The restaurant offers home-cooked meals and hosts special events like Oktoberfest with country music, food, and wine tasting. It serves as an ideal rest stop for motorcyclists and travelers along the Great River Road.
2. Balltown Overlook
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER VIEWS
Balltown Overlook is one of the highest points along the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In October, the Dubuque Audubon Society sponsors a Hawk Watch here, providing spotting scopes for the public to observe migrating raptors. The overlook is a popular stop for motorcyclists and travelers exploring the Great River Road.
3. Great River Road National Scenic Byway
MAJESTIC RIVERFRONT DRIVE
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway passes through Balltown, offering stunning views of the Mississippi River valley. This scenic route is especially popular for motorcycling between Dubuque and McGregor, featuring dramatic bluffs and rolling landscapes. The byway connects travelers to numerous attractions in the Driftless Area region.
4. Balltown Ball Diamond
HIGHEST BASEBALL FIELD
Balltown Ball Diamond sits at the center of town and is possibly the highest baseball field in Iowa. Its unique elevation provides spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, with home runs potentially traveling extraordinary distances. The field's position on the bluffs creates a one-of-a-kind baseball experience with panoramic vistas.
5. Finley's Landing Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION DESTINATION
Finley's Landing Park is a recreational area near Balltown offering outdoor activities along the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and hiking trails with scenic river views. The park serves as a natural retreat for those exploring the Driftless Area region.
6. Bishop Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Bishop Vineyard & Winery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in the scenic Balltown area. Guests can enjoy wine tastings while taking in views of the rolling countryside of Iowa's Driftless region. The winery contributes to the area's growing reputation for agritourism and local food experiences.
7. Heritage Trail
HISTORIC RECREATIONAL PATH
Heritage Trail is a recreational path near Balltown that winds through the scenic countryside of Dubuque County. The trail follows the former corridor of the Chicago Great Western Railroad, offering hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts a peaceful journey through woodland and prairie landscapes. Along the route, interpretive signs highlight the area's natural and cultural history.
8. Field of Dreams Movie Site
ICONIC BASEBALL LANDMARK
The Field of Dreams Movie Site near Dyersville is the actual location where the famous 1989 baseball movie was filmed. Visitors can walk the bases, have a catch on the iconic baseball diamond surrounded by cornfields, and experience the magic that inspired the film's famous line, "If you build it, they will come." The site preserves the baseball field and farmhouse featured in the movie, attracting fans from around the world.
9. Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
LUSH FLORAL PARADISE
The Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is the largest all-volunteer public garden in the United States, featuring stunning displays of flowers, trees, and shrubs. Visitors can explore numerous themed gardens, including rose gardens, Japanese gardens, and herb gardens spread across 52 acres. The arboretum hosts various events throughout the year, including summer concerts and educational programs.
10. National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
RIVER HISTORY SHOWCASE
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque is a Smithsonian-affiliated institution dedicated to the history, culture, and environment of America's rivers. The facility features aquariums with river wildlife, historic boats, interactive exhibits about river ecology, and artifacts from the Mississippi's rich history. Visitors can experience 4D films, touch tanks, and observe a variety of aquatic species native to the Mississippi River system.
11. Fenelon Place Elevator
HISTORIC INCLINE RAILWAY
The Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque is described as the world's shortest, steepest scenic railway, originally built in 1882. The funicular takes passengers on a 296-foot ride up the bluff, providing panoramic views of the historic downtown, Mississippi River, and three states (Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin). This historic transportation device was built by a wealthy banker who wanted a quicker way to travel between his business downtown and his home on the bluff.
12. Mines of Spain Recreation Area
NATURAL HISTORY RESERVE
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is a 1,400-acre natural area south of Dubuque featuring woodland, prairie, and wetland habitats along the Mississippi River. The area has historical significance as the site of some of the earliest lead mining in what would become the United States, with ties to Julien Dubuque who received a land grant from Spain in 1796. Visitors can explore over 15 miles of hiking trails, observe wildlife, and learn about the area's natural and cultural history at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center.
13. Sundown Mountain
MIDWEST SKIING DESTINATION
Sundown Mountain is a popular ski resort near Dubuque offering winter recreation in the scenic hills of Iowa's Driftless Area. The resort features 21 trails, two terrain parks, and modern amenities including high-speed lifts and snowmaking equipment. During ski season, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski dining with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
14. Crystal Lake Cave
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Crystal Lake Cave in Dubuque is a natural limestone cave discovered in 1868, featuring spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and other crystal structures. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated passageways to see formations with names like the Frozen Waterfall, the Bridal Veil, and the Crystal Lake itself. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a cool retreat in summer and a warm haven in winter.
15. Julien Dubuque Monument
HISTORIC RIVER OVERLOOK
The Julien Dubuque Monument stands atop a bluff in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, commemorating the founder of Dubuque who established lead mining operations in the late 1700s. The stone tower marks Dubuque's grave site and offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and surrounding landscape. The monument represents an important piece of Iowa's early European settlement history and the beginning of industrial development in the region.