Dubuque IowaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dubuque, Iowa.
1. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
RIVER HISTORY AND WILDLIFE
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a riverfront museum and aquarium featuring interactive wildlife encounters, historical river exhibits, and a technology section with virtual reality. Visitors can enjoy a comprehensive experience that includes a two-day pass and a riverboat tour. The museum houses six aquariums displaying a wide range of animals including beavers and alligators.
2. Fenelon Place Elevator Co.
HISTORIC SCENIC FUNICULAR
Fenelon Place Elevator Co. is a historic funicular providing scenic views over the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The attraction features a captivating ride up a steep bluff and a quaint shopping area at the base. Visitors can experience this unique vertical transportation system while enjoying panoramic vistas of the region.
3. Mines of Spain Recreation Area
NATURAL TRAILS AND HISTORY
Mines of Spain Recreation Area is a wooded expanse of hills and trails that follows the Mississippi River as it flows southeast from Dubuque city center. Visitors can hike the short Horseshoe Bluff Trail to reach a hillside viewpoint and look out over Dubuque to the north and the Mississippi to the south. The park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, though there is a fee to enter.
4. Mississippi Riverwalk
SCENIC WATERFRONT PROMENADE
The Mississippi Riverwalk offers visitors a scenic stroll along the mighty Mississippi River to Dubuque Harbor. This area has been transformed from an industrial center to a modernized recreational space with numerous tourist attractions. The Riverwalk provides beautiful views of the river and serves as a gateway to the popular harbor area.
5. Grand Harbor Waterpark Resort
FAMILY AQUATIC FUN
Grand Harbor Waterpark Resort is a popular family destination located in Dubuque's harbor area. The indoor water park offers a variety of aquatic attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy water slides, pools, and other recreational facilities in this climate-controlled environment regardless of the weather outside.
6. Shot Tower
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL LANDMARK
The Shot Tower is one of Dubuque's oldest historical landmarks, standing 120 feet tall near the old port area. From 1856 to 1861, this industrial structure produced musket balls by dropping molten lead through the tower, which would cool into balls by the time they hit the water below. This unique structure represents an important piece of Dubuque's industrial heritage and manufacturing history.
7. Crystal Lake Cave
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Crystal Lake Cave offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the underground world beneath Dubuque. The cave features impressive formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and other natural limestone creations that have formed over thousands of years. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers to explore this subterranean natural attraction.
8. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
LUSH FLORAL DISPLAYS
The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens showcases beautiful plant collections and meticulously maintained garden displays. Visitors can enjoy themed gardens, seasonal blooms, and walking paths throughout this tranquil green space. The gardens serve as both a recreational area and an educational resource about horticulture and native plant species.
9. Eagle Point Park
SCENIC RIVER OVERLOOK
Eagle Point Park provides spectacular panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the tri-state area from its elevated position. The park features historic pavilions, picnic areas, and landscaped grounds that were partially designed in the Prairie School style of architecture. Visitors can enjoy both the natural beauty and architectural elements while taking in the sweeping vistas of the river valley.
10. Dubuque Harbor Paddlewheel Boat Rides
AUTHENTIC RIVER EXPERIENCE
Dubuque Harbor offers authentic paddlewheel boat rides that have been operating for more than 20 years. Passengers can experience the Mississippi River the way travelers did in the 19th century while learning about river history and ecology. These scenic cruises provide unique perspectives of Dubuque's riverfront and the surrounding natural landscape.
11. Horseback Riding Experience
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURE TOURS
Horseback Riding Experiences near Dubuque offer visitors a chance to explore the scenic countryside on guided equestrian tours. These experiences include not just riding but also animal interactions and access to a petting zoo for a comprehensive animal encounter. The tours provide a unique way to experience the natural beauty of the Driftless Area region surrounding Dubuque.
12. Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge Canoe Tours
RIVER WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Mississippi Wildlife & Fish Refuge Canoe Tours offer day-long paddling experiences through the pristine wetlands near Dubuque. Participants can observe native wildlife in their natural habitat while navigating the backwaters and channels of the mighty Mississippi. These guided tours provide educational insights about the river ecosystem and conservation efforts in the region.
13. Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour
CULINARY HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
The Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour offers a taste of local culinary traditions in the historic town just across the state line from Dubuque. Participants sample regional specialties and beverages while learning about the area's food heritage and history. This guided culinary adventure showcases the best of Midwest cuisine in a charming 19th-century setting.
14. Dubuque Casinos
RIVERFRONT GAMING ENTERTAINMENT
Dubuque's casinos offer vibrant gaming and entertainment experiences along the revitalized riverfront area. These establishments feature a variety of gambling options, dining venues, and live entertainment throughout the year. The casino complex has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iowa, drawing visitors from throughout the tri-state region.
15. Cocktail Adventure Tour
ADULT BEVERAGE EXPLORATION
The Cocktail Adventure Tour takes adults on a journey through Dubuque's best mixology establishments and beverage traditions. Participants sample crafted drinks while learning about local drinking culture and the art of cocktail creation. This 21+ experience combines social enjoyment with cultural insights into the region's adult beverage heritage.