Places to visit in Dubuque, IA.
Dubuque is a small city, but it offers a lot—from parks and museums to a lively downtown shopping district and many festivals throughout the year. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re in Iowa. Dubuque is a city situated on the Mississippi River. This beautiful river town offers many things to do and see. For example, the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are great places to visit and learn about the beauty of the local landscape. Here, you can enjoy several different gardens, including rose gardens.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, is part aquarium, part science center, part museum, and part cultural and environmental center. The museum is located on a five-acre campus on the Mississippi River. It is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate. The American Association of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredit the museum.
The Dubuque County Historical Society owns the museum. The museum interprets the culture and history of the Mississippi River. Its main goal is to educate the public about this beautiful river and its impact on the world.
It is located in the Port of Dubuque. This unique location provides stunning views of the Mississippi. The museum is also home to several species of birds and thousands of fish.
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
If you are looking for a fun destination to take the family to, check out Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Dubuque, Iowa. There is plenty to see, including 60 unique gardens. There are also various outdoor event sites, including the Packard Pavilion Amphitheater and the Japanese Garden.
The best thing about this site is that it is an excellent place for a picnic. The Arboretum boasts one of the nation’s most extensive public hosta gardens. The park is open weekdays from November to April, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The park’s top attraction is Koi Pond. However, there are several other things to see, like the formal English garden, which features brick walkways and a bubbling fountain. A quaint gift shop also offers local dining and activity recommendations.
Eagle Point Park
Eagle Point Park is a 164-acre public park in Dubuque, Iowa. It overlooks the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam Number 11.
The park’s main building is the Bridge Pavilion, built by the Works Progress Administration in 1935. It includes a picnic area and group picnic rooms. There are also horseshoe pits and a band shell. In addition, it has a small wading pool for children. The park’s hours are 7 am to 11 pm on Sundays and Thursdays and 1 pm to 10 pm on Fridays. The park is open for visitors from May through October.
The park’s main entrance is on Shiras Avenue, just off Rhomberg Avenue. The city of Dubuque acquired the land from A.L. Rhomberg in June 1908. The site was selected by a committee led by Judge Oliver Perry Shiras.
Fenelon Place Elevator Company
The Fenelon Place Elevator Company is an entertainment establishment in Dubuque, Iowa. This unique attraction is open to the public from April to November every year. Currently, a ride costs 25 cents for an adult and 15 cents for a child.
It is considered the shortest, steepest railway in the world. The railway is a three-foot narrow gauge funicular railway. It is also called the Fourth Street Elevator. It is considered a local landmark and protected as a National Historic Landmark.
Initially, the elevator was a private mode of transportation. Then, a wealthy businessman, J.K Graves, came up with the idea of building an elevator. He had a house on the top of the hill, and he wanted to avoid driving half an hour to town each day.
Crystal Lake Cave
Crystal Lake Cave is an underground wonderland of geological formations. It was discovered in 1868 by lead miners. It is one of the oldest and largest caves in Iowa. It is a family-friendly adventure that can’t be missed.
The tour is a 45-minute affair that’s led by a savvy guide. He’s knowledgeable about the cave and its history and will point out interesting formations along the way. Aside from the typical cave fare, Crystal Lake Cave also boasts an impressive collection of stalagmites.
The cave is home to two kinds of bats: little brown bats and cave crickets. You’ll notice them in the cave’s natural tunnels during the winter. They’re not a scary sight, though, and they are not afraid of humans.
Other notable sights include the gem-mining sluice, a fun and educational activity for kids. The gift shop has a large selection of gemstones and fossils. There’s also an underground lake. The best part is that you’ll be able to see it through a hole in the cave walls.
Bundle your hotel + flight together to save more on your next trip! Book now at Expedia.com
