Things to do in Dubuque, Iowa (IA): The Best Museums

May 12, 2022 Kelli Reichel

Dubuque /dəˈbjuːk/ ( listen) is the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. In 2013, its population was 58,253, making it the tenth-largest city in the state.
Restaurants in Dubuque

1101 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001-4728 +1 563-583-9343 [email protected] https://otlag.com
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Outside the Lines Art Gallery Dubuque

Located on Upper Main in Downtown Dubuque, Iowa, and historic Downtown Galena, IL, the galleries features original creations from over 100 US artists, many who are from Dubuque and the tri-state area. The mission of our gallery is to offer high quality handmade items at affordable prices. Knowing all of our artists personally enables us to accurately describe their processes and products. We are closed on Sundays Jan-May.

Reviewed By lisabE1125VC

Outside the Lines Galleries, in both Dubuque and Galena, are stunning places filled with a diverse array of artistry, from fine art prints to jewelry to pottery and from whimsical to seriously beautiful. During the pandemic they have placed pictures of everything online and you can browse the pictures and then ask for further information about any of the pieces you might be interested in. This is a great time to contact the co-owners Connie and Stormy to support them and their local business and local artists. Connie was great about answering questions I had about items and providing me with close-up pictures. I was able to purchase a birthday gift, a gift for someone grieving a loss, and a baby gift. I also bought myself a mother's day necklace gift--why not? and had them pick out a number of original artist greeting cards to mail to friends. We have shopped at both galleries across the years and have always appreciated the warmth and care Connie and Stormy provide, and have loved all of our purchases. Support local business and local artists--shop at Outside the Lines Gallery.

2. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

350 E 3rd St Port of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA 52001-2302 +1 563-557-9545 [email protected] http://www.rivermuseum.com
Excellent
66%
Good
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Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,571 reviews

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium inspires stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive! Our 14-acre campus on the banks of the Mississippi River features two separate two-story buildings and an expansive outdoor plaza. The Museum & Aquarium is home to over 100 species of animals and thousands of historic artifacts. With so much to see and do, there's always a chance to #ExploreSomethingNew

Reviewed By gschalk

Set aside 2-4 hours for your visit to National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. There are two buildings, two ships, and several outdoor exhibits. Children will find plenty to enjoy. The "critters"--everything from an octopus, rays, otters, and plenty of fish--will keep the children interested. Also not to be missed is the Riverworks Splash Zone in the East Building. The exhibit in the "changing exhibit gallery" in the West Building is a Robot Zoo. You'll find a 5-foot housefly, a 6-foot grasshopper, and an amazing duck-billed platypus. The museum/aquarium is a fun learning experience for adults and children.

3. Dubuque Museum of Art

701 Locust St, Dubuque, IA 52001-6817 +1 563-557-1851 [email protected] http://www.dbqart.com/
Excellent
33%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
14%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 36 reviews

Dubuque Museum of Art

Iowa's oldest cultural institution established in 1874 located in the heart of downtown Dubuque's cultural corridor. Museum Hours: Monday Closed, Tuesday - Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday: 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day. Admission (as of January 2013) Adults $6, Seniors $5, Students $3, Members receive free daily admission.

Reviewed By billhordy - Kansas City, United States

went to dubuque from KC for July 4th after the National Mississippi river museum i stopped by the local art museum. the museum is smal only 2 floors can see all in a hour. staff friendly and happy to talk to you. main artist i wanted to see was Grant Wood , they have several pieces. very nice exhibits enjoyed my visit. support local

4. Old Jail Museum

Central Avenue Next to the Courthouse, Dubuque, IA 52001 +1 563-589-4100 http://www.cityofdubuque.org/704/Dubuque-County-Jail
Excellent
53%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
13%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 15 reviews

Old Jail Museum

5. Smokestack

62 E 7th St, Dubuque, IA 52001-7009 [email protected] http://smokestackdbq.com
Smokestack

Celebrate adventure & creativity, history & culture, and art & nightlife with at Dubuque's only three-level club & venue with enhanced indoor ventilation and Dubuque's only public rooftops. Smokestack is only open for live shows and events. Experience a wide range of art in one of the most unique buildings anywhere. Concerts, drag shows, art exhibitions, independent theater, original EDM, and much more at our casual, cosmopolitan club, which is its own destination in a renovated historic warehouse with two rooftops in the heart of Downtown Dubuque and the Millwork District. This historic building was a hotel, an urban dairy, a motorcycle shop, and much more, plus, 1834 events on this site make it the exact birthplace of Iowa. Nightlife, shows, and concerts, from the rooftop to the first floor, Smokestack is a place for all peoples.

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