Location: Dubuque
Top Things to do in Dubuque
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Dubuque, Iowa (IA)
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
1. A.Y. McDonald Park
2. Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By scotttW3620KM
Looking for a quite place to walk, jog, run or bike this is the trail. Miles and miles of trail with little or no traffic and the views are wonderful. Also a safe place to walk by yourself.
3. National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,571 reviews
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.
4. Sundown Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque, Iowa is one of the best Midwest ski resorts and the premier destination to take your family skiing and snowboarding this winter! Conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest, Sundown Mountain Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders of all abilities looking for their winter adventure. At Sundown Mountain, we have something for everyone; whether you are an experienced winter enthusiast or just learning how to get down the hill, Sundown Mountain offers plenty of snowy fun and an unforgettable Midwest winter experience. Sundown is a true Midwest ski resort destination offering great snow and an unforgettable winter experience.
Reviewed By MrsEEV - Chicago, United States
My large family has been going to the same ski resort (Chestnut Mountain in Galena, IL) since I was a teenager. Now my husband and I take our own daughter (12 yrs old) skiing there every winter as well. Since we've been going there forever, we never thought to look into other alternatives. This year however, we discovered the hidden gem that is Sundown Mountain in Dubuque, IA! We had previously stayed at Eagle Ridge in Galena yearly to be close to the ski resort but a few years ago on an extended trip, we ventured into neighboring Dubuque, IA (less than a 30 min drive from Galena) and fell in love with the charming & historical Hotel Julien, where we now stay for ski weekends. While I was researching winter activities for this ski trip, I stumbled across Sundown Mountain in Dubuque, just 20 minutes from Hotel Julien and 40 minutes from downtown Galena (who knew?) and it seemed too good to be true. Their Friday night ski special is what drew me in; how can you beat $54 for skiing 4pm-midnight including lift ticket and equipment rental??? All of their other weekend prices beat Chestnut as well, especially if you stay in the beginner area at Sundown and only pay $20 for that lift ticket. We went Fri-Sun so we figured we'd check it out Fri evening and if it was dingy we could still have all of Saturday to ski at Chestnut Mountain. Boy were we blown away! We arrived at Sundown Mountain around 6pm Fri, later than we expected after checking into Hotel Julien but still an adequate amount of time to utilize the ski special until midnight. We liked the layout right away as the set-up of the 2 main lodges is more condensed than at Chestnut; close enough to one another to walk in heavy ski boots back and forth from the beginner area to the lodge where food & drinks are located to take breaks. Everything was nice and modern and not outdated which is easy to hide sometimes in online pictures. Parking was much easier than at Chestnut which is not impossible, it just can be difficult with how busy it is there. Main lodge was very nice, large with tall ceilings, and I liked that you purchase tickets and get equipment in the same lodge, unlike at Chestnut. The main thing that stood out was how friendly and outgoing the instructors were while we were walking around. Since we were not wearing skis or gear on the mountain, a particularly outgoing instructor asked us if we were trying to find our children and offered to help us. When we informed her we were just checking out the mountain in advance, she started telling us all about the facility and the group lessons. There happened to be a group starting a lesson near us as well as small clusters all around the beginner area and I knew right away I wanted my daughter to have a lesson there just by listening to how enthusiastic all of the instructors were. It had gotten late so we decided to return the following day to ski all day and skip Chestnut altogether. When we arrived Saturday we decided to let my 12 yr old daughter do the snowboard group lesson (only $15!) and it was the best decision of this trip. The lessons are drop-in and the times are posted online which I found very convenient. I did skiing and my daughter tried snowboarding for the first time ever. All of the equipment was in great condition, just as at Chestnut. I should also mention that Chestnut mountain is a bigger and more spread out resort because it has onsite lodging, whereas Sundown Mountain does not offer lodging which did not matter to us since we have never utilized the lodging at Chestnut as it's a bit outdated. Besides the equipment being great, the lessons are an hour and a half long which is longer than most places, including Chestnut. There were only 3 people in my daughter's snowboard lesson 'group', there were several instructors available for that drop-in time slot, which meant she was able to get a lot of one on one attention from her instructor for questions and demonstrations. Her instructor (a female snowboarder) was very positive and encouraging which I believe inspired my 12 yr old to not want to give up and switch to skis; she was determined to master snowboarding! After her lesson ended the instructor congratulated her on how well she had progressed and encouraged her to keep practicing on the bunny hill. She did not want to stop snowboarding! I had to force her to take a break at the lodge to have a quick lunch. Food area is a small cafeteria-like spot inside one of the lodges (similar to Chestnut although Chestnut also has an additional full restaurant on-site). I liked that Sundown allows you to bring your own food as well (as does Chestnut) and there are tables where you can eat and watch the skiers. There's also a full bar area around the corner from the food concessions where there happened to be live music the day we were there. I would have liked if the bar was overlooking the bunny hill instead so parents could have a beer and still be able to keep an eye on their children but I believe it was intended as a convenience for the more advanced skiers to stop for a drink which is also nice. We spent 6 hours on the mountain total and my daughter did not even want to stop then, despite being exhausted. I can't believe she made it beyond the 1st bunny hill onto the second beginner area that let's you ride the ski lift up even as a beginner! At Chestnut, you must purchase a ski lift ticket even if you never leave the bunny hill which doesn't even allow an opportunity to ride the lift. At Sundown, there's more than one ski lift and I found that to be a wonderful perk for beginners that wouldn't be an option at Chestnut. Overall, Sundown Mountain was an awesome discovery and a fantastic ski resort for beginners (and probably even advanced skiers, as we saw many on the more advanced hills flying by and doing tricks) families, groups of friends, or really just anyone looking to have an amazing time. I couldn't have been more impressed and we will absolutely be returning and have already recommended to all of our friends and family. I could go on and on about this place...and I did!
5. Mines of Spain Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By Robert_Felderman - Green Bay, United States
Mississippi River view from the graveside castle overlooking the bluffs about Catfish Creek railroad bridge.
6. Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By grapefam - Dubuque, United States
A beautiful array of gardens featuring various types of plants and themes such as an Old English style garden, Japanese garden with fish pond, etc. Lovely landscaping throughout. In the summer months there are free concerts every Sunday evening at 6:30, and people bring lawn chairs or blankets and some bring along a picnic supper. There’s also a nice size playground area for children near the concert area that has a couple picnic tables. There’s a small gift shop also open limited hours. This truly is a favorite community supported location.
7. Eagle Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
Reviewed By Vacationer701668
I have memories of going to Eagle Point as a child.I was not disappointed when I returned 50 years later. There are lots of gorgeous views of the bluffs and river. There are many stone shelters available and lots of space. It's agreat place for a walk and a picnic or a family reunion.
8. Heritage Pond
9. Port of Dubuque Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
70 transient boat docks available for rent by the hour or overnight. A convenience store offering food, drinks, personal items and souvenirs. Located next to Dubuque's Mississippi Riverwalk, the Grand Harbor hotel and Waterpark, Diamond Jo Casino and many downtown businesses, bars and restaurants. Boat tours are available nearby and on site.
10. Crystal Lake Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By Mootle - Edison, United States
We highly recommend Crystal Lake Cave. There are several reasons this was a unique cave experience. The cave is densely decorated and you are right next to the formations. Although the cave is lighted, you are given a flashlight and you can examine whichever of the intricate stalactites that catch your interest, giving a feel of real cave exploration without any risk. The cave was discovered in 1868 by miners! looking for lead, who then secretly blasted out a passage to allow for comfortable passage Our tour was led by second generation owner Julie. She provides interesting and thorough information about the cave, as well as personal anecdotes about crawling through small passages as a child, when she was small enough to do so. But don’t worry, you are not taken through those on the tour! There is a lot of beauty to see here, but don’t expect any huge formations.
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