What to do and see in Dubuque, Iowa (IA): The Best Sights & Landmarks

October 30, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

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. Dubuque City Hall

Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001 +1 563-589-4100 http://www.cityofdubuque.org/702/Dubuque-City-Hall
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Dubuque City Hall

2. St. Luke's United Methodist Church

1199 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001-4778 +1 563-582-4543 http://www.stlukesumcdbq.com/
Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 86 reviews

St. Luke's United Methodist Church

3. Fenelon Place Elevator Co.

512 Fenelon Pl, Dubuque, IA 52001-6631 +1 563-582-6496 [email protected] http://www.fenelonplaceelevator.com
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,136 reviews

Fenelon Place Elevator Co.

Historic cable car. Also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, this funicular railway has been called "the world's steepest, shortest scenic railway." Great view of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River and 3 states. Buses should go to the bottom of the bluff. Please use 4th and Bluff Streets for GPS. Narrow streets with parking on both sides at the top of the bluff. Open 8 AM to 10 PM daily April 1 though November 30. Closed Thanksgiving. We do not accept debit or credit cards.

Reviewed By kris0812015 - West Des Moines, United States

Great view of Dubuque downtown from the top and will definitely recommend to take this shortest and steepest railroad in the world .The address in google will take you to the top of the Fenelon elevator unless to want to take the trip from the bottom then search with 4th street elevator.The elevator is nice and clean and operated from top. The rates are cheap and they only accept cash..no debit or credit cards accepted. there is option to take round trip as well as single side trip. People taking their trip from bottom has to get into the elevator and ring the bell and they will be answered and payment has to made at the top of hill. Car parking is on the streets.No toilets available and people with walking difficulties with wheel chairs may avoid this trip as it has some effort in getting into and off the elevator Bicyclist have option to take their bicycle in

4. Mathias Ham Historic Site

2241 Lincoln Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001-1424 +1 563-557-9545 [email protected] http://www.rivermuseum.com/hamsite
Excellent
53%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

Mathias Ham Historic Site

Reviewed By Jeanne418

Cindy was the tour guide for the inside of the house. She was very knowledgeable about the history of Mathias Ham and family. She explained in detail the whys and hows of the furnishings, the way the family lived daily life, and how they received guests to their home. Joseph was the tour guide for the outside buildings - a log cabin (which is the oldest building in Iowa), a one-room school house, and a replica mine shaft and badger hut. He was very knowledgeable about the history of lead mining in the area. Both Cindy and Joseph were dressed in period costume which added to the ambience. A very nice tour for an inexpensive price.

5. Julien Dubuque Monument

Julien Dubuque Drive, Dubuque, IA http://www.cityofdubuque.org/index.aspx?NID=706
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 85 reviews

Julien Dubuque Monument

Reviewed By AutumnLP - East Peoria, United States

We took the small hike from the bottom and found this lovely little area. It's a great view of city and river. Beautiful stone work. A wonderful tribute. There was parking near by but road was closed.

6. Art on the River, Public Art Display

Mississippi Riverwalk, Port of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA +1 563-690-6064 http://www.cityofdubuque.org/artontheriver
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 72 reviews

Art on the River, Public Art Display

Reviewed By lfd2013 - Dubuque, United States

This museum has something for everyone. My favorite section puts you inside an old steam boat to learn the history of Mark Twain and the river. Their seasonal exhibits are diverse and interesting. You can also get a popsicle or slushy and walk the marina outside the museum and then take the beautiful river walk for year round beautiful views of the Mississippi.

7. Veteran's Memorial Plaza

1801 Admiral Sheehy Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001 http://www.cityofdubuque.org/index.aspx?NID=1584
Excellent
83%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
8%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Veteran's Memorial Plaza

8. Riverwalk

Port of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA http://www.cityofdubuque.org/1583/Mississippi-Riverwalk
Excellent
62%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

Riverwalk

Reviewed By BandBsRGr8 - Pinckney, United States

Very nicely landscaped paved walkway (ADA compliant) along the top of the protective levy along the Mississippi River. (Turns a necessary dike into a useful viewing platform). Informative postings along the walk provide historical information. Walk passes in front of the old Star Brewery building (be sure to go inside to see a well done,free mini-museum about the brewrey...lots of artifacts and interesting history. Drink some wine at the in-hoise wine bar). The trail ends at the railroad tracks where you can get a good view of the old shot tower and the railroad swing bridge over the Mississippi. We were fortunate to see the swing bridge in action (normally open for river traffic) as it closed to allow passage of a train after a river barge passed through. The walk is free, scenic and informative, so why not do it?

9. Clock Tower

680 Main St Clock Tower Plaza, Dubuque, IA 52001-6806 +1 563-589-4100 http://www.cityofdubuque.org/1596/Town-Clock
Excellent
30%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 23 reviews

Clock Tower

10. Shot Tower

600 E Commercial St, Dubuque, IA
Excellent
25%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
45%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 84 reviews

Shot Tower

Reviewed By 165MaryD165

We heard about the Shot Tour from a woman at an ice cream place. It is pretty cool. I was glad she was able to share the history of how they made shot there, and there is history information at the brewery right by the tower. (The oldest brewery in Iowa, I believe.) Just a great bit of local history.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.