The most frequent is the American Lady, which is based in Dubuque and therefore runs on a daily basis. Despite being in a casino it’s family friendly. The cars are pretty tight quarters and are not wheelchair friendly. They are often coming up with new and exciting flavours of drinks and they have a special place in my heart because they serve an English Afternoon Tea once a month! For those that don’t know what geo caching is, it’s like a nature version of a treasure hunt, where little capsules are hidden and when you find it via coordinates, you write your name on the list hidden inside, replace it and log on your personal records that it’s been found! It was built in 1856 and is one of the last remaining shot towers in the USA. Fun Fact: Sara is also an auctioneer. Otherwise head to Thunder Hills Rd and turn left onto Chesterman Road and it’ll put you at the opposite end of the tunnel. The idea of the game, is that you get 60 minutes to solve clues and codes, by working as a team, to unlock the door and escape! Crystal Lake Caves is located near the Mine’s of Spain Recreational Area, on the outskirts of Dubuque! Bell Tower Theater, Dubuque , IA . Water enthusiasts will appreciate the canoeing and kayaking opportunities here. Dubuque, Iowa, a picturesque town on the Mississippi River, is home to many things for visitors to do. It’s always good to have a rainy day option and I do love a game of bowling! The Dubuque River walk is a clever way of making the flood barrier pretty! Fun Things to Do in Dubuque, Iowa. It doesn’t stop her though and she swims around and dives to the bottom of the tank with the help of weights attached to her shell! These are slightly different from regular bubble teas that have tapioca pearls, the ones at The Spot are liquid filled! I actually done a whole blog post about the best dessert spots in Dubuque! Explore the capital city of Des Moines and discover other reasons to explore the Hawkeye State, including Dubuque's National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Decorah's Norwegian heritage, the rolling Loess Hills, and the dramatic limestone formations of Maquoketa Caves State Park. Do I Regret Moving To The US? Check the calendar of events to see which ‘pictures’ are on offer. If you enjoy nature and the outdoors, you will appreciate all that the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens have to offer. There’s a big glass window along the length of the course so you can watch it without having to go in. There are no fees to experience this park. 11 Midwest Winter Getaways To Embrace Or Escape The Cold! I’m a British repatriate who lived in Iowa USA for 4 years. Even I can’t resist the giant dump bucket! They are in the process of doing more murals, I believe the latest was finished this week! It’s just a 10-minute drive to restaurants, theaters, and museums in downtown Dubuque. History buffs will appreciate the stunning architecture and the town’s Mississippi River connection. Address: 140 E 9th St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA If you are in the city and contemplating things to do in Dubuque with kids, the Matter Creative Center is where you should take them to. The numerous fish in the aquarium will keep you (and the little ones in your party!) Once upon a time she was hit by a boat and now has a build up of air that causes her butt to float (she basically can’t fart). This is one of my favourite viewpoints in Dubuque and you don’t even really have to hike to it if you don’t want to, there’s actually a car park close to it! Each day they have two special ‘flavours of the day’. The outside looks like an old theatre and there are a couple of old classic cars on the inside! One of my recent finds and now one of my favourite viewpoints in Dubuque! Plan to spend a couple of hours here for an enjoyable time. Related Reading: America’s Longest Highway: Awesome Events & Roadside Attractions Along Highway 20 in East Iowa! I’m a little bit fascinated with sea turtles so I have a bit of a soft spot for Dot the Green Turtle at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium! Between England and Iowa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Fun Things to Do in Dubuque with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. We have found Dubuque Iowa a very fascinating place as it used to be a lead mining spot back in the days, now this city has transformed to win heart of the tourist and locals that has got a chance to explore this city. Guests of the hotel get to use the waterpark for free but you can pay to get a day pass for the waterpark. Dress in layers, since the weather in Iowa can change quickly. If you don’t fancy hanging upside down by your legs, they offer a ‘cocooning’ session where you get wrapped up in hammock and get to chill for 45 minutes! Each mural tells a story, and the result is that the historic downtown is peppered with colorful works of art that are not to be missed. 40 Top Things To Do in Dubuque Iowa, Recommended By A Local! Guide: Free, $ (under $10), $$ (under $30), $$$ (over $30), To skip to Food & Drink recommendations in Dubuque, click HERE. The Millwork District also hosts a Night Market once a month during the warmer season! There are a couple of other companies with larger, more traditional, river boats which have cruises departing from Dubuque, scattered through the summer season. By The editors of MidwestLiving.com. Wear a good pair of walking shoes and explore every nook and cranny. She is passionate about travel, as she is the CEO of Travel With Sara and the co-owner of the Midwest Travel Network. There’s also a viewing platform next to the lock where you can watch the huge Mississippi River barges! In the summer months, there are free musical performances held at the Arboretum. Summer is a great opportunity to read more, get outside, away from the TV and enjoy reading a book! You do have to be fairly good at zoning out and putting yourself in a mediative state, because you are just laying in a fancy floaty bath for an hour! Usually they are seasonal so during the summer there are lots of sunsets and beach options! Guided tours of the caves last around 45 minutes. The Shot Tower is a few steps off of the walk itself. You can read my full review of Sky Tours Zip Lining here! Change ). ( Log Out /  If you have any questions or just want to say hi, feel free to contact me! Julien Dubuque Monument, Dubuque , Iowa . Art on the River, Dubuque , Iowa . If it’s the beer you’re after, there are several different breweries in Dubuque that are worth checking out! Due to changing advisories, please check local travel guidelines before visiting. Sales made with the Pura Vida coupon code are commission based at no extra cost to you. 3 Bucket-List National Parks To Visit This Winter, Weekend Getaway In Asheville, North Carolina: 8 Things To Do, Iowa Hidden Gem: The Best Things To Experience In Allamakee County, 11 Iowa Cities That Transport You Across The World, The Perfect Weekend Getaway To Vibrant Council Bluffs, Iowa, Florida Petitions To Move Tokyo Olympics To Sunshine State This Summer, 4 Adorable UK Towns That Put You Near The Main Attractions, Everything You Need To Know About Universal Orlando’s Resorts, For details on Gateway Blend's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium on Facebook, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Mines of Spain Recreation Area on Facebook. The Riverwalk, built above a levee and part of the Heritage Trail System, is a nice place to stroll along the Mississippi River. The Dubuque Arboretum is a peaceful haven on the edge of Dubuque. (Disclosure: The following link is an affiliate link). The Dubuque County Fair is held for one week every summer. This river town is a great place to slow down, enjoy life, and be grateful for nature. You can enjoy some ice-skating or hockey at the Mystique Community Ice Center. Dubuque Museum of Art, Dubuque , Iowa . Southern Ego is an indoor ‘food truck’ in the Ironworks building, located in the Millwork District. Springtime can bring flooding, so check the website before you head out for a hike. With entrance to the Ham House you receive a free Eagle Point Park vehicle ticket which leads me on to…. Here are just some of the best things to do in historic Dubuque. – Between England & Iowa, A Guide To Dubuque Iowa Breweries – Between England & Iowa, Floatation Therapy – My Float Tank Experience at Float & Fly in Dubuque, Iowa! – Between England & Iowa, Best Riverwalks in the US (West of the Mississippi) - Everyday Wanderer, Dubuque Murals: Exploring Colourful Street Art Where Iowa Started – Between England & Iowa, Awesome Caves In Iowa That You Should Explore! It’s actually one of my favourite Dubuque Iowa attractions! This is one of the best attractions in Dubuque! During the summer season, the Mathias Ham house is open for guided tours and shows what life was like in the Victorian era. Tips For Visiting The Iowa State Fair! I’ve become obsessed with yoga (I even took part in goat yoga) and so I really want to give aerial yoga a shot! Painting is one of the most popular art activity that happens here. 100 Things To Do In Dubuque When You’re Ready Dubuque, Iowa is the spot for endless adventure. Did this post give you some ideas for things to do in Dubuque Iowa? You can pick up a flyer at the River Museum end of the walk which explains some of the meanings behind the pieces! If you jump over rocks you can get half way into the tunnel. Dubuque also has a regional airport with 3 daily flights to Chicago (served by American Eagle, part of American Airlines). She and her husband live on the family farm and have two grown sons. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is home to 21 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails. Dubuque is located off of Highway 20, a historic route on the eastern side of Iowa. Sara Broers is a travel enthusiast that resides in Northern Iowa. The town’s bluffs offer spectacular views, and the area’s four full seasons ensure the colors change frequently. Admission to Live Online Painting & Vino Class from Painting & Vino (Up to 30% Off). Wine Glass Painting for One or Two at Renee's Ceramic Cafe (Up to 41% Off). You can even meet the players, get their autographs and have pictures take with them after the show! A brand new movie theatre opened up in the Kennedy Mall. This one is aimed more for families. You could easily spend three full days in this part of the country. Learn more about things to do at clearlakeiowa.com. The newest addition is the solidarity mural that can be seen on Main Street in downtown Dubuque. If you enjoy photography, there’s a tunnel in Peosta that is a bit of a ruin and is covered in graffiti. This monument stands on the edge of a bluff above Catfish Creek, where kayakers take to the waters. Ironically the Diamond Jo is a casino so you could also end up spending a lot of money if you like gambling! Fenelon Place Elevator, Dubuque , Iowa . WRONG! ): deep fried ice cream cones, deep fried mushrooms and the typical fair favourite, funnel cakes! Top Places to Visit in Dubuque, Iowa: See Tripadvisor's 7,007 traveller reviews and photos of Dubuque attractions. The best outdoor activities in Dubuque according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens; Eagle Point Park; Mines of Spain Recreation Area; National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium; Crystal Lake Cave; See all outdoor activities in Dubuque on Tripadvisor Stop by every Saturday morning May-October. Check out the Field of Dreams location just 25 miles east of our Fairfield Inn Dubuque hotel. – Between England & Iowa, 5 Fun Summer Activities at Chestnut Mountain Resort – Galena, IL – Between England & Iowa, Footgolf Courses in Illinois: Lacoma Golf Course – Between England & Iowa, Hiking The Mines of Spain, Dubuque – Iowa – Between England & Iowa, Pumpkin Patches in Iowa (North East) – Between England & Iowa, Visiting The Dickeyville Grotto Wisconsin – Between England & Iowa, Facts About The Mississippi River: Mississippi River Camping, Beaches & Sandbars – Between England & Iowa, Appreciating Small Town USA Tourism in Sheffield Iowa – Between England & Iowa, Rocking Out to the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train! There is a ton of art to explore, create and be a part of. I don’t actually eat pizza (SHOCK HORROR) because I don’t eat cheese (DOUBLE SHOCK HORROR), but my goodness, I will go out of my way to have a pretzel crust pizza (cheese-less) at 7 Hills Brewery in the Millwork District! There are 12 sculptures altogether, mainly by Midwest artists. Hotels near (DBQ) Dubuque Municipal Airport; All things to do in Dubuque; Popular Dubuque Categories. Prices are totalled in 30 minute increments. There is also a farm toy shop nearby and Dyersville also host the National Farm Toy Show twice a year. Fun & Games in Dubuque. The monument is actually the grave of Julien Dubuque, the founder of the town! Types of Things to Do in Dubuque Fun & Games (19) Shopping (18) Nightlife (14) Sights & Landmarks (14) Nature & Parks (14) Outdoor Activities (12) Tours (10) Spas & Wellness (8) Food & Drink (7) Concerts & Shows (7) Museums (5) Boat Tours & Water Sports (5) Casinos & Gambling (3) Zoos & Aquariums (2) Traveller Resources (2) Take part in a guided painting class at Pinots Palette! There’s fairground rides, music and then the farming aspect where you’ll get to see people vacuuming cows, which as a Brit is an eye opener! A large part of the arboretum is handicap accessible, and most of it is fairly level. If you are looking for unique and free things to do in Dubuque, you can actually go on a tour of the lock and dam during the summer season! But if you sneak across to the other side of the casino, they have free coffee and soft drinks…yay double free! Pin it for later so you can find it again! The Town Clock District, Port of Dubuque District, Historic Old Main District, and Historic Millwork District are just a few of them. Another really nice open space in Dubuque, which has plenty of shaded space, playgrounds, toilet facilities and even a pond with a waterfall feature. Dubuque, Iowa lays on the banks of the mightly Mississippi River and proudly claims to be the place ‘where Iowa started’! Australia Packing List: What To Pack For Australia In Winter. I’m Kylie and this is my Travel & Lifestyle blog! All content and Images belong to Kylie @ Between England & Iowa unless otherwise stated. I love the deep fried food stand which sell (to name a few! If you are an explorer, you’ll find lots to do at any time of year. Betty Jane Candies have been making chocolate in Dubuque since 1938 and are well known for their Gremlins (pecans and caramel, topped with chocolate). Those with kids may perfer to stay at the Grand Harbor for the free waterpark access and Mississippi River views! Ghost Sundays at the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville is a great free, family event. I am always amazed by the talent and creativity the area showcases on buildings throughout the city. I love it because it looks like a little mini castle! Take your smartphone with you and take a selfie to remember your visit. Learn how your comment data is processed. Discover 51 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Iowa from High Trestle Trail Bridge to Hula Hoop Tree. (This SAND DUNE is further north up the Mississippi River between Guttenberg and McGregor…but there it is, proof that there’s a lot of sand along the Mississippi!). Explore these best attractions, sightseeing spots, fun activities, and other handpicked places to visit in Dubuque on this weekend. Downstairs is a beercade full of retro arcade games! It used to be the location of a second funicular railway (see below for the other one!). There are 9 zip lines including a dual racing zip line. Pack a picnic lunch and your binoculars for a memorable day in the park. I share my experiences with the USA visa process, expat life, and awesome adventures in England, Iowa and everywhere in between!! So if you feel like trying some different food that’s not in the regular grocery stores, call into here! I tried both the Berry Margarita and Mango Passionfruit. Disclosure: Please note some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking and it comes at no extra cost to you! As always, opinions are 100% my own. I’ve listed it as $$ because they are expensive for a drink, costing around $8. Now a full-time online ESL (English Second Language) tutor and travel writer. Pack your hiking shoes, binoculars, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. If you are visiting during the winter, bring snow boots, snowshoes, or cross-country skis. After a day of playing in the sun or exploring history, cool off with a cold one from Lake Time … Anytime you are in a river town, that is to be expected! The best things to do in Dubuque? I have had the opportunity to visit many museums across the country, and this one is truly one of the best. The limestone bluffs, scenic overlooks, forests, and prairies are magnificent. – Between England & Iowa, Ghost Sunday at the Field of Dreams Movie Site (Dyersville, IA) – Between England & Iowa, My Favourite Finds at the Dubuque Farmers Market – Iowa – Between England & Iowa, Iowa: Tips for Visiting Maquoketa Caves State Park – Between England & Iowa, Dubuque – Sky Tours Zip Lining in Iowa! Just minutes from the borders of both Illinois and Wisconsin this river side town has something for everyone! Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. What is there to do in Dubuque Iowa in the winter? 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