Dubuque Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Dubuque showing a sunset, modern architecture and a bridge
Take a ride on Iowa’s only authentic paddle wheeler, visit a casino or enjoy the many miles of recreational trails in this historic port town.

Dubuque is situated in the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. The city offers visitors a vibrant casino and gaming scene and many modern tourist attractions. It also provides easy access to the beautiful countryside around the Mississippi.

Start your visit to Dubuque by taking a stroll along the Mississippi Riverwalk to Dubuque Harbor. This area used to be an industrial center but has now been modernized and reconstructed. It features many tourist attractions and a number of casinos and is one of the most popular destinations in Iowa.

Visit the Grand Harbor Waterpark Resort or take a ride on a paddle wheeler that has been running for more than 20 years. To learn more about the river and its wildlife, pay the fee and enter the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. The six aquariums feature a wide range of animals including beavers and alligators.

While you are at the harbor, take a look at the historical landmarks around the old port. To the north is one of Dubuque’s oldest historical landmarks: the 120-foot- (37-meter-) tall Shot Tower. From 1856 to 1861, musket balls were produced here. Drops of molten lead would fall through the tower and cool into balls by the time they hit the water.

For some outdoor activity, drive 5 miles (8 kilometers) south to Mines of Spain State Park. This wooded expanse of hills and trails follows the Mississippi River as it flows southeast from the Dubuque city center. Hike the short Horseshoe Bluff Trail to reach a hillside viewpoint and look out over Dubuque to the north and the Mississippi to the south. There is a fee to enter the park.

Dubuque has a regional airport about a 20-minute drive south of town. You can use one of the shuttle services into town, take a taxi or hire a rental car. There are several bus lines that run within Dubuque, but it is best to have access to a car if you would like to reach the parks on the outskirts of town.

Where to stay in Dubuque

Downtown Dubuque featuring modern architecture and a river or creek as well as a large group of people

Downtown Dubuque

Travellers come to Downtown Dubuque for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Five Flags Center and Fourth Street Elevator while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque
Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
2 out of 5
1111 Dodge St, Dubuque, IA
The price is ₹3,550 per night from 27 May to 28 May
₹3,550
per night
27 May - 28 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews.
6.8/10 (1,003 reviews)
"Very responsible"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
Hotel Julien Dubuque
Hotel Julien Dubuque
3.5 out of 5
200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA
The price is ₹12,443 per night from 15 May to 16 May
₹12,443
per night
15 May - 16 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (1,029 reviews)
Great location
"Location is walkable to most things in downtown. Room was comfortable."

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Hotel Julien Dubuque
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
3.5 out of 5
350 Bell St, Dubuque, IA
The price is ₹7,524 per night from 12 May to 13 May
₹7,524
per night
12 May - 13 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews.
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very convenient location with a nice water park! Facility had a restaurant onsite that was nice. Morning continental breakfast terrible, but they’re rarely good at any hotel. Parking lot was right next to hotel with lots of space. Hotel was a little outdated, but still very clean."

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Moon River Cabins
Moon River Cabins
3 out of 5
905 South Riverview Dr, Bellevue, IA
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge).
9.2/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
"Adorable little pit stop on the Mississippi River! Staff was very helpful"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2023

Moon River Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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