Northeast Iowa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dubuque showing modern architecture, a sunset and a bridge
Dubuque which includes a bridge, flowers and modern architecture
Dubuque showing a river or creek, a bridge and a sunset
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium which includes interior views and marine life
Eagle Point Park which includes a garden

Nature abounds in this far corner of Iowa. Discover beautifully scenic parks, Native American history, thundering rivers and quaint towns. 

Venture to Northeast Iowa for astounding natural scenery. With the wide Mississippi River rolling through it, the region offers a landscape filled with hills, valleys, forests and farms. Discover peaceful towns and villages steeped in traditional values, staggering parks and plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor activities.

The lively city of Waterloo acts as a gateway to the nature beyond but is also a great place to visit in its own right. Delight the kids at the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum or the Lost Island Water Park, one of Iowa’s largest. Cycle or walk along the scenic Cedar Valley Trail and enjoy the locally owned restaurants of downtown.

Nestled in the Upper Mississippi River Valley, the Effigy Mounds National Monument offers profound cultural relics amid natural beauty. Walk along pretty trails past more than 200 Native American burial mounds as you listen to the chirp of birdsong.

Grab your camera and head to Pikes Peak State Park, where a steep climb to the top of the bluff will reward you with staggering views. Gaze down at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, with a forested island sitting in their midst.

Northeast Iowa’s towns and villages exist amid rolling natural scenery. Head to quaint towns such as Decorah and Lansing where outdoor pursuits, fishing, hiking and kayaking are part of daily life. Get swept up in the community atmosphere, as you discover festivals, concerts, local art, home-cooked food and flourishing wineries. In Lansing, life revolves around the river. Boat, swim, paddle, waterski or take a trip on an iconic steamboat.

Drive to Northeast Iowa from the international airports of Des Moines, the state capital, or Minneapolis in neighboring Minnesota within 3 to 4 hours. Fly into the Northeast Iowa Regional Airport or Waterloo Regional Airport for closer connections, however. Take your time to explore this rural region, where the simple beauty of the landscape and friendliness of the locals are its greatest charms.

Where to stay in Northeast Iowa

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 Dubuque Museum of Art while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque
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Southside

While there might not be top attractions in Southside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fort Fun Park and Charles Wacouta Aquatic Park.

Southside
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Historic Millwork District

While Historic Millwork District may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Five Flags Center and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

Historic Millwork District
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Downtown Prairie Du Chien

While visiting Downtown Prairie Du Chien, you might make a stop by sights like Prairie du Chien City Hall and Joseph and Emma Wachute Memorial Library.

Downtown Prairie Du Chien
Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque

Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque

2 out of 5
1111 Dodge St, Dubuque, IA
The price is ₹4,478 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹4,478
₹5,016 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Beautiful area. Entry way had a bad smell onto the second floor. Comfortable otherwise."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
Hotel Julien Dubuque

Hotel Julien Dubuque

3.5 out of 5
200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA
The price is ₹11,681 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
₹11,681
₹13,175 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,530 reviews)
"It was a good experience."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

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 ₹7,531 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,531
₹9,640 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
"Had a great experience !"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

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
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Bellevue. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sarge O'Neil Park and Bellevue State Park ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews)
A perfect weekend getaway!
"Our stay was wonderfully relaxing. Our only issue were the rain storms but that was the fault of Mother Nature. The owner was in contact with us and responded quickly to our questions. The view was calming and the cabin was quiet. We plan to return next year."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northeast Iowa