Best Things to do in Dubuque | Must-see attractions 2025

National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

350 E 3rd St Port of Dubuque

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The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, features over 100 species of animals and thousands of historic artifacts across a 14-acre campus.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Adults: $10, Children (3-17): $7, Free for children under 3. Special exhibitions may cost extra.

Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Garden

3800 Arboretum Dr

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Dubuque Arboretum features 56 acres of gardens showcasing over 60 varieties, perfect for nature lovers in Dubuque, Iowa.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Eagle Point Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

2601 Shiras Ave

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Eagle Point Park in Dubuque, Iowa offers scenic views and playgrounds, providing a natural retreat for families, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free.

Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Nature Center

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

Julien Dubuque Drive

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The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and E. B. Lyons Nature Center in Dubuque, Iowa features hiking trails, picnic areas, and rich historical significance related to lead mining.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events and special activities may charge a fee.

Dubuque Museum of Art

We-Sa 10:00-16:00; Su 13:00-16:00; Jul 04 off; Nov Th[4] off; Dec 24-25 off

Museum

701 Locust Street

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Dubuque Museum of Art, Iowa's oldest cultural institution, offers diverse art collections and is located in downtown Dubuque's cultural corridor.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

$6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $3 Students. Free admission for members.

Swiss Valley Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

13606 Swiss Valley Rd

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Swiss Valley Park spans 62 wooded acres in Dubuque, offering fishing, picnicking, and year-round recreational activities along Catfish Creek.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some facilities may require a rental fee.

Granmercy Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

341 Gramercy St

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Granmercy Park in Dubuque is a historic urban park established in 1855 featuring landscaped gardens and unique architecture. Ideal for relaxation and recreation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Saint Lukes United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

1199 Main St

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Saint Luke's United Methodist Church in Dubuque is a historic site founded in 1842, known for its vibrant community and traditional architecture.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free entry. Donations are welcomed for various church projects.

Outside the Lines Art Gallery Dubuque

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1101 Main St

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Outside the Lines Art Gallery Dubuque showcases original works from over 100 US artists, focusing on high-quality, handmade items at affordable prices.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may incur fees.

Dubuque City Hall

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

50 W 13th St

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Dubuque City Hall, located in Dubuque, Iowa, serves as the center of municipal government. The historic building features impressive architecture and civic significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. There may be fees for special events or tours.

Miller Riverview Park and Campground

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

1851 Admiral Sheehy Drive

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Miller Riverview Park and Campground in Dubuque features 97 electric campsites, recreational trails, and river access, ideal for camping and outdoor activities.

Duration: More than 3 hours.

Free. Camping fees apply for campsite reservations.

Kennedy Mall

Mo-Sa 10:00-21:00; Su 11:00-18:00

Mall

555 John F Kennedy Rd

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Kennedy Mall in Dubuque, Iowa offers diverse shopping options and dining experiences, featuring a variety of stores in a single location.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Individual store policies may vary for special promotions.

Word of Life Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

4450 Dodge St

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Word of Life Church in Dubuque, IA offers a non-denominational worship experience focused on personal relationships with God through impactful services.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed but not required.

Diamond Jo Casino

24/7

Casino

301 Bell St (at E 3rd St)

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Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, Iowa, offers varied gaming options, vibrant entertainment, and dining facilities, making it a popular destination for visitors.

Duration: Approximately 2-4 hours.

Free entry; additional costs apply for gaming and entertainment.

Grand River Center

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

500 Bell St

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Grand River Center in Dubuque offers event space along the Mississippi River, featuring stunning views and versatile facilities for various gatherings.

Duration: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the event.

Varies depending on event; check specific event details for pricing.

Q Casino

10:00 AM–2:00 AM

Casino

1855 Greyhound Park Rd

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Q Casino in Dubuque, Iowa features a vibrant gambling and entertainment complex with racing, restaurants, live music, and comedy shows.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Admission is free. Costs apply for gaming and specific events.

Emmaus Bible College

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

2570 Asbury Rd

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Emmaus Bible College, located in Dubuque, Iowa, is a private institution focused on biblical studies and preparing students for Christian ministry and service.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Certain events may have ticketed entries.

University of Dubuque

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

2000 University Ave

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University of Dubuque is a private Presbyterian university in Dubuque, Iowa, known for its rich history and diverse academic programs.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Visit the campus at no cost, although specific events may require tickets.

Clarke University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

School

1550 Clarke Dr

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Clarke University, a private Catholic institution in Dubuque, Iowa, emphasizes academic excellence and community service, offering diverse programs in a historic setting.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required for visiting the campus.

Sundown Mountain

9:00 AM–10:00 PM

Ski Area

16991 Asbury Rd

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Sundown Mountain in Dubuque offers year-round outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking, with stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours for skiing or biking.

Paid. Day passes for skiing start at $35 for adults and $25 for children.

Bell Tower Theater

1:00 PM–8:00 PM

Theater

2728 Asbury Rd (Chaney Road)

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Bell Tower Theater in Dubuque, Iowa, hosts a range of live performances including plays, musicals, and community events in a historic setting.

Duration: 2 hours for performances.

Tickets range from $10 to $25 for standard shows. Discounts are available for seniors and students.

Bunker Hill Golf Course

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

2200 Bunker Hill Rd

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Bunker Hill Golf Course, located in Dubuque, offers a challenging 18-hole layout amidst scenic landscapes and natural beauty, catering to golfers of all skill levels.

Duration: About 4 hours.

$25 for adults, $15 for juniors. Discounts available for seniors and military personnel.

Crystal Lake Cave

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Cave

6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd

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Crystal Lake Cave in Dubuque, Iowa, offers visitors an underground adventure featuring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and a rich historical background.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Adults: $10, Children (6-12): $5. Children under 6: Free.

Dubuque Art Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Gallery

201 West 1st St

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Dubuque Art Center features contemporary artworks and local artists. Enjoy varied exhibitions and art programs in a creative environment in Dubuque, Iowa.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque

10:00 AM–4:00 AM

Casino

301 Bell St

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Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque offers a rich gambling experience with upscale dining options, a bowling alley, and various live entertainment events in Dubuque, Iowa.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free entry. Some events may require paid tickets.

Julien Dubuque Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

US Highway 20 (at Mississippi River)

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The Julien Dubuque Bridge connects Iowa and Wisconsin over the Mississippi River, playing a vital role in local transportation since its opening in 1982.

Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Free for pedestrians and drivers. No ticket required.

EB Lyons Interpretive Center at Mines of Spain

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

8991 Bellevue Heights Rd

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EB Lyons Interpretive Center at Mines of Spain spans 1432 acres in Dubuque, Iowa, offering outdoor recreation with hiking, hunting, paddling, and picnicking.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events may have fees.

Saint Raphaels Catholic Cathedral

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

231 Bluff St

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Saint Raphaels Catholic Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa, is a significant religious structure known for its unique architecture and historical importance since its founding.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and restoration.

Order of the Sisters of Saint Francis

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Dubuque

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Order of the Sisters of Saint Francis in Dubuque, established in 1844, is a site of historical significance and spiritual reflection featuring unique architecture and serene gardens.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations accepted for special programs.

Immanuel Congregational United Church Of Christ

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

1795 Jackson St

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Immanuel Congregational United Church Of Christ in Dubuque features beautiful architecture and community-centered activities, making it a key cultural site in the area.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events.

Grandview Heights Baptist Church

5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Church

835 S Grandview Hts

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Grandview Heights Baptist Church in Dubuque offers a vibrant community and traditional worship services. Celebrating longstanding faith traditions, it welcomes visitors and locals alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours for a service and community events.

Free for all services and events.

Asbury Community Chapel

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

Dubuque

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Asbury Community Chapel in Dubuque, United States, features contemporary architecture and serves as a hub for community engagement and spiritual growth.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are encouraged for specific events.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Dubuque

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Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Dubuque promotes spiritual growth, inclusivity, and social justice in a welcoming environment. Located in Dubuque, Iowa.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated to support community programs and initiatives.

Dubuque Community Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Dubuque

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Dubuque Community Church, located in Dubuque, Iowa, is a hub for worship and community outreach, fostering spiritual growth and connection among its members.

Duration: 1-2 hours for services and events.

Free entry to worship services. Some special events may have registration fees.

Storybrook Hill Zoo

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Zoo

Iowa

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Storybrook Hill Zoo in Dubuque features diverse animal exhibits and educational programs. Ideal for families and animal lovers visiting the region.

Duration: At least 2 hours.

Adults: $15, Children (3-12): $10, Discounts available for seniors and groups.

Rockdale United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Dubuque

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Rockdale United Methodist Church in Dubuque offers historical architecture and community services, established to serve local families since 1857.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for community programs.

Cathedral Historic District

Open

Event hall

Dubuque

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The Cathedral Historic District in Dubuque, Iowa features stunning architecture and rich history, showcasing the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Donations accepted for guided tours.

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

10:00 AM-9:00 PM

Amusement Park

Dubuque

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Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark is a riverfront hotel that features an exciting water park. It offers various water slides, pools, and play areas for families to enjoy together.

Duration: approx. 2-4 hours

Varies by season, typically around $30-$50 for day access

Mines of Spain Recreation Area

Open Daily 6:00 AM-10:00 PM

Park

8991 Bellevue Hts

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Mines of Spain Recreation Area spreads across Mississippi River Bluffland. It features 12 miles of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a wildlife observation blind.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Shot Tower

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Tower

600 E Commercial St

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The Shot Tower in Dubuque, Iowa, is one of the last remaining of its kind in the United States. Built in 1856, it was used to produce lead shot for muskets and stands 120 feet tall, making it a significant historical landmark for the city.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Louis Murphy Park

6:00 AM-10:00 PM

Park

1700 S Grandview Ave

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Louis Murphy Park is an 80-acre park in Dubuque, Iowa. It features tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great place for families to relax and have fun.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Riverwalk

Open all day

Sights

Port of Dubuque

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Riverwalk in Dubuque is a scenic walking trail along the Mississippi River. It features beautiful views, art installations, and access to nearby parks and restaurants.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free