Things to Do in Dubuque, Iowa: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore
Dubuque, Iowa completely surprised us! Sitting along the Mississippi River, this historic city makes such a fun Midwest getaway with caves, hiking, river views, local restaurants and some pretty unique attractions.
We spent our trip exploring both Dubuque and a few spots within driving distance, so I definitely recommend having a car and giving yourself time to venture outside of downtown.
Here are some of the places we stayed, ate and explored during our Dubuque getaway!
Stay at Moon River Cabins
If you're looking for somewhere unique to stay, Moon River Cabins is located a short drive from Dubuque in Bellevue, Iowa.
The property is right along the Mississippi River and has way more than just cabins. We were able to enjoy hot tubs, a sauna and cold plunge, pickleball and plenty of space to relax outside. It makes for a fun home base if you want a quieter stay while still being close enough to explore Dubuque.
Explore Crystal Lake Cave
Did you know you can go underground just outside of Dubuque?
Crystal Lake Cave takes you beneath the surface on a guided cave tour where you'll see stalactites, stalagmites and other formations that have developed over thousands of years.
It's an easy activity to add to a Dubuque itinerary and especially nice when you want a break from the summer heat!
Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator
One of Dubuque's most recognizable attractions is the Fenelon Place Elevator, a short and VERY steep railway that takes you up the bluff overlooking the city.
The ride itself only takes a few minutes, but the views from the top stretch across downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River into three states.
It's quick, inexpensive and one of those quirky attractions that's worth doing at least once while you're in town.
Hike at Mines of Spain
For some outdoor time, head to Mines of Spain Recreation Area.
There are miles of trails throughout the area with forests, prairies and views overlooking the Mississippi River. One of the spots you'll want to find is the Julien Dubuque Monument, which sits high above the river and has one of my favorite views from our trip!
You can choose a longer hike or simply stop at a few of the scenic areas depending on how much time you have.
Explore Maquoketa Caves State Park
If you're willing to drive a little farther, Maquoketa Caves State Park is about 40 minutes from Dubuque and absolutely worth adding to your trip.
What makes this park so much fun is that you aren't just looking at caves—you can actually explore several of them! Some are large enough to walk through while others require a little more crawling and adventuring.
Wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty and bring a flashlight or headlamp if you plan on exploring beyond the easier caves! We went on literally one of the hottest days of the summer, and let's just say that the ice cave was our favorite part!
Spend Some Time in Downtown Dubuque
Leave yourself some time to simply walk around downtown Dubuque, too. You'll find historic architecture, local shops, coffee spots, restaurants and plenty of places to grab a drink.
We loved mixing the bigger attractions with slower moments downtown because it made the weekend feel like a good combination of adventure and relaxing.
Grab a Bite at Riverfront Bar & Grill
For a casual meal with a view, stop by Riverfront Bar & Grill! It's a laid-back spot right along the water and a great place to grab a bite and a drink after a day of exploring. The waterfront setting was definitely the highlight for us! We shared a couple of items because we weren't incredibly starving, but we loved the dip and the drinks! I mean....who knew Iowa could have such a cool spot to dine!!
Is Dubuque Worth Visiting?
Dubuque is one of those Midwest destinations that has way more to do than you might initially expect. Between exploring caves, hiking above the Mississippi River, riding a historic elevator, finding local restaurants and staying somewhere unique, it's easy to turn a visit into a full weekend getaway.
I also recommend venturing beyond downtown. Some of our favorite experiences were within a short drive of Dubuque, so having a car gives you the freedom to explore much more of this corner of Iowa.
Whether you're planning a couples trip, girls weekend or Midwest road trip, save Dubuque for a future getaway!
Follow along for more fun, food, flights and featured stays! 🌎
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