Dubuque, is Iowa's oldest city. One thing that comes in my mind when I hear "Dubuque" is Mississippi River. It is a city built on banks of the mighty Mississippi river.
​
Currently we are living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and it takes only 1.5 hour (by car) to reach Dubuque from our residence. So, on a fine weekend morning of the last summer, we decided to visit Dubuque. Our parents were with us, so we packed some food for lunch and afternoon snacks and started our journey.
~~~Places to visit in Dubuque~~~
-
Crystal Lake Cave
DESCRIPTION:
Our first destination was Crystal Lake Cave. It is one of Iowa's natural wonders and a tourist attraction in Dubuque,Iowa. Once we reached, we bought cave tour tickets.It was a guided tour through 3,000 feet of well-lit passageways. We entered into cave through the gift shop by going down stairs. According to our tour guide's information - the cave formed approximately 2 million years ago. The cave is filled with amazing minerals formations which are still growing (isn't it interesting). Tour duration was around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Every tour is conducted by a professional tour guide who kept telling us all about the cave history, like who found it, history of the cave and described the science behind all the amazing formations.
​
Please do not touch any formations or anything inside the cave. Only certain formations are allowed to touch and feel and that too would be under the instruction and supervision of the tour guide. Remember, most of the formations are still in a way alive inside this cave and are growing every day and any direct foreign contact with it like your fingers or clothes etc stops that growth permanently. You would not want to that right !!! The cave passageways are pretty tight/narrow and dark. We kept our cell phone flashes ON during most of the tour. You have to watch out your head because the caves have reaalllyyy..... LOW ceiling.
​
PRICE INCLUDES:
Tickets cost $14 for adults, $7 for kids and it's free for under 4.
​
Our Tips:
This cave maintains a temperature of 50 degree Fahrenheit through out the year so dress appropriately. I will suggest to carry a hoodie if you are too lazy to carry a jacket :-). The cave floor was wet and slippery, so, a sturdy shoe is must.
​
-
The Julien Dubuque Monument
Description
After visiting crystal cave you should visit "Julien Dubuque Monument". Though we didn't go to see the monument right after visiting cave, we went to visit "fenelon place elevator" and that's what we did wrong in our trip because road that leads to monument falls on the way to the cave.
​
So, what is special about this monument. This monument is the grave of Julien Dubuque. The view is amazing from the monument. If you want to see the most beautiful views of Mississippi river then this is the place you must visit in Dubuque. Car parking lot is very close to the monument and the path towards it is very serine. Because of the breathtaking view I will strongly recommend this place.
​
Price Includes
no ticket is required.
​
​
​
-
Fenelon Place Elevator
Description
After amazing view of Mississippi river from the Julien Dubuque monument it's the time for an amazing view of Dubuque city from the top.
​
Though the name says elevator it is more of a single bogey single track elevated tram and seriously it is quite interesting because of its size and height. It takes you to the observation deck from where you can enjoy the beautiful city view. This is claimed to be the world's shortest and steepest railroad. Highly recommended !!!
​
Price Includes
Elevator tickets are really cheap, $3 for round trip and $2 for single trip.
​
Our Tips
Don't miss it :-)
​
​
​
-
National Mississippi River Museum
Description
within 5 minutes distance from Fenelon place elevator, you will have "National Mississippi River Museum".​It is comprised of two buildings.In the first building you will have to buy the tickets.
In the first building they've kept salt water fish and animals. In a large tank they have kept many stingrays and gentle touch is allowed. So yes, you can touch it :-). In this building on the same floor you will get to see Alligators, turtles, octopus, starfish, stingrays, upside jellyfish and all.
​
In the other building they have fresh water fish and animals. On the upper floor of this building the authorities have created a small museum of historic Dubuque beer company and all eminent people associated with the brewery industry of Dubuque.
​​
Price Includes
Tickets costs $16 for adults, $14 for senior above age 65, $11 for age group 3 to 11 and under 3 is all free.
​
Our Tips
Honestly speaking, we didn't explore this museum much as we didn't like it. The reason behind this disliking is we've already visited "Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium" in Nebraska and they have much more to see and explore.If you are interested in steam and paddle boat history , Mississippi river history then there is a possibility that you would like it.
​
But, yes your kids will definitely enjoy but not adults and we found it bit pricey too. $16 is definitely not worth it.
​
​
​
-
Eagle Point Park
Description
Ohh ! Gosh, What a view it was. It was an amazing site. I am planning to visit the park once again in this spring. It is a perfect destination for family get together, picnic, barbecue, b'day party, farewell party etc etc.
​
164 acre area with lots of lots of trees, fish ponds, recreation areas, barbecue spots, nice and maintained walking trails and last but not the least gorgeous view of Mississippi river along with dam and lock.
​
In one word worth the visit.
​
Price Includes
Tickets costs $1 only/car.
​
Our Tips
Don't miss this place :-)
​
​
​
-
River Walk, Stone Cliff Winery and Shot Tower
Description
Before heading back towards home, park your car at least for 1 hour and take a walk by river side. The bridge, the river, the winery, the shot tower - views are spectacular. There are benches along the path to just sit and enjoy the scenery.
​
Walk way is beautifully decorated with small hanging flower baskets and art exhibits. We even got to see a barge come through the river and experienced a barge passing through the lock gate.
​
While walking you can see "Shot Tower" (It's one of the last remaining shot towers in USA) and "The Stone Cliff Winery". We entered into the winery and spent some time over there.
​
To get a very close look of Mississippi and just to be relax this place is must visit in Dubuque.
​
Price Includes
No tickets required..
​
Our Tips
Don't miss this place :-)
​
​
​