Dubuque, Iowa is located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River and proudly proclaims “where Iowa begins”! Dubuque, Iowa, started out as a small lead mining town, but by the end of the 18th century, it had grown into a modern city with a thriving harbor, great art scene, wedding venue, and great outdoor space. Just minutes from the borders of both Illinois and Wisconsin, this riverside town has something for everyone! Whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family with kids or if you’re a foodie or enjoy the great outdoors! Here is a huge list of some of The Best Amazing Things to Do in Dubuque Iowa, New York (including free and winter things to do) that we listed as told by a local!
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See the Historic Shot Tower
If you make it all the way to the Dubuque Star Brewery, you may as well continue on to the historic Shot Tower! It was built in 1856 and is one of the last remaining shot towers in the USA. It was used to provide a lead shot to the military and then went on to be a fire watchtower for a lumberyard. Ironically the shot tower ended up suffering from the fire itself during this time!
Explore the Mines of Spain Recreation Area
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is the top attraction here in Dubuque.
You might see a lot of places and indeed there are some good-looking tourist spots in the city, but this is the one that draws all the tourists from wide and far. Let us get a look at the top features, shall we?
It is a state park built on a land of a vast 1,439 acres. The landscapes are quite appealing. And, the flora and fauna of this park are beautiful too along with a group of wildlife that attracts all kinds of visitors and even locals.
The prairie land features some old oak trees. Some of them are even older than 250 years or so. This area was solely used for mining purposes in this city.
Logging was also an industry that was well developed at that time and contributed a lot to the economic aspect. There are a lot of hiking trails within the forested lands, so you can enjoy activities too!
Fenelon Place Elevator
The Fenelon Place elevator is probably the steepest and shortest scenic railway in the world. It takes passengers from Fourth Street up to Fenelon Place, stretching296 feet in length and 189 feet up in the air. The view of the Mississippi River, Dubuque business district, and three surrounding states are spectacular.
The elevator is the brainchild of Mr. J. K. Graves, a former Dubuque mayor and state senator who lived on top of the bluffs and worked at the bottom; he had to spend an hour every day going around the bluff. The original cable car was used only by Mr. Graves, and it had a simple wooden building with a winch and a coal-fired steam engine. A hemp rope pulled a simple wooden up and down. The cable cars were rebuilt in 1977, and the original gear was replaced by a modern gearbox powered by a DC motor. The Fenelon Place elevator is one of the best things to do in Dubuque, Iowa.
Enjoy the thrills of the Fenelon Place elevator
One of The Best Amazing Things to Do in Dubuque Iowa- Dubuque has a surprise for you because the steepest one in the world is present right here.
There is no other railway as short and steep as the Fenelon Place elevator in the entire world! Come on, let us have a look! Taking the tourists from the Fourth Street till the Fenelon Place- the railway is located at quite a high altitude. Yes, it is almost placed at a height of 189 feet. And, when you are at that height- the views are spectacular. You can see almost the entire city and kit will blow your mind.
Enjoy the views at Eagle Point Park
Now, we shall be heading over to Eagle Point Park. The Eagle Point Park is a park that stands on the shores of the Mississippi River and offers some of the best picturesque views that you might have never seen in your life.
Being constructed in 1908, the park has a gorgeous landscape and design too. Alfred Caldwell who also served as the park’s superintendent was the one who came up with such a gorgeous design.
The park is the ideal place to go over on a sunny afternoon and enjoy some views!
