A street here becomes a sporting challenge in its own right: During the Snake Alley Criterium, the climb follows the historic brick road of Snake Alley. It is 276 feet long, winds through five hairpin turns, and rises 60 feet at an average grade of 12.5 percent. The race circuit covers 14 blocks and 0.9 miles per lap on downtown streets. The distinctive climb and the length of the full course can thus be viewed as two different aspects of the cycling experience.
The Friday Night Fever Criterium offers another perspective. Its 11-block circuit measures 0.88 miles and starts at the intersection of N 4th Street and High Street. The race has been established as a recurring companion event since 2022. Comparing the two courses lets you consider their stated lap lengths side by side, without equating them with Snake Alley’s distinctive climb.
Cliffs, Woods, and Trails
At Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve, conservation and geology come together: The state nature preserve and park covers 184 acres and is managed by Des Moines County Conservation. Its features include limestone and dolomite cliffs with fossils such as brachiopods, crinoids, cup corals, and snails. The different fossil groups give the site a geological variety that goes beyond a simple description of the landscape.
Big Hollow Recreation Area can also be experienced through a range of activities. The 178-acre lake has a beach, a boat ramp, and several fishing piers. A separate kayak launch adds more ways to enjoy the water; during the season, you can rent kayaks and canoes from the camp host. Rentals are seasonal, so it’s a good idea to check availability in advance. On land, more than ten miles of trails wind through the area, including sections suitable for horseback riding.
At Luckenbill Woods, more than a mile of trails cross Dolbee Creek. The area is managed as a wildlife refuge and natural resource area. Hunt Woods also focuses on habitats: A network of trails runs through high-quality wildlife habitat and is suitable for hikers and nature watchers. Porter Cemetery, with gravestones dating from the early 19th century, is also located at Hunt Woods.
A spur of the Flint River Trail at Hickory Bend leads to a shelter on a hill overlooking the creek and the valley below. Old Zion School is also located along this trail: The one-room schoolhouse was built of limestone in the 1840s and is preserved as a historic landmark. Nature trails and architectural history meet here, while the school retains its own story.
River Landscapes and Outdoor Activities
Welter Recreation Area is a destination in its own right for trips on the water: It encompasses a 2.5-mile stretch of the Skunk River used by groups for river excursions, canoeing, and kayaking. Tama Beach River Access has a concrete ramp to Mississippi River Pool 19 and a gravel parking lot between the levee and the river. A seasonal boat dock is available during the summer and fall boating season, provided the water level at Burlington is below 9.5 feet.
Crapo Park brings together green space and a riverside setting. The 85-acre park on the Mississippi River includes an arboretum and a botanical garden. The Burlington Municipal Band regularly holds summer outdoor concerts on Sunday evenings at the bandstand; concert dates may change, so check the current schedule. Leopold Recreation Area offers a different perspective on nature and is located within the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Southeast Iowa Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area.
Discover Local History and Culture
Phelps House Museum is an 1851 Victorian home at the top of Snake Alley. Its nine rooms display furnishings dating from 1774 onward. Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum offers a different way to explore regional history: It is housed in a building that opened as Burlington Public Library in 1898 and showcases the history and creative spirit of the people who have lived in Des Moines County, Iowa.
Hawkeye Log Cabin is also a museum. Pioneer furniture and tools illustrate the area’s settlement history. The historic significance of Burlington’s Heritage Hill Historic District was recognized with its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Capitol Theater, meanwhile, reopened after restoration in 2012 and offers live performances, classic films, and special events in an Art Deco setting.
The Heritage Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check opening hours before your visit. For contemporary art, Art Center of Burlington offers monthly exhibitions, an artist gallery, classes, and special events. In summer, the Snake Alley Festival of Film also takes place; it has been held annually during this season since 2012.
Getting Around and Everyday Life
North Gorge Trail is a biking and hiking trail project with more than four miles of trails in Burlington. Since the project’s status should not be confused with a completed route, check the details before your trip. For a different kind of information, the Port of Burlington has an Iowa state Welcome Center with information about attractions throughout Iowa, souvenirs, and videos about local attractions.
Southeast Iowa Regional Airport serves Burlington, West Burlington, Des Moines County, and the surrounding areas. Local offerings also reflect different aspects of everyday life: Jefferson Street Farmers Market features regional produce, baked goods, preserves, plants, crafts, food, and live entertainment. Market dates and hours may change seasonally; check the schedule before your visit.
Discover more destinations: West Burlington, Burlington, Scott, Buena Vista County, Audubon, Harrison County, Jackson, Allamakee County.
For the broader travel overview: Iowa.
