The geometry of Snake Alley, a restored Art Deco theater, and parkland along the Mississippi and Flint Creek offer different perspectives on Burlington. You can shape your stay around cultural history, nature and activity according to your interests: Burlington offers distinctive historical details, varied park features and a range of activities on trails and streets.
City History and Distinctive Landmarks
Snake Alley was built in 1894 with an experimental street design. At 275 feet long, it has five half-circle and two quarter-circle turns; from Washington Street to Columbia Street, it climbs 58.3 feet. The sequence of curves and the measured elevation change make the street a particularly distinctive built feature. Visitors can test their skills by driving, walking or cycling along it.
The Heritage Hill Historic District was designated in 1982 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another way to explore the area’s cultural history is the restored Capitol Theater: this Art Deco venue dates to 1937 and has 367 seats. Its program includes independent and classic film screenings, community events and weddings, as well as performances by local, regional and national artists.
The Heritage Center Museum opened as Burlington’s public library in 1898. The DMC Heritage Center showcases the history and creative spirit of the people who have lived in Des Moines County. The Des Moines County Heritage Museum offers another thematic perspective through exhibits on local industry, transportation and everyday life, providing insights into the history of Burlington and the surrounding communities. The museum is housed in a former public library.
Firefighting history is represented, too. The Burlington Fire Department Museum displays the original firehouse doors installed in 1907, as well as photographs documenting the fire department’s history and special equipment, including a restored hose cart. Check before your trip whether a visit is possible.
Parks and Different Ways to Explore
The 85-acre Crapo Park lies along the Mississippi River and includes an arboretum and a botanical garden. More than 200 varieties of trees and shrubs grow in the arboretum, with walking paths running through it. Other named features in the park include Lake Starker, the Hawkeye Natives Log Cabin, the Pike Memorial, the Foehlinger Fountain and the Band Shell. Its plant diversity, walking paths and individual park features offer several different ways to experience a visit.
Starr’s Cave Park and Preserve has a different character: this 184-acre state nature preserve and park area is owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and managed by Des Moines County Conservation. Two miles of trails pass through quiet woods and along Flint Creek. The rock formations along the creek are unique worldwide. Unlike the arboretum and named features of Crapo Park, the focus here is on woods, the creek and rock formations.
The Flint River Trail is a destination in its own right for recreation and nature watching. Permitted activities include hiking, walking, jogging, cycling, cross-country skiing, rollerblading, skateboarding and birdwatching. Motorized wheelchairs are allowed only to support accessibility. The listed uses provide a clear guide to the activities intended for the trail.
Plan for Events and Activities
The Snake Alley Art Fair takes place every June and features works by dozens of juried artists and craftspeople. Check the date for the year of your visit before you travel. At the Great River Bridge Race, the Bridge Walk is about 1.5 miles long and offers views of the Mississippi River and downtown Burlington. For planning, check event dates and registration details. The two events add different timing considerations to your travel plans: the Art Fair is held in June, while the Bridge Walk is tied to the race date.
Explore more destinations: West Burlington
For the broader travel overview: Des Moines County.
