Dubuque offers a wide variety of discoveries: a church elevated to the status of a minor basilica, a museum campus at the historic Ice Harbor, trails through the landscapes of the Driftless Region, and guided experiences. This lets you explore culture, history, and nature according to your own interests.
Church, River Harbor, and Historic Traces
St. Francis Xavier Church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica in 1956 by a special proclamation from Pope Pius XII. Group tours of the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier can be arranged by appointment.
The main campus of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium comprises three buildings: the Diamond Jo National River Center, the Fred W. Woodward Freight House, and the William Woodward Mississippi River Center. A walkway along the historic Ice Harbor connects them. The three names provide a clear guide to the layout of the campus.
The Fenelon Place Elevator is 296 feet long and carries passengers 189 feet from Fourth Street up to Fenelon Place. Along the way, it offers views of downtown Dubuque, the Mississippi River, and three states. Unlike a longer route, this ride is defined by two named endpoints and a specific viewpoint.
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area is designated a National Historic Landmark and has 21 miles of maintained hiking trails. The Julien Dubuque Monument stands at the edge of the bluff above Catfish Creek. The area’s history is shaped by the Native American-French fur-trading culture and the first documented lead mining by French trader Nicholas Perrot in 1690.
Trails Through Forests, Wetlands, and Open Landscapes
Dubuque County has more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails through the distinctive landscapes of the Driftless Region. One specific route is the Heritage Trail, which runs for 26 miles along a historic railroad corridor dating to the late 19th century through the county. Forests, wetlands, small communities, and open landscapes are among the varied sections the trail passes through.
Swiss Valley Nature Preserve offers more than 10 miles of self-guided nature and hiking trails through forest, prairie, and wetland areas. It also has groomed cross-country ski trails, which may depend on snow conditions. In the cold season, these ski trails differ from the self-guided trails, which are not specifically tied to snow and are available year-round.
At Little Maquoketa River Mounds Preserve, interpretive signs at the parking lot and on the bluff explain the site’s archaeological, geological, and natural resources. A trail leads around the protected Native American mounds. This lets you explore the landscape while learning more about the different resources explained on site.
New Wine Park is a wooded recreation area on the North Fork of the Maquoketa River. More than two miles of nature trails lead through densely forested terrain. The park also offers campsites with showers and restrooms. Since availability may change, it’s a good idea to check before your trip.
Guided and Seasonal Experiences
At Crystal Lake Cave, guided tours bring together nature, science, history, and adventure. The tours thus focus on a variety of themes. At the Field of Dreams Movie Site, tours of the house are offered daily during the season; times may change.
The field at the Field of Dreams Movie Site is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. Weather and private events may interrupt access. The site is located just off U.S. Highway 20. If you’re planning a visit, check current conditions and tour times in advance.
Massey Marina Park offers another way to experience the landscape, with boat access to Mississippi River Pool 12. Seasonal boat slips are rented at the 30-acre site; availability may change, so check before making plans.
Annual events in Dyersville include a St. Patrick’s Day parade and an all-day celebration. Dates and programming may change, so it’s worth checking the specific details before your trip. When choosing where to stay, you can first consider whether church and river history, trails through the landscape, or seasonal experiences will be your focus.
Discover more destinations: Dubuque, Dyersville, Peosta, Cascade; Cerro Gordo County, Black Hawk, Marshall, Audubon.
For the broader travel overview: Iowa.
