• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© National Mississippi River Museum

2. Hike in Mines of Spain Recreation Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Tony Campbell - Fotolia.com

3. Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com

4. Go for a walk in Eagle Point Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com

5. See the historic Clock Tower

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© geraldmarella/stock.adobe.com

6. Admire American art at the Dubuque Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Dubuque Museum of Art

7. Visit Veteran’s Memorial Plaza

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© City of Dubuque Government

8. Go wine tasting at Stone Cliff Winery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Stone Cliff Winery

9. See the Julien Dubuque Monument

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of KorwelPhoto - Fotolia.com

10. Book a tour of the Crystal Lake Cave

Tours in the Area
© Courtesy of vovik_mar - Fotolia.com

11. View the free public art exhibit on the Mississippi Riverwalk

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of stryjek - Fotolia.com

12. Ski down Sundown Mountain

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of minicel73 - Fotolia.com

13. View Shot Tower

© Courtesy of Dmitry Grushin - Fotolia.com

14. See a play at Bell Tower Theater

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of yodiyim - Fotolia.com

15. Step back in time at the Mathias Ham House

© Courtesy of cityofdubuque.org

16. Enjoy the views from the Dubuque Water Trail

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com

17. Watch a Dubuque Symphony Orchestra performance on vacation

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of Mr Twister - Fotolia.com

18. Try your luck at Diamond Jo Casino

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of Uzfoto - Fotolia.com

19. Visit Q Casino

Category: Entertainment Near Me
© Courtesy of Jeff - Fotolia.com

20. Check into the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

21. Explore the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of makistock - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Dubuque, Iowa, started as a small lead mining town, but by the end of the 18th century it had grown into a modern city with a thriving port, an excellent art scene, and fantastic outdoor spaces. The best place to learn about the mighty Mississippi and the creatures that live in it is The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

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