Things to Do - Dubuque, Iowa

No matter how you enjoy spending your free-time, Dubuque is bursting with activities and historical sites for all interests and activity levels. As a riverside city on the Mississippi, Dubuque boasts an array of recreation and outdoor activities as well as with centers of learning and fun for the entire family. Shopping, museums and boat rides are all a part of the Dubuque experience. No matter what time of year you visit, you'll always find events, exhibits and activities of all interests and themes. Dubuque offers several festivals and season-specific celebrations throughout the year that attract visitors from around the country. Check our community calendar online to coordinate your visit with events and activities of interest to you and your family. Here are a few featured activities we recommend experiencing during your visit to Dubuque:

Learning

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium offers a hands-on learning experience for children and adults of all ages. The aquarium features 12-foot glass walls that allow you to walk through an aquatic environment. The historical museum features antiques, pictures, clothing and boat machinery from the days when the Mississippi river was a key access point between East and West America.

The Dubuque Museum of Art features painting, photography and drawing collections from regional artists whose work is part of the 20th Century American Regionalism genre. The museum also regularly features nationally recognized art exhibitions, so check out their website to see what’s in store.

Shopping

Dubuque offers every type of shopping, from large-scale malls to chic boutiques and antique dealers. Located just 1 mile from Mainstay Suites Dubuque, the Kennedy Mall features over 70 stores with a mixture of indoor and outdoor ambiance. For shoppers with an eye for the past, the wares of Dubuque Coin & Antique and Rockdale Remnants Antiques & Collectibles in downtown Dubuque are sure to spark your fancy.

Outdoor Activities

Located less than 10 miles from our hotel, skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the 21 trails and alpine slide offered at Sundown Mountain. With 100% snowmaking capacity, you’ll never worry about poor conditions. Golfers have a choice of several public and private golf courses, with both 9- and 18-hole courses, within 5 miles of our hotel. Take a stroll on the riverside Heritage trail, rent a canoe or take a boat tour to experience the power of the Mississippi.

Casinos

Experience the thrill of Vegas by enjoying one of our many casinos and gaming centers. Diamond Jo Casino, Peninsula Gaming and Mystique Casino are less than 5 miles from our hotel and feature a range of gaming activities from slot machines and card tables to a greyhound racetrack.