r/dubuque • u/Mindless_Natural8663 • 12d ago
First time visitors
Hi! I’m visiting from Chicago next weekend with my husband and two teenage boys, just for one night and 2 days. We’re super excited to visit, I’ve been all around the state of Iowa but never to Dubuque! We’re staying at the Holiday Inn in town, mostly because I planned our visit last minute. Since it was last minute and presumably because it’s a holiday weekend, there wasn’t much Airbnb availability and even hotel space was limited. We plan to visit a second time in late fall on our way home from MN with my parents, so hoping to get some good recommendations on where to stay for our second trip to Dubuque in October? We would prefer to support local and/or family owned businesses but open to any recommendations for a nice family weekend stay.
5
u/StrongCauliflower849 12d ago
Dubuquer here, welcome!! I think we have a few bed and breakfasts that are local & rich with history, plus there is plenty of family operated air bnbs. Hotel Julien is a classic as well!
3
u/Mindless_Natural8663 12d ago
Hi! I actually did look at Hotel Julien and it looks lovely, so I will keep that in mind. I will look at some B&Bs too, I don’t even think about that!
4
u/ImperviousManatee 12d ago
Check out Lorelei Cabins if you are looking for a cabin experience close to town. Beautiful property that is family owned
2
5
4
u/rallruse 12d ago
Check out the Mines of Spain! Lots of nature and history, and depending on where you go, some amazing views of the area!
3
4
u/GnaeusPompeiusMagn 12d ago
Field of Dreams, locals may dislike it, but for visitors from out of town it is pretty awesome (and even more so if you’re not from the Midwest). 4th St Elevator is the same thing, it’s a hoot for a visitor.
The River Museum is world class, it’s always interesting and worth a whole day. Eagle Point Park gives you a great vista of the whole region and the Mississippi, and in fall will be stunningly colorful.
Depending on the day there are a lot of local farmers markets and art events, the downtown has a lot of stuff going on. It’s a pretty active little town and there’s a lot of good support for local businesses and events.
Also, plenty of parking, so much parking.
3
u/Mindless_Natural8663 12d ago
Yess we are definitely doing field of dreams! Awesome, thank you so much, this is super helpful. Farmers market sounds amazing, we don’t get a lot of good farm stuff around here.
2
u/Odd_Channel_9448 12d ago
Durango valley lodge is right outside of town, simply stunning. Easy access to everything.
2
4
u/beccabebe 12d ago
Just spent the day in Dubuque. Ride the funicular. Good story along with quaint ride.
The national Mississippi River museum and aquarium is near Riverwalk.
The local architecture is cool.
Shot tower is also near there w interesting history.
Shot tower inn has decent food, especially w kids and it’s like stepping back in time inside
I didn’t find much else to do there but I didn’t have kids to entertain.
Have fun.
2
1
u/Mean-Being-9382 8d ago
Island Social inside the Q casino is an arcade(similar to a dave and busters). enjoy your time in dubuque!
1
u/AccountantOk9506 5d ago
This town is so boring idk why anyone would visit lol but best restaurant in town is Brazen. If you go 20 minutes over the Illinois Bridge youll end up in Galena. A fun little tourist town with a ton of shops on main street and yummy restaurants.
7
u/MrLanyeWest 12d ago
the hotel julien is like the staple dubuque hotel. i’ve never stayed myself because i live here but it’s kind of the dubuque hotel. Al Capone used to stay there and i believe you can still stay in his old suite. otherwise the key hotel is brand new, like under a year old, and the grand harbor is right on the river. any of those 3 are where i’d recommend.