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Great History on the Great River
Named for French-Canadian fur trader Julien Dubuque, who settled here in 1785, this Mississippi River port city has history at every turn, with 64 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Even if you’re not checking in, check out the historic Hotel Julien.
Built in 1915 to replace a guesthouse that succumbed to fire, the iconic hotel was a favorite for Al Capone. Take in the handsome lobby and set out to explore on foot. All through downtown, you’ll be turning your head to take in elegant structures such as the county courthouse and 1873 Town Clock, while discovering a colorful assortment of murals.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
In 1882, J. K. Graves, a banker, built his own funicular, now known as the Fenelon Place Elevator, to cut his half-hour commute from his blufftop home 189 feet above the bank to a few minutes. The views of the city and river are great but might deter those with acrophobia.
The 1898 Star Brewery managed to survive until 1985. A display tells the story on the ground floor, where you can also visit Stone Cliff Winery and its tasting room. The five-story brick building is a handsome backdrop for concerts at the Alliant Energy Amphitheater along the riverfront.
If you see one thing here, make it the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. While the natural history aspects include live creatures from the headwaters (sturgeon, playful river otters and goldeneye ducks) to the Gulf of Mexico (a gator, octopus and rays), the human history of The Big Muddy and the area is also extensive, from Native American culture to Civil War and industrial age exhibits.
Ray petting, octopus feedings and films in the 4D theater are also on offer. Entry includes a visit to the 227-foot sidewheel dredge boat, the 1934 William M. Black, floating in the harbor.
Nearby along the Mississippi Riverwalk is the 120-foot Shot Tower, where molten lead was dropped through screens to make ammunition back in 1856.
Some history is delicious: Paul’s Tavern offers the best (and perhaps cheapest)cheeseburger in Iowa, cooked in a broiler from 1948, when the tavern was founded. The third-generation throwback butcher Cremer’s Meats is renowned for its turkey and dressing sandwiches.
170 miles from Milwaukee to Dubuque
Onetime James Beard Award nominee Kevin Scharpf and his team at Brazen Open Kitchen offer seasonal menus favoring regional ingredients. While the dishes and cocktails bring brilliant combinations and plating pleasing to the eye, this isn’t the “morsel on large plate with artistic smear of sauce” meal. The portions are plentiful!
The Mines of Spain area just south of town has an interpretive center and 1,437 acres of woods, prairie and wetlands with trails, a canoe launch and a Julien Dubuque Monument with bluff views of the river and city. The name references 18th century Spanish control of the area.
Go to Eagle Point Park for views of the river’s Lock and Dam No. 11. An adjoining historic site, Mathias Ham House, offers limited access due to renovations in 2025, but you can schedule a guided tour as well as see a cabin, schoolhouse and mine on the grounds.
