Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque is located in eastern Iowa, at the junction of the states of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The city is situated on the Mississippi River, 95 miles (153 kilometers) south of Madison, Wisconsin, and 200 miles (322 kilometers) northeast of Des Moines. Dubuque is the county seat of Dubuque County, and is home to 57,686 residents.

You can explore the upper Mississippi River by joining one of the local cruises, or taking a stroll along the Riverwalk, part of a 44-mile (71-kilometer) Heritage Trail that leads to the city of Dyersville. Dubuque is also home to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. This facility features a Hall of Fame that tells the stories of river people from across America, a Riverboat Museum, and a Discovery Center with five aquariums that allow visitors to get up close and personal with giant catfish, alligators, ancient sturgeons, and other inhabitants of the Mississippi depths.

A unique local attraction is the Fenelon Place Elevator. Only 296 feet (90 meters) long, it's the world's shortest and steepest scenic railway, and offers spectacular views of the tri-state area at the end of the journey. For a great family outing, head to the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, an indoor waterpark with thrilling slides, tube rides, and other exciting activities. Looking for local arts and culture? Visit the Dubuque Museum of Art to see a fine collection of regional and national works. On the performing arts front, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra gives classical, pops, and chamber music recitals; while the Grand Opera House offers musicals, plays, and other special events.

Area attractions include trolley tours of the historic city of Galena, Illinois, and Galena Cellars, a family-owned vineyard and winery that produces more than 35 wines. Head to Dyersville to see the Field of Dreams Movie Site. The filming location for the Oscar-nominated 1989 movie, the site features a baseball diamond in the midst of an Iowa cornfield, where visitors are welcome to bat a few balls or run the bases themselves.

A great city for outdoor enthusiasts, Dubuque and its surrounding areas offer endless recreational opportunities. Residents can tee off at a number of local golf courses, fish in Swiss Valley Park, and hike or bike along the 26-mile (42-kilometer) Heritage Trail. A "mountain trail in prairie country," this scenic route passes limestone bluffs, old lead mines, and many historic sites. Nearby Chestnut Mountain Resort offers alpine slides, miniature golf, and nature trails in the summer, and 19 scenic ski slopes in the winter. Closer to home, skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will also find great slopes at Sundown Mountain.

The Mines of Spain Recreation Area covers 1,380 acres (558 hectares) of woodland and prairie, and is a wonderful place for wildlife viewing, canoeing, and camping. Other popular natural attractions include the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and Crystal Lake Cave, a living cave with colorful stalagmites, stalagtites, and other fascinating rock formations.

See our 9 Jobs in Dubuque, Iowa