The Groupie | Dubuque Group Tour Guide

planning LET’ S S TART

This group tour guide will help you get to know Iowa’s oldest community through the seasons while also discovering area attractions, local restaurants, the Historic Progressive Dinner, our services, and more. First, here is a little more information on Dubuque and why you should visit!

DUBUQUE WAS FOUNDED IN 1833. That is 13 years before the state of Iowa. With our claim as #WhereIowaStarted comes a unique mash-up of old & new, quirky & quaint, traditional & unconventional. You’ll find brick-lined streets and four-lane highways. Historic buildings adorned with murals from world-renowned artists. Local boutiques that create and sell heirloom goods. Restaurants that will leave groups speechless. Two entertaining casinos. Fun agriculture stops. Oh, did we mention the complimentary caramels provided to each of our groups?

dubuque WHY V ISIT

The River

OH BUOY!

Your group can venture on and off the Mississippi River by taking a cruise on the American Lady Yacht Cruise, Celebration Belle, or the Riverboat Twilight. Other ways to explore the river are through the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, a tour of Lock & Dam #11, or stroll along the riverwalk to view the Art on the River.

Caramels

THE SWEETEST THING

Made by the nuns at Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, Monastery Candy caramels are known around the world. In fact, the Today Show featured them in 2017, calling them 'heavenly treats'. Book through Travel Dubuque, and each member of your group will receive a complimentary sample.

Agriculture

THE THYME OF YOUR LIFE

Explore agriculture in the Dubuque area by touring Convivium Urban Farmstead's community gardens, Irish Meadows Alpaca Farm, Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, National Farm Toy Museum, Berning Acres Dairy Farm, or Stonefield Historic Site. (Pssst...did you know that the top employer in Dubuque is John Deere?)

History

WHERE IOWA STARTED

Groups will see how the community has preserved its heritage. Be sure to visit the Julien Dubuque Monument, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (home to the 5th largest collection of Tiffany Stained Glass windows), Fenelon Place Elevator, Field of Dreams Movie Site, the Millwork District, Mathias Ham House, or Eagle Point Park, and experience a Historic Progressive Dinner or Historic City Tour. View our #1 itinerary on traveldubuque.com for more.

OURSERVICES

ITINERARIES

Sit back and relax while you let us plan your customized itinerary designed specifically for your group’s needs.

LODGING

We will do the work for you and gather rates from motor coachfriendly hotels.

SITE VISIT

Interested in learning about attractions or the area? We can host customized site visits to make planning easy!

GREETINGS

We will welcome your group by saying hello on the motor coach or providing a welcome letter with caramels.

spring W HAT TO D O IN TH E

LET’S GO OUTSIDE

Spring in Dubuque allows groups opportunities to get outside and explore the flowers in bloom, seasonal attractions opening back up, and of course warmer weather! So, dust off your suitcases and check out where Iowa started.

MINES OF SPAIN

DICKEYVILLE GROTTO STREET ART TRAIL EAGLE POINT PARK

MINES OF SPAIN

TIMMERMAN’S SUPPER CLUB

CONVIVIUM URBAN FARMSTEAD

HISTORIC PROGRESSIVE DINNER

JULIEN DUBUQUE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

ITINERARIES

steeples and steep hills

A SPRING ITINERARY

Did you know that one of Dubuque’s nicknames is “Little Rome”? The name comes from our many hills and over 30 steeples that dot the community. Here are six popular ways to climb the steep hills and see the steeples.

FENELON PLACE ELEVATOR OPEN APRIL – NOVEMBER

Known as the world’s shortest, steepest railroad, groups can ride up and take in incredible views of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

45 MINUTES FENELONPLACEELEVATOR.COM

DUBUQUE ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS OPEN APRIL - NOVEMBER

This 56-acre park has been a part of the Dubuque community since 1980 and features more than 60 different types of gardens. Volunteer-created and maintained, its grounds continue to expand each year. Golf carts available for guests who require assistance.

60 MINUTES DUBUQUEARBORETUM.NET

ST LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OPEN YEAR-ROUND

This church was the first United Methodist church in Iowa! Your group will hear about the church’s history, and its collection of Tiffany-Stained glass windows, the 5th largest in the country.

45 MINUTES

STEEPLE SQUARE OPEN YEAR-ROUND

STLUKESDBQ.ORG

Formerly known as St. Mary’s Catholic Church, this facility has the tallest steeple in Dubuque. This historic German church was set to be torn down, but a local organization saved the building and created a unique event space.

60 MINUTES STEEPLESQUARE.COM

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER BASILICA OPEN YEAR-ROUND

The basilica has been a Catholic treasure among the cornfields of Iowa for over 125 years and is located in Dyersville, IA (just 35 minutes west of Dubuque.) It is one of only 89 basilicas in the US.

45 MINUTES XAVIERBASILICA.COM

DUBUQUE ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS STEEPLE SQUARE

summer

IT’S HEATING UP

When the days get longer, groups can plan for even more activities in their day. Enjoy a picnic, play catch, explore a dairy farm, or cool down with a ride on the river. There is something unique around every corner for your group.

FIELD OF DREAMS MOVIE SITE

NATIONAL FARM TOY MUSEUM

BETTY JANE CANDIES

MILLWORK NIGHT MARKET

BERNING ACRES

FREDDIE’S POPCORN

TEXTILE BREWERY

STONEFIELD HISTORIC SITE

ITINERARIES

take me out to the ballgame

A SUMMER ITINERARY

Our area is filled with baseball history, and summer is the perfect time to experience it. Add some time on the water, and you’ve got the ideal summer itinerary for your group.

FIELD OF DREAMS MOVIE SITE OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Released in 1989, 'Field of Dreams' put Dyersville, Iowa, on the map. Today, your group can have a catch, sit on the bleachers, see a ghost player, or have a catered, themed meal in the event space.

60 MINUTES FIELDOFDREAMSMOVIESITE.COM

IF YOU BUILD IT EXHIBIT OPEN MAY - OCTOBER

Revisit favorite moments from the film, discover stories from behind the scenes, view artifacts from the movie, and discover how locals helped make baseball movie magic.

45 MINUTES IFYOUBUILDITEXHIBIT.COM

RED FABER MUSEUM OPEN BY APPOINTMENT, YEAR-ROUND

Groups will experience the life of Hall of Famer Urban Red Faber. Red was a native of nearby Cascade, who played ball for the Chicago White Sox until 1933 and was inducted into the hall of fame in 1964.

30 MINUTES TRICOUNTYHISTORICALSOCIETY.COM

AMERICAN LADY YACHT CRUISE OPEN MAY - OCTOBER

Dubuque’s only riverboat offers daily cruises from Schmitt Island. This vessel has both indoor and outdoor seating and you may even get a chance to drive the boat with the captain.

CRUISE DEPENDANT AMERICANLADYCRUISES.COM

CELEBRATION BELLE OPEN APRIL - OCTOBER

The Celebration Belle, whose home port is Moline, IL, comes to Dubuque monthly, offering different cruising options, and is the largest non-gaming boat on the upper Mississippi River.

CRUISE DEPENDANT CELEBRATIONBELLE.COM

RIVERBOAT TWILIGHT OPEN MAY - OCTOBER

The Riverboat Twilight, based in LeClaire, IA, offers guests the chance to stay overnight in Dubuque on their one or two-day cruises and features a calliope that plays music as it departs a community.

CRUISE DEPENDANT RIVERBOATTWILIGHT.COM

EXPERIENCE THE COLOR

Fall is the most popular motor coach season in Dubuque because of the limestone bluffs filled with autumn colors, crisp air, and apple pie… oh my! Fall peak color in Dubuque is typically the weekend closest to October 10th. Did you know that Eagle Point Park has a color-blind view finder? Now everyone can experience the magic of fall! EAGLE

FALLADD-ONS

paddles, pours, and progressives

A FALL ITINERARY

Whether it’s one or four days in Dubuque, your group can venture on or off the water, sip on some brews or coffee, or sightsee

#WhereIowaStarted.

VERENA STREET COFFEE OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Verena Street Coffee is a family-owned coffee roaster founded in 2010. Here your group can tour the facility, sample the coffee, and shop in the gift shop!

75 MINUTES VERENASTREET.COM

CONVIVIUM URBAN FARMSTEAD OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Convivium is a nonprofit whose mission is to improve life through food. Your group will tour the neighborhood gardens and enjoy lunch. Your visit will support their mission to eliminate food insecurity in our community.

90 MINUTES CONVIVIUM-DBQ.COM

EAGLE POINT PARK OPEN MAY - OCTOBER

One of the most outstanding parks in the midwest! The park spans 164 acres which overlook the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam #11, offering a stunning view of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

25 MINUTES CITYOFDUBUQUE.COM

POTOSI BREWING COMPANY OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Founded in 1852, this was once the 5th largest brewery in Wisconsin and distributed coast to coast. Today, the brewery is home to the National Brewery Museum, brewpub, restaurant, beer garden, gift shop, and Great River Road Interpretive Center.

60 MINUTES POTOSIBREWERY.COM

DIAMOND JO CASINO OPEN YEAR-ROUND

This entertainment destination features over 750 slots, 20 table games, live entertainment, a bowling center, and restaurants on-site.

VARIES DIAMONDJODUBUQUE.COM

Q CASINO OPEN YEAR-ROUND

This complex incorporates live entertainment and casino gaming including nearly 1,000 slots, 23 tables, restaurants, and entertainment.

VARIES QCASINOANDHOTEL.COM

FARMSTEAD

POTOSI BREWING COMPANY

winter W HAT TO D O IN TH E

COZY VIBES

Winter blues aren’t a thing when you visit Dubuque! With warm attractions, fun-filled theater performances, and holiday decor, your groups will enjoy our winter wonderland.

SUNDOWN MOUNTAIN RESORT

ORNAMENT MAKING AT BOARD & BRUSH SUNDOWN MOUNTAIN RESORT

DUBUQUE FIGHTING SAINTS USHL HOCKEY SUPPER CLUBS ST. LUKE’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

MERRY MILLWORK MARKET

DUBUQUE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

ITINERARIES

holly jolly good time

A WINTER ITINERARY

It may be cold outside, but inside, these cultural experiences await! Add on a seasonal event or activity, and you’ll have a wintery experience worth sharing.

NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MUSEUM & AQUARIUM OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Smithsonian-affiliated, this14-acre campus is part aquarium, part museum, part science center. It features historical artifacts and animal habitats that tell the story of America’s rivers.

120 MINUTES RIVERMUSEUM.COM

DUBUQUE MUSEUM OF ART OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Located in the heart of downtown, this Smitsonian-affiliated museum offers rotating exhibitions by locally, regionally, and nationally recognized artists, including a collection from Grant Wood.

60 MINUTES DBQART.ORG

BELL TOWER THEATER OPEN YEAR-ROUND

From musicals & plays to special events, this community theater offers a variety of shows your group will love!

VARIES BELLTOWERTHEATER.NET

THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Located in the heart of downtown, this 151-year-old historic theater has a full calendar of events happening year-round.

VARIES THEGRANDOPERAHOUSE.COM

MYSTERY DINNER THEATER OPEN YEAR-ROUND

Enjoy a 4-course meal inside the beautiful Historic Star Brewery Complex at Stone Cliff Winery. This event will leave your group guessing ‘who done it?’

VARIES STONECLIFFWINERY.COM

REFLECTIONS IN THE PARK OPEN SELECT DATES NOVEMBER-JANUARY

This drive-thru Christmas light display held in Louis Murphy Park, helps raise money for a local non-profit. Guests will oooh and ahhh over the colors!

20 MINUTES

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM

MERRY MILLWORK MARKET

anytime WHAT T O DO

historic progressive dinner

A ONE-OF-A-KIND ITINERARY

This three-to-four-hour excursion can take place over lunch or dinner. Your group will enjoy a guided tour of Dubuque’s rich history, a delicious course at each location (along with history and music), and of course, we won't forget dessert!

COST

Rate includes a Travel Dubuque Step-On Guide to be with your group throughout the event. It does not include gratuity for the guide, should you choose to leave one. One comp per 25 paid.

WHAT THEY S DIA

"Almost any city can offer a driving tour where you see pretty buildings from the outside. Only Dubuque gives visitors the opportunity to go inside some of their most appealing historic spaces for an extremely personal and elegant experience combining food, fellowship, and fun!"

group tour friendly restaurants

MORE WAYS TO TASTE THE AREA

Looking for more dining options? Here is a list of places that know what it takes to welcome your guests.

7 HILLS BREWING

1085 Washington Street | Dubuque, IA

7HILLSBREW.COM

BREITBACH’S COUNTRY DINING

563 Balltown Road | Sherrill, IA

BREITBACHSCOUNTRYDINING.COM

CATFISH CHARLIE’S

1630 E 16th Street | Dubuque, IA

CATFISHCHARLIESDUBUQUE.COM

CONVIVIUM URBAN FARMSTEAD

2811 Jackson Street | Dubuque, IA

CONVIVIUM-DBQ.COM

MORACCO SUPPER CLUB

1413 Rockdale Road | Dubuque, IA

MORACCODBQ.COM

POTOSI BREWERY

209 South Main Street | Potosi, WI

POTOSIBREWERY.COM

STONE CLIFF WINERY

600 Star Brewery Drive | Dubuque, IA

STONECLIFFWINERY.COM

TIMMERMAN’S SUPPER CLUB

7777 Timmerman Drive | East Dubuque, IL

TIMMERMANSSUPPERCLUB.COM

WHITEHEAD

4 WA Y S TO

becomegroupiea

STAY IN TOUCH!

STEP one

We always strive to provide the best experience while in Dubuque. Give us a call or sign up to receive our emails where we share exciting news and itineraries.

STEP two

PLAN SOMETHING

Schedule a city tour, Historic Progressive Dinner, or site visit and relax while you are in Dubuque. Let us do the planning for you!

STEP three

GET THE QUICK FACTS

Let Travel Dubuque provide you with unique and fun talking points to use as you travel to and throughout the Dubuque area!

STEP four

GET YOUR SWAG!

Our Welcome Center offers Dubuque merchandise as well as locally made products like Monastery Caramels, Betty Jane Candies, and Freddie’s Popcorn.