
20 places in Dubuque
Family-owned apple orchard and farm market open seasonally in the fall. Offers U-pick apples, a wide variety of apple cultivars, fresh cider, baked goods, pumpkins, and fall decor. A beloved Dubuque-area tradition for families and fall outings.
A stunning 563-acre natural area in rural Dubuque County at the convergence of Dubuque, Jackson, and Jones counties, Whitewater Canyon features dramatic limestone canyon walls, cold-water streams, and diverse wildlife habitat. The area offers exceptional hiking, wildlife observation, and primitive outdoor experiences in a spectacular Driftless landscape.
An 11-mile paddling trail along the Mississippi River connecting A.Y. McDonald Park to Massey Marina Park, the Dubuque Water Trail offers canoe and kayak access at multiple launch points including Schmitt Island and the Mines of Spain. The trail provides a unique perspective on Dubuque's stunning riverfront from the water.
Dubuque's longtime community fitness and recreation hub, the YMCA on Booth Street offers a full fitness center, group exercise classes, youth programs, aquatics, boxing, day camps, and crisis services shelter. The Y serves thousands of community members annually with affordable, accessible programming for all ages and abilities.
A four-season resort perched dramatically above the Mississippi River valley just 20 miles from Dubuque in Galena, Illinois, Chestnut Mountain offers 19 ski runs, a full-service lodge with 119 rooms, indoor pool, zip-lining, and river cruise excursions. The resort has been a regional destination for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor adventure since 1959.
A member-supported shooting sports facility south of Dubuque offering pistol, rifle, shotgun, and archery ranges in a safe, structured environment. The Dubuque Shooting Society hosts competitions, safety courses, and youth programs, making it a hub for the region's shooting sports community.
An 18-hole disc golf course situated in Veterans Memorial Park on Dubuque's north side, offering a free and accessible recreational experience for players of all skill levels. The course winds through mature trees and open fairways, providing a fun challenge amid the park's green space.
A popular city-operated recreation area on Dubuque's west side featuring a large fishing pond, walking trails, playground equipment, picnic shelters, and open green space. Bergfeld Pond is stocked for fishing and draws families and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the warmer months.
Founded in 1898, the Dubuque Golf & Country Club is the city's premier private golf facility, featuring an 18-hole championship course set among mature trees and scenic bluff terrain. The club offers comprehensive member amenities including dining, tennis, and aquatics alongside golf programming for all ages.
Just five minutes from downtown Dubuque in the wooded Mississippi River valley hills of East Dubuque, Illinois, Lacoma Golf Club offers three regulation courses and a par-3 layout totaling 63 holes. The flagship Blue Course stretches 6,800 yards at par 71, while the wooded Gold and Red courses suit a variety of skill levels.
A linear urban greenway and flood-control corridor that doubles as a recreational trail connecting Dubuque's neighborhoods to the riverfront and Mines of Spain trail system. The restored creek corridor features native plantings, wildlife habitat, and an accessible paved multi-use trail popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.