Eastern Iowa

Travel Guide

Dubuque which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge
Dubuque featuring farmland, tranquil scenes and a sunset
Davenport showing flowers, a bridge and a river or creek
Dubuque featuring industrial elements
Vander Veer Botanical Park featuring a park and a lake or waterhole

Explore the banks of the great Mississippi River and discover the life that has erupted from it. Museums, panoramas and plenty of fresh air await you. 

Eastern Iowa is bordered by the snaking Mississippi River. Life has long revolved around the massive river, with the region’s nature, history and culture all entwined with it. Visit Eastern Iowa for a flavor of the Midwest, where tradition, astounding natural beauty and welcoming residents characterize the region.

Begin your explorations at the charming city of Dubuque. Learn about the vast river and its many different residents at the impressive National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, part of a sprawling riverfront development. The museum and aquarium depict all types of life existing along the waterway, from steamboat sailors to aquatic species.

Visit the Mines of Spain Recreation Area just south of the city, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Mississippi as well as a maze of walking trails and picnic spots. Back in the city, ride the 19th-century Fenelon Place funicular for incredible city views. North of the city, the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a delightful place to relax and breathe in fresh Iowa air.

Outside Dubuque, Eastern Iowa is steeped in tradition. Tour the quaint town of Dyersville, the set for the baseball movie Field of Dreams, before heading south to Davenport. One of the main attractions here is the Figge Art Museum, which includes a collection of Midwest paintings by Iowa native Grant Wood, painter of the famous American Gothic painting.

Dubuque and Davenport both have regional airports and are a 3-hour drive from the international airport in Des Moines, the state capital. In addition, Eastern Iowa offers several scenic byways and historic routes. Follow one of these designated routes to explore the patchwork countryside where pastureland, rolling hills and the Mississippi River create a truly picturesque landscape.

Visit pretty little villages and communities where residents treat guests like family. Attend the lively local festivals or hop on a riverboat for a romantic trip down the famous river.

Where to stay in Eastern Iowa

Downtown Dubuque featuring modern architecture and a river or creek as well as a large group of people

Downtown Dubuque

Travellers come to Downtown Dubuque for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Five Flags Center and St. Luke's United Methodist Church while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library featuring interior views and heritage elements

Southwest Area

While visiting Southwest Area, you might make a stop by sights like Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.

Southwest Area
Davenport which includes a river or creek and a city

Downtown Davenport

If you're spending some time in Downtown Davenport, Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Davenport
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Iowa River Landing

While visiting Iowa River Landing, you might make a stop by sights like Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Johnson County Historical Society.

Iowa River Landing
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring an administrative building, a park and heritage architecture

Mann

While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building.

Mann
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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is S$129 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$129
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,079 reviews)
"The only thing that bothered me was the parking situation. The parking garage was underground and I felt the lighting was very poor and the signs directing you, where those staying at the hotel were suppose to park was not good at all. I ended up park in the ramps apartment parking section, couldn't ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
2 out of 5
1111 Dodge St, Dubuque, IA
The price is S$73 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$73
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Good for 1-2 nights stay, espessialy the cost. However, if you stay here consider to get breakfast somewhere else, they have very limited food they serve for breakfest."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
Hotel Julien Dubuque
Hotel Julien Dubuque
3.5 out of 5
200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA
The price is S$172 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$172
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,496 reviews)
"The Foyer looked beautiful. When we got to our room it is in need of carpet repair and new lighting and a Mattress"

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

Hotel Julien Dubuque
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
3 out of 5
2372 N County Road 900, Nauvoo, IL
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly condo in Nauvoo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (404 reviews)
Definitely recommend!
"Very clean & comfortable. Only downside was I could hear the people in the next room. I solved this by turning on the bathroom fan."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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