Dubuque has plenty to keep kids happy. A top recommendation for families is the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, situated along the banks of the mighty Mississippi. Look out for the octopus, river otters, alligators, and sting rays that call the aquarium home. Kids will also enjoy exploring the 1934 William M. Black dredge boat, with its multiple floors and cool features.
Next up is Crystal Lake Cave, a series of intricate cave formations, stalactites, and well-lit passages. Children are well-catered to with the gem mining treasure hunt, and the guide's playful jokes and banter. Remember to wear a jacket and shoes with good grip.
The Dubuque River Ride lets the little ones scramble aboard a replica of a paddle wheel steamboat, complete with smoke stacks, and an ornate Victorian salon. The captain's friendly narration and live entertainment are a nice touch as you sail past scenic shoreline bluffs. Finally, head up to Eagle Point Park, one of the Midwest's most spectacular parks for its sweeping views of the bluffs by the Mississippi. Kids can splash around in the park's spray pools, go eagle-spotting, or watch the barges deftly navigate the locks. And finding your ideal Dubuque base couldn't be easier, with plenty of fantastic house rentals and lodging options available.