Eastern Iowa, IA

Travel Guide

Dubuque featuring a sunset, a bridge and a river or creek
Dubuque showing farmland, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Davenport featuring a bridge, flowers and a river or creek
Dubuque showing industrial elements
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a garden 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 which includes a river or creek and modern architecture as well as a large group of people

Downtown Dubuque

Downtown Dubuque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Five Flags Center and Carnegie-Stout Public Library while you're in town.

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

Southwest Area

3.5/5(161 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Southwest Area, Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library are top sights worth seeing.

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

Downtown Davenport

4/5(76 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Davenport, you might make a stop by sights like Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino.

Downtown Davenport
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Iowa River Landing

4/5(205 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Iowa River Landing, Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Johnson County Historical Society are top sights worth seeing.

Iowa River Landing
Iowa Museum of Natural History which includes an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park

Mann

4.5/5(68 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mann, University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are top sights worth seeing.

Mann
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Twain

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Twain and surrounding area, you can visit Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
2 out of 5
1111 Dodge St, Dubuque, IA
$51 nightly
The price is $57 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$57 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,017 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Dubuque
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$81 nightly
The price is $91 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$91 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,091 reviews)
"Nice and clean hotel. Very walkable and centrally located."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hotel Julien Dubuque
Hotel Julien Dubuque
3.5 out of 5
200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA
$111 nightly
The price is $124 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$124 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,512 reviews)
"This hotel is not only historic but provides top notch comfort and value. It’s close to restaurants and bars, nightlife, and very convenient parking!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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! (408 reviews)
Problem Solving with Genuine Care
"It was a delightful stay. Internet did not work the night I arrived, reported it the next morning and a solution was in place by 10:30 a.m., which was incredible. The staff and management was helpful, friendly and is definitely a place I will stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
Cozy little getaway in the heart of the city. A short drive from Galena.
Cozy little getaway in the heart of the city. A short drive from Galena.
Dubuque
Stay at this vacation home in Dubuque. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Bunker Hill Golf Course and Bell Tower Theater ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (166 reviews)
Short, great stay
"In town for a mountain bike race. Great location to stay."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Cozy little getaway in the heart of the city. A short drive from Galena.
Urban Edge | Comfort & Fun: Large Game Room & Fitness Room
Urban Edge | Comfort & Fun: Large Game Room & Fitness Room
Decorah
Stay at this vacation home in Decorah. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Dunnings Spring Park and Ice Cave Hill Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (38 reviews)
Fun game room and chickens.
"Enjoyed chickens and fresh eggs. Game room was a hit."

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Urban Edge | Comfort & Fun: Large Game Room & Fitness Room
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Eastern Iowa