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9 Places to Experience Fall in Dubuque
The most colorful time of year along the limestone bluffs of #WhereIowaStarted.
We’ve put together 9 places to take in the magnificent fall colors of Dubuque.
Grab your flannel
...and get to Dubuque this fall.
Dubuque is blessed to have limestone bluffs that go on for miles and in the fall, these vistas turn every vibrant shade of autumn imaginable. Peak color usually takes place the weekend closest to October 10. Stroll through Iowa’s longest running Farmers’ Market, go pumpkin pickin’ at local farms, sip on a pumpkin spice latte, brew, or glass of wine.
Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch
Looking to find that perfect pumpkin? Look no further than this family owned and operated patch. Open from 10 am to 5 pm every Saturday and Sunday from September 24 – October 30. While you search for pumpkins you can also enjoy wagon rides, a pumpkin launcher, corn maze, and more.
Czipar’s Apple Orchard
Czipar’s Apple Orchard is family-owned and located just outside of Dubuque and is home to their famous apple cider donuts made from locally grown apples. They are pet-friendly and open daily. (P.S. Don’t miss their apple cider slushies.)
Fenelon Place Elevator
Referred to as the ‘world’s shortest, steepest, railway’, or the ‘4th Street Elevator’, this Dubuque icon takes you from the base of Bluff Street all the way to the top of the bluff it climbs. There you will see views of the Tri-State region, including the city skyline. Fare is $4 round trip for adults and $2 round trip for kids 5-12. Kids 5 & under are free. The elevator is pet-friendly. (For an ADA friendly view of the top, visitors can drive to the top of the bluff and take in the breathtaking vistas.)
Eagle Point Park
This 164 acre park overlooks the Mississippi River into Wisconsin and Illinois and is a perfect stop for leaf watching. Viewfinders are available to get an even closer look with a color-blind adapted, ADA viewfinder installed in 2020. Entry into the park is $1 per car and $5 per bus. Bikes and pedestrians are free.
Julien Dubuque Monument at the Mines of Spain
This monument was built for the founder of Dubuque and sits atop a bluff in the Mines of Spain State Park. The views here are second to none and with its accessible access from the road, this spot is a must-see for fall colors. Did we mention it's also pet-friendly?
Mississippi Riverwalk
For views with easy access, visit the Riverwalk. Located next to the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, this pathway winds along the river and faces the beautiful bluffs that surround it. This trail is also pet friendly.
Dubuque Farmers’ Market
Iowa’s longest-running Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays through October from 7am to noon and is filled to the brim with local farm stands, artisans, tasty treats, and more. This market is pet friendly with a requirement that leashes are no longer than 3 feet and pets are to be kept by their owner's sides at all times.
Local Breweries & Wineries
Something about a glass of wine, locally brewed beer, and good company says fall to us. Fortunately, Dubuque is home to several locally-owned breweries & wineries.
Great River Road National Scenic Byway
This byway runs the length of the Mississippi River between Iowa’s southern and northern borders and happens to pass through Dubuque! Take a road trip and stop along the way at the river towns that are filled with colorful views this time of year.
