A Taste of the Town
A Group Tour Itinerary: Come experience Dubuque’s best restaurants and food shops in the most unique way.
Day One
On Day One you’ll explore historic sites, get outside, and go behind the scenes with a chef who was featured on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 16.
Dubuque Food Tour
Taste the flavors of Dubuque on our guided progressive lunch tour. Visit three of our local establishments and sample some of the dishes that define Dubuque.
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Admire the beauty of nature on a walking tour at this volunteer ran arboretum and visit their wide array of gardens including Rose, English, Japanese Garden of Eat’n and more.
Cable Car Square
Take a ride on the shortest, steepest scenic railway in the world and enjoy the view while at the top. Then, adore the historic buildings as you visit local shops that feature sweet treats, handmade goods and collectible items.
Brazen Open Kitchen | Bar
Fresh and never frozen. Enjoy a delectable meal served up with the finest, freshest ingredients available. As a bonus, you can learn about their sustainable and local practices from the chef himself!
Day Two
The second day of this trek you’ll connect with Trappistine nuns and monks who make world renowned goods, become inspired by nature, and dive into the arts and culture scene #WhereIowaStarted.
Sisters of Charity, BVM
Situated in the rolling hills and atop the Mississippi River this property offers a serene way to start your morning. Learn about the sister’s way of life, their farmland and sample some of their creamy and chocolatey homemade candies.
New Mellary Abbey & Trappist Caskets
Tour the facility where monks and local lay people hand carve caskets that are known and shipped around the world.
Lunch with the Monks
Enjoy the mid-morning chant and a light lunch with one of the monks to learn about their way of life and dedication to their community.
Swiss Valley Nature Center
Ice cream and maple syrup? Yes, please! See firsthand the maple syrup tapping and making process from start to finish. Their naturalists will walk you through identifying a maple tree, how to properly tap a tree, and collect sap. Then observe their evaporation station where they boil the sap down into maple syrup, and of course try the finished product with ice cream.
Port of Dubuque
Explore the Port of Dubuque on your own. View the Art on The River exhibit on the Mississippi Riverwalk. Tour the Smithsonian affiliate National Mississippi River Museum. Sample wines at Stone Cliff Winery, or test your luck at the Diamond Jo Casino.
Catfish Charlie's
Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere along the riverfront and enjoy some delicious catfish, seafood, steak and their Catfish Creek home brews named after local landmarks and hot spots.
See a Show
Dubuque has great theaters and performances, both local and mainstream, to choose from. Shows are offered year-round at one of our four group friendly theatres including the Grand Opera House, Heritage Center, Five Flags Theater and the Bell Tower Theatre.
Day Three
Before departing Dubuque, be sure to stop by our Welcome Center for some great finds on Dubuque & Iowa merchandise, candies, goods and more. Located at 280 Main Street.
Visiting on a Weekend?
Stop by our Dubuque’s Farmers Market where you can taste some unique dishes and purchase local produce and goods, including our Fincel’s sweet corn. We think it’s the best in the Midwest!