9 Accessible Attractions in Dubuque
Discover Dubuque's diverse and inclusive destinations.
Check out these 9 must-see accessible attractions for all!
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
The museum and aquarium offer accessible pathways, ramps, and elevators, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhibits on the history and ecology of the Mississippi River. A limited number of free wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis from any of their box offices and may be returned to either location. Both main campus buildings have an elevator near each box office for easy access to the upper floors.
Mines of Spain Recreation Area
With accessible trails and nature areas, Mines of Spain allows everyone to explore the natural beauty, historic sites, and wildlife. Make sure to check out the John and Alice Butler Trail. This ADA paved trail is near the EB Lyons Interpretive Center. This paved trail meanders through restored prairie where you can view native birds and prairie plants. Trail ends with a large compass interpretive area that is paved for group settings. Paved parking and bus parking available adjacent to path.
Eagle Point Park
This scenic park offers accessible walking paths and overlooks, providing stunning views of the Mississippi River. The 164-acre park includes 8 handicapped accessible pavilions, 4 accessible restrooms, 4 accessible picnic areas, and an ADA accessible colorblind viewfinder, brought to you by Travel Dubuque Community Partners. The colorblind viewer is outfitted with Enchroma® lenses to enable people with red-green colorblindness to see a broader range of clear, vibrant color. Also, a handicapped-accessible walk extends north from the riverfront pavilion to the fishpond, avoiding the steep rock steps along the way.
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
In 2024 the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens added a total of over 1000' of new paved ADA trails! The gardens feature ADA-compliant trails, making it easy for visitors with mobility challenges to explore the diverse plant collections and themed gardens. The new paths allow for a complete loop of the grounds from the prairie garden to the annuals, on to the Hosta shade garden, and finally to the koi pond in the Japanese garden. Also, if available, volunteers are able to assist in transportation via golf carts.
Mississippi Riverwalk
Voted one of the Top 10 Riverwalks in America by USA Today, the Mississippi Riverwalk provides a picturesque view of the Mississippi River, featuring accessible paths and seating areas for visitors to enjoy the scenic views. Also enjoy the ‘Art on The River’ sculptures stationed along the riverwalk.
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Veteran’s Memorial Park is home to The Miracle League of Dubuque Complex, an all-inclusive playground & baseball field. Featuring a cushioned, rubberized surface to prevent injuries, wheelchair accessible play equipment and baseball field for users of all abilities and age groups, and completely flat surface to eliminate barriers for wheelchairs. Other amenities include restrooms, changing rooms, benches, swings, covered pavilions, picnic tables, and more!
Sundown Mountain Resort
Sundown Mountain Resort provides an in-house adaptive ski program during their winter season. With multiple new adaptive ski equipment added to their inventory in recent years, they believe in making skiing a fun and inclusive experience for everyone!
Swiss Valley Nature Center
In 2023, track chairs arrived at the Swiss Valley Nature Center. These chairs are available for free to assist trail users with mobility challenges in their pursuit of exploring the great outdoors! Track chairs can be reserved here.
Dubuque Farmers' Market
Dubuque is home to Iowa's oldest Farmers' Market. The outdoor Dubuque Farmers Market is Wheelchair-accessible at all entrances, with all vendors being located on the paved sidewalks or streets. The City of Dubuque has parking spots for persons with disabilities in all city lots and on the ground level of city garages surrounding the market.