Cultivating Culture
A Group Tour Itinerary: Embark on a four-day excursion into Iowa’s agricultural heartland.
Day One
Start the visit off by exploring the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, strolling to a winery, and dine at Iowa’s oldest dining establishment.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
From past to present, the Mississippi River has been a source of commerce. In the early 1800’s migrants settled in Dubuque due to its rich farm land and accessibly to trade via the Mississippi River. Visit this Smithsonian Affiliate and discover the importance of the mighty riverway and its impact on our community and beyond.
Stone Cliff Winery
This tasting room, located in the Port of Dubuque in the historic Star Brewery, offers flavors and aromas that will be sure to please all. Sample five wines of your choice and take a tour of the facility where they make and bottle every taste. As a bonus to the wine tasting each guest will leave with a Stone Cliff wine glass.
Breitbach's Country Dining
Our culture is defined by our rich heritage and locals who have made our community into what it is today. This restaurant owned by the same family for six generations is no exception. Visit Iowa’s oldest bar and restaurant, and experience delicious down-home cooking.
Day Two
On day two your group will experience some of the unique places that make Dubuque’s culture so vibrant.
New Mellary Abbey
Visit the monks of New Melleray Abbey for their terce prayer in their original 19th century stone chapel. Then tour the facility where monks and local lay people hand-craft caskets that are known around the world. Fun Fact: Much of the lumber used comes from the rugged woodlands of the abbey.
(Fun Fact: Much of the lumber used comes from the rugged woodlands of the abbey.)
Dubuque Millwork District + Lunch
Our most recently revitalized district is bursting with history and character. Once a mill and warehouse district, this downtown area boasts a variety of local shops, non-profits, breweries, coffee shops and more. Explore this beautiful area then enjoy a delicious lunch at Inspire Café, offering fresh and tasty menu options.
Convivium Urban Farmstead
Visit this urban farm that is dedicated to the philosophy of creating a community around food. Take a tour of their café, chef’s kitchen, workshop, green houses and surrounding gardens. While on the tour, don’t be afraid to pick a berry or sample their product as you walk this beautiful, well-kept urban farmstead.
St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Visit this historic Richardsonian Romanesque-style church and view over 105 stained glass Tiffany Windows. This collection has been called “one of the five finest religious Tiffany collections in the world.”
Dubuque's Historic Progressive Dinner
Get a true taste of Dubuque and experience our colorful culture, rich history, and authentic cuisine when you embark on the Historic Progressive Dinner.
Let the city’s most knowledgeable guides help you navigate your way and open doors to a unique dining experience at three historic sites. Dubuque’s progressive dinner is the perfect recipe for a fun, fresh and successful group event.
Day Three
Get outside and explore a community orchard, a wide river view, and so much more!
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Enjoy a guided or walking tour and view the wide array of gardens including Hosta, English, Herb, Peonies, Wildflowers, Rose, Japanese and more on 52 acres of natural beauty. Or simply take a seat and relax next to the beautiful coy pond and waterfall.
Betty Jane Candies
Visit this award-winning family run candy store, a local favorite since 1938. This establishment has had their chocolates featured in Grammy, Emmy & Academy Award gift bags, as well as being named “Top Culinary Gift in Iowa” by People’s Magazine.
Fresh from the Garden Boxed Lunch
Pick up delicious boxed lunches at East Mill Bakeshop, a local favorite, to enjoy at your next stop. Their meals are made from fresh, local ingredients offering robust flavors.
Eagle Point Park
After all the hustle and bustle it’s nice to get away from the noise. Relax and enjoy your lunch as you overlook the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam #11. Fun Fact: Lock and Dam #11 also known as Zebulon Pike Lock and Dam, is the only lock on the Upper Mississippi River to have a formal name.
Bee Branch Community Orchard
Get a true taste of Dubuque and experience our colorful culture, rich history, and authentic cuisine when you embark on the Historic Progressive Dinner.
The Bee Branch Creek Restoration is the centerpiece of a $219 million flood-plain mitigation effort and is Dubuque’s most expensive and expansive project to date. Nestled within the Bee Branch sits a community orchard that’s mission is to foster community engagement around a food forest. Sample fruit from one of their many plants including semi-dwarf apple, cherry and pear trees, herbs, asparagus, strawberry, and rhubarb.
Sinsinawa Mounc Collaborative Farms
After tasting the freshest greens and ingredients straight from the garden, tour a collaborative farm to meet some of the area’s newest local growers. Learn about this new farm that is focused and dedicated to helping beginner farmers grow and sustain their business.
Dinner
Q Casino
Top of your tour and test your luck at the Q Casino. This property will take you back to Dubuque’s roots through iconic Dubuque displays, images and a re-branded event space.
Day Four
Depart Dubuque – We hope that you had the opportunity to get a closer look at our local culture and people. Our community is defined by those who strive to make it a better place to live work and play, we are proud of what it has become due to this dedication. Thank you for being apart of our cultural vibrancy these past few days. Come back again and experience more in Dubuque, Where Iowa Started.