Your Guide to Fall Essentials in Dubuque
Autumn leaves bring new hues to the limestone bluffs of #WhereIowaStarted.
Explore Dubuque through its most colorful autumn spots.
Grab your flannel
...and get to Dubuque this fall.
Dubuque is home to limestone bluffs that stretch for miles, and come fall, these scenic views explode in every shade of autumn imaginable. Peak color typically arrives the weekend nearest October 10. Take a leisurely stroll through Iowa’s longest-running Farmers’ Market, pick pumpkins at nearby farms, or cozy up with a pumpkin spice latte, craft brew, or a glass of local wine.
Schuster’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Searching for the perfect pumpkin? This family-owned patch has you covered. Open Saturdays and Sundays from September 27 through October 26, 10 AM to 5 PM, it offers more than just pumpkins. Enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze, a pumpkin launcher, and plenty more fall fun for the family.
Czipar’s Apple Orchard
Just outside of Dubuque, Czipar’s Apple Orchard has been family-owned for generations and is best known for its famous apple cider donuts made with locally grown apples. The orchard is pet-friendly, open daily, and a must-stop for their refreshing apple cider slushies.
Fenelon Place Elevator
Known as the “world’s shortest, steepest railway,” the historic 4th Street Elevator carries you from the base of Bluff Street to the top, where sweeping views of the tri-state region and Dubuque’s colorful fall skyline await. Rides are $4 round trip for adults and $2 for kids ages 5–12 (cash only). Children 5 and under ride free, and pets are welcome too. For an ADA-accessible option, visitors can drive to the bluff top and take in the same breathtaking autumn vistas.
Eagle Point Park
This 164-acre park offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the rolling hills of Wisconsin and Illinois, making it a perfect stop for fall leaf-peeping. Take advantage of the viewfinders throughout the park, including a color-blind adapted, ADA-accessible option. Admission is just $1 per car or $5 per bus, with free entry for bikes and pedestrians.
Julien Dubuque Monument at the Mines of Spain
Perched atop a bluff in Mines of Spain Recreation Area, this monument honors Dubuque’s founder and offers some of the best views in the region. With easy road access, it’s a must-see spot for soaking in fall colors—and yes, it’s pet-friendly too.
Mississippi Riverwalk
For easy-to-reach views, head to the Riverwalk. Located next to the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, this scenic pathway winds along the Mississippi and looks out onto the colorful bluffs beyond. The trail is pet-friendly, making it a perfect fall stroll for you and your four-legged friends.
Dubuque Farmers’ Market
Iowa’s longest-running Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday through October from 7 AM to noon, filling downtown with local produce, artisan goods, delicious treats, and more. The market is pet-friendly too, just be sure to keep leashes under three feet and pets close by your side.
Fall Festivals & Markets
Celebrate the season at Dubuque’s fall festivals and markets, where crisp autumn air meets lively community spirit. From Oktoberfest celebrations and cultural street fairs to local craft markets and night bazaars, there’s no shortage of food, music, and family-friendly fun. These gatherings are the perfect way to experience Dubuque’s flavors, traditions, and fall colors all in one place.
Local Breweries & Wineries
Nothing says fall quite like sipping a glass of wine, a locally brewed beer, and enjoying good company. Dubuque is home to several locally owned breweries and wineries, each with its own charm, but Park Farm Winery stands out for its incredible bluff-top views that are even more breathtaking when framed by autumn colors.
Great River Road National Scenic Byway
Stretching the length of Iowa along the Mississippi River, this scenic byway winds right through Dubuque. Take a fall road trip and stop in charming river towns along the way, each offering colorful views and seasonal charm at every turn.