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Fall Weekend Guide for Families

Looking for a weekend getaway with your family this fall and curious of things there are to do? Look no further.

Pick and choose your favorite stops or visit them all.

Carolines

Caroline's Restaurant at Hotel Julien Dubuque

Start the day off right with a classic breakfast. Located along historic Main Street in a nearly 200 year-old hotel, sits Caroline’s Restaurant. ​Named after the owner’s great-great grandmother, Caroline (Rhomberg) Fischer was a driving force and business woman much ahead of her time and the inspiration for the name of the hotel’s restaurant. Voted one of the 10 best breakfast spots by Travel Dubuque's social media followers.

River Museum

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

Spend the day exploring aquariums, interactive displays, and the history of the Mississippi River. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum is a must-visit for families. Voted as one of the 10 best family friendly stops by Travel Dubuque social media followers. 

Pumpkins Fall PHOTO: @orangeanchor

Schuster's Pumpkin Patch

What’s a fall weekend getaway without a pumpkin patch. Located just outside of Dubuque, this family-run stop offers tractor rides, a pumpkin cannon, and more. (Good to know: Just a half-mile down the road is Czipar’s Apple Orchard.)

Shot Tower inn PHOTO: Shot Tower Inn

Shot Tower Pizza

Serving pizza for over 45 years, Shot Tower pizza is located in downtown Dubuque and a local favorite. Grab a slice of pizza or try out their full menu!

Sunshine Family Restaurant PHOTO: Sunshine Family Restaurant

Sunshine Family Restaurant

Grab a bite to eat before your day of explorations. Stop by Sunshine Family Restaurant for a breakfast with all the classic fixings. Voted one of the 10 best breakfast spots by Travel Dubuque's social media followers.
 

Fenelon Place Elevator Fall PHOTO: Elevated Images | Mike Williams

Fenelon Place Elevator

Take a ride up the world’s shortest, steepest railway, the Fenelon Place Elevator. Originally built by J. K. Graves as a way to shorten his hour and a half horse and buggy commute over the lunch hour, the elevator has continued to be a fixture of Dubuque. (Pet Friendly)

Document_(1).jpg PHOTO: City of Dubuque

Miracle League Park

Burn off some energy at Miracle League Park, an all-inclusive playground and baseball field allowing kids and adults of all abilities to play with their peers. (Good to know: Restrooms, changing rooms, and picnic tables are all available on-site.) (Pet Friendly)

Kid's Guide

Check out our latest Kids Guide or pick one up at our Travel Dubuque Welcome Center.

Want more Adventures?

Check out our Fall & Winter Adventure Guide to discover all that the fall and winter seasons have to offer where Iowa started.