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FAVORITES
A Green Guide to Dubuque
Day Trip Itinerary:
Sustainability in Dubuque isn’t just a concept—it’s something you can taste, shop, and walk through. From local food systems to secondhand finds and environmental projects, here’s how to spend a greener day in the city.
Earth First
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morning
Farmers’ Market
Operating since 1845, this is Iowa’s oldest outdoor farmers’ market, where everything sold is produced within a 100-mile radius—meaning fewer food miles, stronger local farms, and a direct connection between growers and the community. Grab a fresh pastry and a cup of locally roasted coffee, then stroll through stands filled with seasonal produce, flowers, and handmade goods.
Pro Tip:
Bring a reusable bag and build your own low-waste breakfast or picnic for later.
late morning
Convivium Urban Farmstead
No sustainability-focused day in Dubuque is complete without a stop at Convivium—the heart of the city’s local food movement. Part café, part nonprofit, and part urban farm, it’s built on the idea that food should connect people, place, and purpose. Enjoy a meal made with ingredients grown on-site, explore the gardens, and see urban agriculture in action—all while supporting community meals, food education, and garden access.
Pro Tip:
Experience your meal at its source with the self-guided garden tour.
midday
Bee Branch Creek Greenway
Once a flood-prone area, this space is now a beautifully restored urban waterway and park system that reduces flooding, improves water quality, and creates accessible green space for the neighborhood. Walk the trail and you’ll notice native plantings, built-in water management, and thoughtfully designed spaces for gathering and recreation—a powerful example of how environmental solutions can strengthen a community.
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afternoon
Secondhand Shopping
Sustainable travel isn’t just what you consume—it’s what you reuse. Explore Dubuque’s secondhand scene, from curated vintage and statement finds to thrift stores supporting local programs and affordable resale shops with purpose. Thrifting keeps clothing out of landfills, cuts new production, and gives items a second life—find more inspiration in A Thrifter’s Guide to Dubuque.
evening
Farm to Table Dinner
Dubuque’s dining scene isn’t strictly defined by one style, but several standout restaurants lean into seasonal ingredients and thoughtful sourcing. Brazen Open Kitchen + Bar offers a chef-driven experience built around scratch-made Midwest-inspired dishes with evolving menus. Pepper Sprout is a downtown favorite known for fresh, rotating plates and strong vegetarian options, while L.May Eatery brings a longtime local touch with seasonal menus, scratch cooking, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
end the day
Along The River
Wrap up your day with a walk along the Mississippi Riverwalk or a ride up the Fenelon Place Elevator for sweeping bluff-top views. It’s a simple way to experience the Mississippi River up close—and from above—while reflecting on the natural systems that shape Dubuque and the importance of preserving them.
