Hidden Gems of Dubuque County
Dubuque, Iowa is renowned for its picturesque views of the Mississippi River and its charming historic downtown. But have you explored the hidden gems tucked away in Dubuque County?
From cozy coffee shops and scenic nature spots to craft breweries and delicious bites, my family and I took some time this summer to explore Dubuque County and its long list of hidden gems.
When you wake up in a new place and plan for a weekend full of activities, what’s the first thing on your mind? Coffee, of course! Here are some local coffee spots that energized me for my adventures around Dubuque County:
Bob & Lou’s Coffee
1895 University Ave, Dubuque, IA
This charming walk-up window serves incredible lattes with a side of friendly service. It’s a perfect pit stop, especially if you’re visiting nearby colleges. I loved the cute aesthetic and pretty branded cups! I’m such a sucker for cute branding.
Rosie’s Coffee House
106 W Main St, Epworth, IA
For a quintessential small-town vibe, Rosie’s Coffee House should be your go-to. Enjoy a variety of seasonal coffee options, grab-and-go snacks, and delicious sandwiches. It’s just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Dubuque and I loved the small town feel.
Jumble Coffee
7342 Thunder Vly Dr, Peosta, IA
You’ll love the convenience of this drive-thru spot. Grab your coffee quickly and get back on the road! We appreciated that it was in the middle of a lot of our adventures and we could easily grab coffee on the go.
As you journey through Dubuque County, you'll be greeted by rolling hills, beautiful farmland, and changing landscapes. Here are a few spots where we got outdoors and explored the natural beauty of the area! Because as you parents know, when traveling with a toddler you have to find some activities to get the energy out!
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
3800 Arboretum Dr, Dubuque, IA
Open 7 am - dusk, 365 days a year, this is a must visit spot in Dubuque. We absolutely loved the beautiful flower gardens, hiking trails, a coy pond, and more. Our toddler especially enjoyed the open grassy areas to run around! It’s the perfect place to stroll with your morning coffee.
Finley’s Landing Park
24709 Finley's Landing Rd, Sherrill, IA
Next up, take a drive North along the Mississippi for the perfect summer spot along the water. Bring your swimsuit and dip your toes in the water, and make sure to pack a picnic for an afternoon relaxing along the beach. Or if you have a toddler like we do, let them throw rocks in the water for hours.
Bee Branch Creek Greenway
533 Lincoln Ave, Dubuque, IA
This unique area of Dubuque was actually created as an infrastructure to control flooding, but it’s transformed into so much more. It boasts a multi-use trail, scenic overlooks, benches, slides for the kiddos, gardens, and a boardwalk. If you’re looking for somewhere to take a stroll or just sit and relax for a while, I highly suggest checking out Bee Branch Creek Greenway. It would also be a perfect place to take your daily run or bike ride!
After exploring the great outdoors we worked up quite an appetite. Time to indulge in some local bites and brews! Dubuque County boasts an impressive array of craft breweries and dining options. Although you may not be able to visit them all in one weekend, here are a few of our favorites:
Textile Brewing
146 2nd St NE, Dyersville, IA
Located in downtown Dyersville, this is a must stop brewery for singles or families. The large patio in the back is great for the kiddos to play and get their wiggles out, while the inside is perfect for adults to sit back, taste a few beers, and watch the game. The building has a rich heritage as a textile factory, and historic artifacts are displayed throughout the brewery.
Darkbird Taphouse
7305 Thunder Vly Dr, Peosta, IA
Come for the beer and stay for the incredible food. Located in Peosta, just a short drive outside of Dubuque, this was our favorite brewery in the area. It’s got a small town welcoming charm, a large array of beers, wine, cocktails, and NA options, and a menu with something for everyone. The pretzel with homemade beer cheese, pub burger, and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich are just a few things we’d suggest ordering. And of course a flight of beer!
Park Farm Winery
15159 Thielen Rd, Epworth, IA
If you’re looking for more of a picturesque spot to spend your afternoon, Park Farm Winery is a beautiful choice. Try a wine tasting with the knowledgeable staff or grab a glass of wine to enjoy on the patio with gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. But whatever you do, don’t forget to order their gourmet brick oven pizza handmade on site. The perfect pairing with a glass of wine, good company, and breathtaking views! This was one of our favorite places we visited while exploring!
River Lights Bookstore
If you have a love for small businesses, your final stop for the day should be a visit to River Lights Bookstore in Dubuque. Housed in a beautiful historic building, this bookstore is a haven for bestsellers, classics, children’s books, and everything in between. We picked up a few new favorites to take home.
As you can see, Dubuque offers much more than just the mighty Mississippi and its downtown area. So, take a drive and explore all that Dubuque County has to offer—its small businesses, breweries, nature views, and coffee shops. You won’t be disappointed with a weekend adventure outside the city!
Hi! I'm Patricia! (@winnieluwanders) A content creator, dreamer, and small business lover based in Minnesota. I love exploring my state + beyond. My passion is creating and sharing about small + local businesses. As a small business owner for 5+ years, I know the importance of creating your story and sharing that with your customers. I love hiking, exploring new towns, traveling with my hubby + daughter, and most of the time you can find me at a local coffee shop.