Progressive Tours
This three-to-four-hour excursion can take place over lunch or over dinner.
Your group will enjoy a guided tour of Dubuque’s rich history, a delicious course at each location, and of course, we didn’t forget dessert!
Historic Progressive Dinner
Embark on a historic & culinary quest.
Progress through three of Dubuque’s historic sites, enjoying entertainment, music, delicious food and wonderful company along the way. During this guided experience you will be mesmerized as costumed docents and local historians share facts about what made 19th century Dubuque so distinctive and why it was, and continues to be, the “Masterpiece of the Mississippi.”
7 Hills Event Center
This stunning space is a tribute to Dubuque’s industrial past. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, an open layout, and beautifully restored hardwood floors, this space pays homage to the window and woodworking that used to be manufactured here. Originally built in 1916 for the main offices for Carr, Ryder & Adams Company (A.K.A. CARADCO). It stands out in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District for its distinctive architecture of a Second Renaissance Revival style. Here you will enjoy an appetizer, a beverage, and a history of this space.
Steeple Square
A Dubuque icon since 1867, the former home of St. Mary’s Parish is once again a hub of gatherings in Dubuque. This former church is now one of Dubuque’s most unique event spaces. Your group will enjoy their main course, featuring a buffet of two meats, potato, vegetable, and salad to start. Enjoy complimentary nonalcoholic beverages with your meal, or if your group members choose to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, there is a cash bar available. Here your group will have live musical entertainment, singing about history and the mighty Mississippi River.
Fannie Stout House
This house was built in 1893 by Henry Stout and was given to his daughter in 1898. It is a perfect example of eclectic architecture. The house is filled with rich characteristics, including beautiful woodwork, stunning chandeliers, and stain glass windows. Here your group will enjoy dessert along with the opportunity to hear more history and explore the home on their own.
The Details
Cost: $53 per person. Rate includes a Travel Dubuque step-on Guide to be with your group throughout the event. It does not include gratuity for the guide, should you choose to leave one. 1 comp per 25
Tour Offered: Year Round; Locations may vary based on availability
Recommended Start Time: 4:30 P.M. Also Available as a Lunch Option
Length of Tour: 4 Hours
Requirements: Groups of 20-52
Dubuque Food Tour
Visit off-the-beaten path neighborhoods.
Enjoy the authentic flavors of Dubuque as your group dines in three of our treasured local properties. Savor a turkey and dressing sandwich, fresh from the garden salad, or soup, and a gremlin bar and ice cream. With each tasty bite your group will learn about these restaurants’ commitment to quality, whether it be their made-from-scratch dishes, original recipes or fresh ingredients. This guided tour will be sure to give your group a taste of Dubuque and leave you craving for more!
Cremer's Grocery
For 67 years, Dubuque’s last family owned grocery store has prided itself in old-fashioned quality and service. Hand-cut meats, homemade sausages, and Famous Turkey and Dressing sandwiches are a few of their specialties.
Convivium Urban Farmstead
Convivium is an urban farm, educational facility and event space in Dubuque, Iowa dedicated to the philosophy of creating community around food.
Betty Jane Candies
Betty Jane Candies is a family owned and operated company located in Dubuque, Iowa who’s passion and purpose has been to provide the highest quality homemade chocolates, caramels and candies since 1938.
The Details
Cost:
Rates for the historic progressive dinner in 2021 are as follows:
15-24 people: $55 per person + 1 complimentary admission
25-28 people: $50 per person + 1 complimentary admission
29-32 people: $49 per person + 2 complimentary admissions
33-36 people: $48 per person + 2 complimentary admissions
37-52 people: $47 per person + 2 complimentary admissions
Tour Offered: May – October
Recommended Start Time: 10:30 A.M.
Length of Tour: 2.75 Hours
Requirements: Groups of 25-40
Get more information
Interested in booking a progressive tour? Our staff can help you build a memorable experience for your group.
Hear from a planner:
Clayton Whitehead, Sports Leisure
"Almost any city can offer a driving tour where you see pretty buildings from the outside. Only Dubuque gives visitors the opportunity to go inside some of their most appealing historic spaces for an extremely personal and elegant experience combining food, fellowship, and fun!"
