Dubuque
Dubuque is a small river city in northeast Iowa, known for steep bluffs above the Mississippi River and a historic core that works for a weekend.
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Dubuque is a city of about 60,000 people in northeast Iowa, on the Mississippi River where Iowa meets Illinois and Wisconsin. Its streets climb steep bluffs above the water. Views from high points such as Eagle Point Park and Fenelon Place are the main draw. The city dates to the late 1700s, when Julien Dubuque began mining lead nearby, and it is one of the oldest European-American settlements in Iowa.
A weekend suits the city, or a slower two- to three-day trip with time for the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, a bluff walk and a drive along the Great River Road. Galena, Illinois, is about 30 to 40 minutes by car across the river for a day trip. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summers are warm and humid, and winters are cold, so visit in spring or fall if you can.
Dubuque in five
- Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator up the bluffThe Fenelon Place Elevator climbs the bluff above downtown to a viewpoint over the Mississippi. Check its operating hours and the weather before you go.
- Rent a car for the river townsDubuque sits on steep bluffs and the sights are spread out, so a car is the easiest way to reach the Mines of Spain and Galena. Pick up at Dubuque Regional Airport if you fly in.Getting around
- Set up US data before you landSignal can be patchy on bluff trails and rural river roads, so offline maps help. Buy an eSIM before you fly so you have data from the airport.Phones and eSIM
- Price your trip in US dollarsDubuque prices are in US dollars. Ask your bank about foreign transaction fees before you pay by card, since they can add to hotel and car rental bills.Money and costs
- Wear shoes with grip on the bluffsBluff streets and trails are steep, and stone steps get slippery after rain. Pick closed shoes with a good sole.
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver nationals; visa for most others Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire or ambulance
- Tipping
- Tip servers and bartenders; the usual US custom
- Time
- UTC-6 (Central); UTC-5 with daylight saving in summer
Weather by month
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, snowy
- FebruaryCold, snowy
- MarchThaw, cool
- AprilMild, wet
- MayMild, green
- JuneWarm, green
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberMild, dry
- OctoberFall color
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberCold, winter
Right now in Dubuque
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
16
- Feels like
- 11°
- Humidity
- 88%
- Wind
- 27 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 53%
Dubuque
02:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today17°14°53%Monday: Rain. High 17°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Tue19°14°84%Tuesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Wed14°9°84%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Thu10°7°22%Thursday: Drizzle. High 10°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Fri9°4°17%Friday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 17%.
- Sat11°3°4%Saturday: Drizzle. High 11°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sun9°3°13%Sunday: Drizzle. High 9°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 13%.
Updated 02:01 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Galena, Illinoisabout 30 to 40 min by carA lead-mining town across the river with historic streets and river views.
- Des Moinesabout 3 hours by carIowa's capital, with the state capitol and museums and restaurants downtown.
- Chicagoabout 3.5 hours by carA big-city trip for museums and dining, a long day from Dubuque.
Before you go to Dubuque
Rules for Dubuque, checked
- Many nationalities need a US visa. Visa Waiver travelers apply for ESTA before flying. Check eligibility at travel.state.gov.Source
- The drinking age is 21 in Iowa, and bars may check photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
- Expect to tip servers and bartenders. Check whether the bill already includes a service charge before you add a tip.
Plan around Dubuque
Other Iowa towns, state roads and day trips around Dubuque
Read the guideAll of the USAEntry rules and travel basics for a US trip
Read the guideGetting aroundCar, bus and airport options for Dubuque and day trips
Read the guideMoney and costsHow to pay by card in US dollars and what to budget
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs ESTA, who needs a visa and how to check
Read the guideWhere to stayCompare historic downtown, the riverfront and quieter streets
Read the guideDubuque FAQ
How many days do you need in Dubuque?
One to two days covers the bluffs, the Fenelon Place Elevator and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Add a day for the Mines of Spain or a trip to Galena across the river.
Is Dubuque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like river views, historic buildings on steep streets and a small-city pace. It works best as a stop on a Mississippi River or Iowa road trip, or as a short stay.
When is the best time to visit Dubuque?
May to June and September to October have mild weather, and fall brings color to the bluffs. Winter is cold, and July and August are hot and humid.
Do you need a car in Dubuque?
Usually yes for day trips. The city is hilly and spread out, and the Mines of Spain and river towns are easier to reach by car. Downtown is walkable once you are there.
How do you get to Dubuque?
Fly into Dubuque Regional Airport or drive in on the highways from Chicago or Des Moines. Rent the car at the airport if you are flying in.