Eastern Iowa

Travel Guide

Dubuque featuring a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge
Dubuque featuring landscape views, tranquil scenes and farmland
Davenport which includes flowers, a river or creek and a bridge
Dubuque featuring industrial elements
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a lake or waterhole and a garden
Explore the banks of the great Mississippi River and discover the life that has erupted from it. Museums, panoramas and plenty of fresh air await you.

Eastern Iowa is bordered by the snaking Mississippi River. Life has long revolved around the massive river, with the region’s nature, history and culture all entwined with it. Visit Eastern Iowa for a flavor of the Midwest, where tradition, astounding natural beauty and welcoming residents characterize the region.

Begin your explorations at the charming city of Dubuque. Learn about the vast river and its many different residents at the impressive National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, part of a sprawling riverfront development. The museum and aquarium depict all types of life existing along the waterway, from steamboat sailors to aquatic species.

Visit the Mines of Spain Recreation Area just south of the city, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Mississippi as well as a maze of walking trails and picnic spots. Back in the city, ride the 19th-century Fenelon Place funicular for incredible city views. North of the city, the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a delightful place to relax and breathe in fresh Iowa air.

Outside Dubuque, Eastern Iowa is steeped in tradition. Tour the quaint town of Dyersville, the set for the baseball movie Field of Dreams, before heading south to Davenport. One of the main attractions here is the Figge Art Museum, which includes a collection of Midwest paintings by Iowa native Grant Wood, painter of the famous American Gothic painting.

Dubuque and Davenport both have regional airports and are a 3-hour drive from the international airport in Des Moines, the state capital. In addition, Eastern Iowa offers several scenic byways and historic routes. Follow one of these designated routes to explore the patchwork countryside where pastureland, rolling hills and the Mississippi River create a truly picturesque landscape.

Visit pretty little villages and communities where residents treat guests like family. Attend the lively local festivals or hop on a riverboat for a romantic trip down the famous river.

Where to stay in Eastern Iowa

Downtown Dubuque which includes a river or creek and modern architecture as well as a large group of people

Downtown Dubuque

Downtown Dubuque is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Five Flags Center and Fourth Street Elevator while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque
Davenport which includes a city and a river or creek

Downtown Davenport

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Downtown Davenport, you might make a stop by sights like Figge Art Museum and Davenport Skybridge.

Downtown Davenport
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library featuring interior views and heritage elements

Southwest Area

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Southwest Area, Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library are top sights worth seeing.

Southwest Area
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Iowa River Landing

5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Iowa River Landing, Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Johnson County Historical Society are top sights worth seeing.

Iowa River Landing
Iowa Museum of Natural History which includes an administrative buidling, heritage architecture and a park

Mann

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Mann, University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building are top sights worth seeing.

Mann
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Twain

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Twain and surrounding area, you can visit Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is CA $139 per night from May 5 to May 6
CA $139
CA $155 total
includes taxes & fees
May 5 - May 6
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,081 reviews)
"I love this property, great access to downtown Iowa City and the pedestrian mall."

Reviewed on Apr. 25, 2025

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Hotel Julien Dubuque
Hotel Julien Dubuque
3.5 out of 5
200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA
The price is CA $165 per night from May 4 to May 5
CA $165
CA $186 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,420 reviews)
Dubuque Iowa visit
"This was the first time we have stayed at this hotel . We went to Dubuque to check out the sites. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful.The room was large and comfortable and clean. The only down side is that there were no grab bars in the shower. The shower was easy to get into however, ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2025

Hotel Julien Dubuque
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is CA $123 per night from May 4 to May 5
CA $123
CA $140 total
includes taxes & fees
May 4 - May 5
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,043 reviews)
"Lovely hotel and staff Little tough to find the parking and could use some signs but great otherwise"

Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
3 out of 5
2372 N County Road 900, Nauvoo, IL
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly condo in Nauvoo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (395 reviews)
Highly recommend!!
"Loved every second of our stay in this location."

Reviewed on Apr. 26, 2025

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
Thornwood Cottage is the perfect little get away
Thornwood Cottage is the perfect little get away
Lansing
Stay at this cabin in Lansing. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Clear Creek Park and Lansing City Library are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
So very quiet!
"My husband and I spent three nights at this beautiful cabin! It is in a lovely location with trees and bluffs behind. Has everything you need to have a quiet retreat in Nature. Up a short hill, there’s a fire pit and chairs to allow star gazing away from the yard light. We opted to use the futon ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 20, 2025

Thornwood Cottage is the perfect little get away
Log Cabin/ w hot tub, outdoor pool & pool table
Log Cabin/ w hot tub, outdoor pool & pool table
Lansing
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Lansing. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Clear Creek Park and Lansing City ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Comfortable cabin for large group
"Plenty of space for everyone, hot tub, pool table, indoor and outdoor seating"

Reviewed on Mar. 30, 2025

Log Cabin/ w hot tub, outdoor pool & pool table
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Eastern Iowa