Day 1 |
|
10:00 |
Start with an interactive journey on the mighty Mississippi at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Explore the past, present and future of America’s most important waterway through aquariums, historical exhibits, boatyard and wetlands. Check out the natural habitat of the Mississippi on the museum’s boardwalk trail and hear the stories of Native Americans, fur traders, fishers, clammers and early pioneers. |
Lunch |
All aboard for lunch at the museum’s Depot Café! Set in a refurbished Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Train Depot, this unique food and beverage station has something for everyone. |
3:00 |
Spend the rest of the day and night at Four Mounds, a 54-acre estate located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. The Inn offers seven charming rooms in the Grey Mansion or rent an entire cabin complete with a fireplace and full kitchen. Wander through an intact 1908 farm, miles of river view trails, or experience walking above the trees on the suspended ropes course. |
DAY 2 |
|
10:00 |
Located just south of Dubuque is the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. Interpretive signs provide interesting insights into the geology, history and resources of this National Historic Landmark. Remember to keep your eyes peeled! This site is a designated Watchable Wildlife Area featuring a wide variety of Iowa’s natural world. |
Lunch |
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the many Mines of Spain picnicking facilities. |
2:00 |
Travel south to Maquoketa to visit the Hurstville Lime Kilns and see the four kilns that heated limestone rock mined from nearby quarries to build many of the homes, farm and public buildings throughout the Midwest. |
3:00 |
Stop by the Hurstville Interpretive Center and discover an extensive prairie and wetland habitat through trails and exhibits or watch birds from the bird viewing blind. Or head to the Jackson County Historical Society Museum and Research Library to explore the unique heritage of Jackson County and see one of only five existing McCormick Reapers. |
Related Attractions:

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
350 E 3rd St
Dubuque, IA
563-557-9545 or 800-226-3369

Hurstville Lime Kilns
Intersection of Hwy 61 and Hurstville Rd
Maquoketa, IA
(563) 652-5020