Eastern Iowa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dubuque featuring a bridge, modern architecture and a river or creek
Dubuque featuring landscape views, a sunset and tranquil scenes
Davenport featuring a river or creek, a bridge and flowers
Dubuque showing industrial elements
Vander Veer Botanical Park which includes a lake or waterhole and a park

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 modern architecture and a river or creek as well as a large group of people

Downtown Dubuque

Travellers come to Downtown Dubuque for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Five Flags Center and St. Luke's United Methodist Church while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque
Davenport showing a city and a river or creek

Downtown Davenport

If you're spending some time in Downtown Davenport, Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino are top sights worth seeing.

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

Southwest Area

While visiting Southwest Area, you might make a stop by sights like Czech Village and National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.

Southwest Area
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Iowa River Landing

While visiting Iowa River Landing, you might make a stop by sights like Xtream Arena & GreenState Family Fieldhouse and Johnson County Historical Society.

Iowa River Landing
Iowa Museum of Natural History featuring heritage architecture, an administrative building and a garden

Mann

While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like University of Iowa Museum of Natural History and Iowa Old Capitol Building.

Mann
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Twain

While there might not be top attractions in Twain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Pleasant Valley Golf Course and Iowa City Public Library.

Twain
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is AU$156 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$156
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,144 reviews)
"I left my purse in the dresser of our room and didn't realize until we had gotten all the way home (2 hours away). I called the front desk, they located my purse, and I was able to pick it up. Thank you to your honest staff :)"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center

3 out of 5
3330 E Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA
The price is AU$102 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
AU$102
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Davenport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Price was ok. Shower was good and hot. Breakfast was decent. Walls were a little thin so you could hear the neighbors."

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center
Hotel Julien Dubuque

Hotel Julien Dubuque

3.5 out of 5
200 Main Street, Dubuque, IA
The price is AU$237 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
AU$237
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,553 reviews)
"Room was compact but clean & comfortable We were disappointed by our breakfast at The Caroline’s; we got one piece of toast with our 2 eggs, cappuccino & hot chocolate were lukewarm, don’t know why ?"

Reviewed on 2 Aug. 2025

Hotel Julien Dubuque
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! (408 reviews)
Problem Solving with Genuine Care
"It was a delightful stay. Internet did not work the night I arrived, reported it the next morning and a solution was in place by 10:30 a.m., which was incredible. The staff and management was helpful, friendly and is definitely a place I will stay again."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
The Cowboy Cabin, secluded and peaceful, only 5 min from town & sleeps 4.

The Cowboy Cabin, secluded and peaceful, only 5 min from town & sleeps 4.

Decorah
Stay at this cabin in Decorah. Enjoy in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Silvercrest Golf Club and Sollien Wildlife Management Area ...
The Cowboy Cabin, secluded and peaceful, only 5 min from town & sleeps 4.
Historic Cottage in LeClaire w/full river views and 3 decks. Dogs welcome

Historic Cottage in LeClaire w/full river views and 3 decks. Dogs welcome

LeClaire
Stay at this cottage in Le Claire. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Scout Park and Will B. Rolling Mississippi River Statue ...
10/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Cute little cottage with a view of the Mississippi river. Close to shops. Enjoyed our short stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Historic Cottage in LeClaire w/full river views and 3 decks. Dogs welcome
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