6 days in Dubuque & Galena Itinerary

Dubuque is the county seat of Dubuque County, Iowa, United States, located along the Mississippi River. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Maquoketa Caves State Park and Riverwalk. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like The Iowa Children's Museum and Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Dubuque: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (in Cedar Rapids) and Wilson's Orchard (in Iowa City). There's lots more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, pause for some photo ops at Julien Dubuque Monument, admire nature's wide array of creatures at National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, and don't miss a visit to Fenelon Place Elevator Co..

Discover how to plan a Dubuque trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Des Moines to Dubuque is an approximately 3.5-hour car ride. You can also fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Des Moines in August, things will get little chillier in Dubuque: highs are around 79°F and lows about 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can drive to Galena.

Galena is the largest city in and the county seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, with a population of 3,429 at the 2010 census. Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sat): contemplate the long history of Washburne House State Historic Site, walk around Grant Park, and then whizz through the canopy at Long Hollow Canopy Tours. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Sun): examine the collection at The Old Blacksmith Shop, appreciate the extensive heritage of Root Beer Revelry, get the lay of the land with The Haunted Galena Tour Company, then get engrossed in the history at Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum, and finally contemplate the long history of Market House State Historic.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Galena trip planner.

Galena is just a short distance from Dubuque. In August, daily temperatures in Galena can reach 79°F, while at night they dip to 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive back home.