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 showing 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 Dubuque Museum of Art while you're in town.

Downtown Dubuque
Davenport showing 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 Davenport Skybridge and Rhythm City Casino.

Downtown Davenport
National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library which includes 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 featuring a garden, an administrative building and heritage architecture

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
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 Aug 26 to Aug 27
CA $123
CA $139 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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! (1,150 reviews)
"I cannot recommend this hotel enough! from the very moment we checked in we felt welcome! I believe it was Vanessa at the front desk who checked us in. she had the most bubbly and welcoming personality! she gave us the run down on parking, amenities the hotel offered, how to get there, and any other ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 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 CA $79 per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
CA $79
CA $88 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
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)
"We arrived late at night and the beds were very comfortable and the room was clean. Breakfast was fulfilling."

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Davenport & Conference Center
Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons

3.5 out of 5
1415 River Dr, Moline, IL
The price is CA $142 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $142
CA $161 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Moline. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,164 reviews)
"Love that the river cat taxi is right here! Love John Deere place."

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

Wyndham Moline on John Deere Commons
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! (409 reviews)
"Great help by the front desk and after hour people."

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 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.
Wooden Head Cabin Early1800's Log Cabin with a View and Modern Amenities

Wooden Head Cabin Early1800's Log Cabin with a View and Modern Amenities

Saint Donatus
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Bellevue. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions John Henry Weber Park and J Dubuque Monument ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Wood Cabin Experience
"I stayed overnight with a friend is this cabin. Everything was super cute right down to the sign at the drive entrance showing you how far you were from certain places… including the Beer Barn! Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Jul. 3, 2025

Wooden Head Cabin Early1800's Log Cabin with a View and Modern Amenities
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