Art on the River
A scenic Mississippi Riverwalk adorned with public art, historical insights, and stunning river views. A peaceful urban oasis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer crowds
Art on the River
Best Time
Peaceful, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic Mississippi Riverwalk adorned with public art, historical insights, and stunning river views. A peaceful urban oasis.
"The riverwalk is such a beautiful place with so much to see. Lots of great views of the MS river. "
🚶♀️ Stroll & Discover
Enjoy the well-maintained trail, decorated with flowers and local art. Plenty of benches to relax.
📸 Capture the Views
Great photo opportunities of the river, bridges, and wildlife.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 124 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mississippi Riverwalk Art
Along the Mississippi River
Explore a scenic path dotted with diverse artwork, adding a splash of creativity to the riverfront.
Historical Markers & Views
Along the Mississippi Riverwalk
Learn about Dubuque's rich past through informative signs and enjoy panoramic views of the river and bridges.
Shot Tower
North side of the Riverwalk
A historic industrial landmark offering a unique glimpse into the city's manufacturing heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Riverfront Art
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll & Discover
Enjoy the well-maintained trail, decorated with flowers and local art. Plenty of benches to relax. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Great photo opportunities of the river, bridges, and wildlife.
Roadtrip to nature/hike 3-4 hours from Chicago? Best hike/small town recommendations?
I have two days off coming up on a Thursday and Friday, and I’d love to take advantage of the time with a little getaway outside the city. I’m hoping to explore some nature, get a good hike in, and check out a new trail, something I try to do monthly. I’m still fairly new to…
Where is a good place to stay around one to two hours from Chicago?
My wife and I are taking our daughter to Chicago to intern/shadow our niece who is a physician. We would like to drop her in Chicago for the week then drive somewhere around 1-2 hours to spend the week. I have looked up Lake Geneva which looks nice but I’m wondering what else…
📚 Learn Local History
Informative signs along the walk share interesting facts about Dubuque's past.
🚂 Watch the Trains
Trains crossing the river provide a dynamic element to the scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll & Discover
Enjoy the well-maintained trail, decorated with flowers and local art. Plenty of benches to relax. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Great photo opportunities of the river, bridges, and wildlife.
📚 Learn Local History
Informative signs along the walk share interesting facts about Dubuque's past.
🚂 Watch the Trains
Trains crossing the river provide a dynamic element to the scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Art on the Riverwalk for its beautiful scenery, engaging public art, and informative historical markers. It's a peaceful and well-maintained area perfect for leisurely strolls. However, some reviews mention the natural debris along the shoreline, and a few express negative sentiments about the city of Dubuque itself, unrelated to the riverwalk experience. +1
"Nice views of the River valley. It is a bit dirty and filled with natural debris along the actual shoreline, but the trail itself is beautiful, well-cared for, decorated with flowers, art, and local information."
Jeffrey River Niles
"The Mississippi River Walk is a beautiful walk along the Mississippi River so much to see. From the trains across the river seemed like every 15mins, to the artwork designs, to signs that have interesting info on them, and the relaxation of a beautiful place to just walk. Plenty of benches to sit and just watch boats go up and down the river or wildlife all around. The shot tower is on the north side of the walk underneath the bridge. The south side of the walk has an aquarium, museum, and Casino Diamond Jo"
TipTheCap
"The only reason this place gets two stars is because there are a few quiet spots where you can find some peace within Dubuque — but that’s about where the good news ends. The rest of Dubuque? Hard pass.
If you’re thinking about moving here for a job — don’t. Just… don’t. This city has a gloomy atmosphere year-round, with winters that are mildly depressing and a social climate that’s even worse. It’s a closed-off community where it often feels like if you’re not from here, you’ll never really belong.
Work culture? A disaster. Most decent employers are either packing up or trimming staff. What’s left is a collection of companies that seem to thrive on favoritism, nepotism, and a hiring process that raises more than a few ethical eyebrows.
I worked here — not naming names — and it was an awful chapter of my life. The management culture is straight out of a handbook titled How to Insecurely Micromanage Every Employee. Zero leadership, all control with big cult mentality.
I couldn’t be happier to have left. This place is not it."
Abdullah S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Art on the River is located along the Mississippi Riverwalk in Dubuque, Iowa. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from downtown hotels.
Dubuque offers public bus services that can get you close to the riverfront area. Check the local transit authority's website for routes and schedules.
Absolutely! The riverwalk is a fantastic place for walking and biking. It's well-connected to the city's trail system, making it a great destination for active visitors.
A leisurely walk is highly recommended to fully appreciate the art, historical markers, and river views. Biking is also a popular option for covering more ground.
Yes, the riverwalk is conveniently located near the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Diamond Jo Casino, and various restaurants.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Mississippi Riverwalk and its art installations are free to access and enjoy. It's an open public space.
The riverwalk is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific attractions along the riverwalk, like museums, will have their own operating hours.
All art displayed along the riverwalk is part of the public space and does not require an admission fee.
Yes, the riverwalk is open year-round. However, winter weather may affect accessibility and comfort.
While there aren't typically formal guided tours for the public art, the informational signs provide context. Local historical societies might offer specialized tours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of public art, including sculptures, murals, and decorative elements, often created by local artists, enhancing the riverfront experience.
The riverwalk is generally paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility challenges.
Yes, numerous benches are strategically placed along the riverwalk, offering perfect spots to rest, enjoy the views, and watch the river traffic.
Visitors often spot various bird species, including vultures, and other riverine wildlife. The Mississippi River is a significant migratory path.
No, swimming or wading in the river from the riverwalk is not permitted due to safety and current conditions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options within walking distance of the riverwalk, including restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Picnicking is generally allowed on public riverfront areas. There are benches and open spaces where you can enjoy your own food.
You'll find a range of cuisines, from casual American fare to more specific options, catering to various tastes.
While not directly on the art path, nearby establishments offer coffee and snacks. It's worth checking out the businesses adjacent to the riverwalk.
Stone Creek Winery is located at the end of the walk, offering a pleasant stop for refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire riverwalk offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. Capture the art, river, bridges, and historic Shot Tower.
Definitely. The expansive views of the Mississippi River, the changing light, and the surrounding landscape make it ideal for landscape photographers.
Yes, trains frequently cross the bridges, providing dynamic subjects for photography. Be mindful of safety and do not trespass on railway property.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography might require permits, and it's always good to be respectful of others.
Golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography. Weekends before sunset are noted as peaceful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit