Dubuque Shot Tower
A 120-ft. historic tower from 1856, once used to produce lead shot for muskets. View from the Riverwalk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid construction noise & traffic
Dubuque Shot Tower
Best Time
Avoid construction noise & traffic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 120-ft. historic tower from 1856, once used to produce lead shot for muskets. View from the Riverwalk.
"It's an interesting little piece of history, worth a visit if you're walking down the riverwalk."
🎯 Find it on the Riverwalk
Access the tower from the Mississippi Riverwalk, near the train bridge.
📸 Sunset Photo Spot
Visit around sunset for beautiful lighting on the tower and river.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Shot Tower
A 120-ft. brick tower from 1856, once used to create spherical lead shot for muskets.
Riverwalk Stroll
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Mississippi Riverwalk, leading you to the base of the tower.
River and Bridge Overlook
A nearby lookout point provides stunning views of the Shot Tower, railroad bridge, and the Mississippi River.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Dubuque Shot Tower
Best Views and Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find it on the Riverwalk
Access the tower from the Mississippi Riverwalk, near the train bridge.
📸 Sunset Photo Spot
Visit around sunset for beautiful lighting on the tower and river.
Pizza in Dubuque?
🚶♀️ Visit with a Friend
Be aware of surroundings; consider visiting with someone, especially after dark.
⬆️ Nearby Lookout Point
Don't miss the lookout point across from the tower for great views.
Good food options?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find it on the Riverwalk
Access the tower from the Mississippi Riverwalk, near the train bridge.
📸 Sunset Photo Spot
Visit around sunset for beautiful lighting on the tower and river.
🚶♀️ Visit with a Friend
Be aware of surroundings; consider visiting with someone, especially after dark.
⬆️ Nearby Lookout Point
Don't miss the lookout point across from the tower for great views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Dubuque Shot Tower a fascinating historical artifact, appreciating its unique past and scenic riverfront location. While the inability to enter the tower is a common point of mild disappointment, the surrounding views and the tower's historical significance make it a worthwhile stop for many exploring the area.
"The Dubuque Shot Tower is a blast from the past with history surrounding the shot tower. It is a short stroll from the end of the Riverwalk underneath the train bridge. You are unable to go inside to explore but you are able to walk around the tower and look up."
TipTheCap
"It was tricky to find but glad we did find it. Would love if it had a tour of inside and guide time to time."
Julie Buhmeyer
"The shot tower is definitely worth a visit if you’re walking down the riverwalk or visiting the winery. We went right around sunset so I was able to get a few good pictures of the tower and the pretty sky. It’s an interesting little piece of history. I just assumed it was used to shoot from (shot tower) but learned it was actually for making ammunition. Someone would melt down lead from the highest
Point in the tower then pour it into a bucket of water that was sitting on the ground below to cool it then they would collect the pieces for ammo. There’s a small fence all the way around so you can not go inside. It also looked like a construction site behind the tower so it probably would be best to go after 5 on weekdays or weekends to avoid the noise & traffic from construction crew coming & going. There were also some people that looked like they may have been up to no good when we were there, & with it being where it is, the people on the riverwalk aren’t able to see you so just be aware of your surroundings & don’t go alone. Especially after dark. There is also a really cool little lookout point if you walk up the stairs right across from the tower that’s worth checking out too! Great views of the tower, the bridges and the MS river."
Sara Stover
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dubuque Shot Tower is located along the Mississippi Riverwalk. You can access it by walking down the stairs from the North end of the Riverwalk and heading under the railroad bridge.
While specific parking lots aren't detailed, the Riverwalk is generally accessible from nearby areas in Dubuque. Consider parking in the downtown area and walking towards the river.
The Fenelon Place Elevator is a separate attraction in Dubuque. While both are historical sites, they are not directly connected for access to the Shot Tower. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Dubuque Shot Tower is an outdoor historical site and does not require tickets for viewing from the exterior.
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the Dubuque Shot Tower. Visitors can only view it from the outside.
As an outdoor monument, the Shot Tower is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers beautiful lighting for capturing the Shot Tower and the surrounding river and bridges. 
Yes, the Mississippi Riverwalk provides excellent vantage points. There's also a dedicated lookout point across from the tower with great views.
You can capture wide shots of the tower with the river and bridges, close-ups of its brickwork, and scenic views from the nearby overlook.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Shot Tower is located near the Dubuque Riverwalk, which is close to downtown Dubuque, offering various dining options.
Reddit users recommend 'Shot Tower' as a top pizza choice in Dubuque, suggesting it's a local favorite.
No, there are no dining facilities at the Shot Tower itself. It's a historical monument for viewing and photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining this visit with a picnic along the Riverwalk or exploring other family-friendly attractions in Dubuque. It's a good way to break up a day of sightseeing with a dose of local history without requiring a significant time commitment.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles from the Riverwalk and the overlook. Consider capturing the tower at different times of day to see how the light changes its appearance. The contrast between the old industrial structure and the natural beauty of the river can make for compelling compositions.
🚶♀️ History Buffs
Take time to read any available informational signage and imagine the process of lead shot production. The tower's location on the Riverwalk also places it within a broader historical context of riverfront development and transportation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Dubuque Shot Tower
Today, the tower stands as a preserved historical artifact, offering a glimpse into Dubuque's industrial past. While visitors cannot enter the tower, its exterior and the surrounding area tell a story of innovation and early manufacturing. The tower's location on the Mississippi Riverwalk also connects it to the city's broader history of trade and transportation.
Understanding the tower's function provides context for its unique structure. It's a testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century engineering, designed specifically for a singular, vital purpose: ammunition production. The fact that it remains standing today is a nod to its robust construction and the historical significance attributed to it by the community.
Experiencing the Dubuque Shot Tower Area
For the best perspectives, head to the nearby lookout point. This elevated spot offers panoramic views that encompass the Shot Tower, the impressive railroad bridge, and the vast expanse of the Mississippi River. Many visitors find this overlook particularly rewarding around sunset, when the sky often puts on a spectacular show.
It's worth noting that the area might experience construction, so checking for any weekday disruptions is advisable. Safety is also a consideration; while the Riverwalk is generally safe, being aware of your surroundings and avoiding visiting alone after dark is a prudent recommendation from locals.
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