Julien Dubuque Bridge
An iconic steel arch bridge spanning the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views and a historic crossing between Iowa and Illinois.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Julien Dubuque Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic steel arch bridge spanning the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views and a historic crossing between Iowa and Illinois.
🚗 Drive or Walk Across
Enjoy the views by driving or taking a leisurely walk across the bridge for a unique perspective.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic and beautiful photo opportunities.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mississippi River Views
Center of the bridge
Experience sweeping vistas of the mighty Mississippi River and the surrounding bluffs. Perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
Sunrise & Sunset Spectacle
East and West approaches
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun rises or sets over the river, casting a magical glow on the bridge and water.
Iconic Steel Arch Design
The bridge structure itself
Admire the impressive engineering of this historic steel arch bridge, a testament to early 20th-century construction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Views & Best Times
Iowa's Scenic River Crossing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Walk Across
Enjoy the views by driving or taking a leisurely walk across the bridge for a unique perspective.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic and beautiful photo opportunities.
What Cities to Visit in Iowa?
I’m planning a trip through the Midwest and I’ve never been to Iowa before, so I wanted to spend a good amount of time there. I love exploring cities/towns, so I put together a list of potential cities to visit in Iowa. I wanted to know if there are any on my list that I should…
📍 Park for Photos
Find designated viewpoints or pull-offs for the best angles to photograph the bridge.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
It can get breezy on the bridge, especially on windy days. Dress accordingly!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Walk Across
Enjoy the views by driving or taking a leisurely walk across the bridge for a unique perspective.
📸 Capture the Light
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic and beautiful photo opportunities.
📍 Park for Photos
Find designated viewpoints or pull-offs for the best angles to photograph the bridge.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
It can get breezy on the bridge, especially on windy days. Dress accordingly!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Julien Dubuque Bridge for its scenic beauty and impressive engineering. The panoramic views of the Mississippi River, especially during sunrise and sunset, are a major highlight. While it's a functional crossing, many appreciate the opportunity to walk or bike across, enjoying the fresh air and picturesque surroundings. Some note that it can be windy, and parking might require a short walk to the best viewpoints.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Julien Dubuque Bridge is easily accessible by car from both Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois. It's a major crossing point on US Highway 20. If you're exploring Dubuque, it's a short drive from the downtown area.
While direct public transport to the bridge itself might be limited, Dubuque's local bus system can get you close to the Iowa side. Check with the Dubuque Transit system for routes and schedules.
Yes, pedestrians and cyclists can use the bridge. There are sidewalks on both sides, offering a safe way to experience the crossing and enjoy the river views.
Parking is available on both the Iowa and Illinois sides. On the Iowa side, you can find parking areas near the Dubuque Marina or along the riverfront, offering good access to the bridge.
The bridge is part of US Highway 20, so if you're coming from the east or west, follow signs for US-20. From Dubuque, head east towards the river. From East Dubuque, head west.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, crossing the Julien Dubuque Bridge is completely free. There are no tolls or admission fees for vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
The bridge is open 24/7, as it's a public roadway. You can cross it at any time of day or night.
Standard road restrictions apply, such as speed limits and vehicle weight limits for commercial trucks. Pedestrians and cyclists should use the designated sidewalks.
There are no entrance fees for the bridge itself or for most of the nearby riverfront viewing areas on the Iowa side.
While you can't stop your vehicle in the middle of the bridge, there are designated pull-offs and parking areas on either side where you can safely park and take photos.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo spots include the riverfront parks on the Iowa side, such as near the Dubuque Marina, and viewpoints on the Illinois side. The bridge itself offers unique angles when you're on it.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views of the structure.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. Always check for any no-fly zones or restrictions before launching a drone near the bridge or river.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full span of the bridge and surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod is recommended for low-light conditions like sunrise/sunset.
Focus on the impressive steel arch structure, the rivets, and the overall scale of the bridge. The interplay of light and shadow on the metalwork can be very striking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit