Dubuque Itinerary & Activities

  • Enjoy the many activities in The Port of Dubuque area.
  • A ticket voucher for your entry to The National Mississippi River Museum is included in this folder.

DAY 1: THIS EVENING

When you arrive at the Port of Dubuque, you will be provided the option to walk or use our shuttle transportation to travel to your hotel, The Grand Harbor Resort.

Please bring any belongings you do not want left on the boat with you to the hotel.

Room Assignments: A crew member will escort you to the lobby of the hotel, where your keys will be waiting for you. Check out time is 11:00 am tomorrow morning.

Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you in your room when you arrive. When you depart the hotel tomorrow morning, please leave your luggage inside your room door. Your luggage will be waiting for you upon arrival back in LeClaire.

Evening in Dubuque: The remainder of your evening in Dubuque can be spent at your discretion. We have suggested some places to visit under the “Points of Interest” section.

DAY 2: TOMORROW MORNING

6:00 – 9:00 am Breakfast: Breakfast is served at Tony Roma’s restaurant in the hotel. The cost of breakfast is included in your cruise fare; no voucher required. Feel free to tip your waitstaff.

8:00 am Shuttle Begins: Continuous, complimentary shuttle service will begin from the main lobby of the hotel to points of interest in the Port of Dubuque, including the National Mississippi River Museum. The shuttle makes complete, round trips every 20 minutes. Shuttle stops are further described in the “Shuttle Stops” section.

This shuttle will also return you to the Port of Dubuque no later than 11:15 am to re-baord the Twilight for a prompt departure time.

8:30 am Musuem Opens: The National Mississippi River Museum opens early for Twilight passengers. Enjoy this exclusive access to a must-see attraction!

10:45 – 11:15 am Boarding Time in the Port of Dubuque: Begin to make your way back to the Port of Dubuque to board the Riverboat Twilight for your departure back to LeClaire, Iowa. The shuttle will be making its final rounds for pick up around 11:15.

11:15 am Final Boarding: Passengers are encouraged to be on-board the Twilight no later than 11:15 am.

11:30 am Leaving Dubuque: The Riverboat Twilight departs for LeClaire, Iowa no later than 11:30 am. We hope you made it!

Our complimentary shuttle service provides a great way to explore the historic and beautiful city of Dubuque, Iowa. The shuttle makes complete round trips every 20 minutes. Beginning at 10:45am, the shuttle will also stop at the Riverboat Twilight dock to begin boarding for the return departure.

Please arrive prior to the final boarding at 11:15am.

shuttle stops & sites

The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium is located along the banks of the Mississippi River in the Port of Dubuque, Iowa.

The Museum and Aquarium highlights the cultural, historical and environmental aspects of rivers with nationally recognized exhibits and programming in its two centers – the Mississippi River Center and the National River Center.

Visit RiverMuseum.com to learn more.

The museum opens for our passengers at 8:30am. The entry fee is included in your fare. A ticket voucher is included in this folder.

Downtown Dubuque

History comes alive in a revitalized section of Downtown Dubuque untouched by the urban renewal of the 60’s. Experience Dubuque’s best dining and nightlife as well as great shops, boutiques, and galleries along a scenic stretch of classic and storied architecture.

Fenelon street elevator

Built in 1882 by Dubuque businessman J.K. Graves for his own personal use, the cable car gave him quick transportation between his home on top of the bluff and his business interests down in the “flats”.

Today the round-trip fare is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. Enjoy tremendous river and city views from the top. Open from 8am to 10pm.

cable car square

Nestled at the base of the Fenelon Place Cable Car is the Historic Cable Car Square shopping district. Featuring some of Dubuque’s finest architecture, this area is home to a diverse blend of businesses. Gifts, crafts, pottery, art galleries and antique shops.

mississippi riverwalk

Enjoy a walk or jog, a leisurely stroll or just sit and enjoy the view at one of many special spots along the walk. The flowers and landscaping provide color spring through fall.

grand harbor resort

Ideally situated in the Port of Dubuque, Iowa, the Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark is the Midwest’s premier destination for meetings, group events, family vacations and overnight getaways.

Tony Roma’s Restaurant offers delicious dining and appetizers, and Lounge at Grand Harbor Resort offers magnificent views of the Mississippi River and bluffs of Dubuque.

Live entertainment on the patio every Tuesday and Thursday evenings May through September.

St Luke’s Church

One of Dubuque’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The church was finished in 1897 and includes eight large and ninety small Tiffany windows.

Points of Interest

If you are looking for more places to explore in Dubuque, might we suggest:

Backpocket Dubuque – Located in the Millwork District, featuring a restaurant, taproom and arcade. Menu & Hours •BackPocketDubuque.com

Brazen Open Kitchen Bar – Located in the Millworks District, featuring food from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. • BrazenOpenKitchen.com

Buzz Coffee & Energy – Walk-up coffee shop serving a variety of coffee and energy drinks including hot and iced lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and refreshing Bang mixers! Downtown, corner of 2nd & Locust.

Diamond Jo Casino – Conveniently located in the Port of Dubuque across the street from the Grand Harbor Resort Hotel. Open 24 hours.

Dimensional Brewing – We love beer, but we also love what we do which translates into a fun, positive atmosphere. Hours & Info • DimensionalBrewing.com

Riverboat Lounge – Inside the historic Julien Hotel. Open until 11pm weekdays

Stone Cliff Winery – On the Riverwalk, serving locally produced wine & appetizers in the historic Star Brewery Building. Hours • StoneCliffWinery.com

Wicked Dame Wine Bar – Elegant atmosphere and a huge drink variety. Hours • TheWickedDame.com

Additional Information

Contacts
Dubuque Welcome Center: 800-798-8844
Grand Harbor Resort: 563-690-4000
Riverboat Twilight (after hours): 800-331-1467

Transportation
Green Cab • (563) 495-4444

Dubuque is also served by Uber & Lyft

Ticket Voucher