Maquoketa Caves State Park
"Dubuque visitors often come for a scenic day trip into one of Iowa’s most distinctive natural areas. The park offers a different experience from the riverfront city, with caves, bluffs, and wooded trails."
Iowa’s premier cave park, featuring limestone bluffs, sinkholes, and a memorable cave-filled hiking experience.
Backbone State Park
"Dubuque visitors often come for a scenic day trip, combining Backbone’s rugged landscape with a break from city life. It is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and camping close to home."
Iowa’s oldest state park, featuring a dramatic limestone ridge, trout stream, and scenic outdoor recreation.
Wyalusing State Park
"Dubuque travelers visit for a scenic day trip into bluff country and river overlooks. The park offers a quieter outdoor escape from the city."
A scenic bluff-top park at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers.
Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
"Dubuque, just across the Mississippi in Iowa, draws visitors to Lake Le-Aqua-Na for fishing, camping, and nature getaways close to home."
A picturesque park featuring a 40-acre lake, camping, fishing, and hiking in northwest Illinois.
Wapsipinicon State Park
"Dubuque-area residents visit for a nearby state park experience with bluffs and river scenery. It is a good option for a weekend picnic or overnight camping trip."
A wooded river park with bluffs, fishing, camping, and a historic lodge.
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
"Dubuque-area visitors may choose Pleasant Creek for lake access, swimming, and camping in a central eastern Iowa location. It works well for a weekend escape."
A reservoir-based recreation area in eastern Iowa known for boating, fishing, camping, and scenic shoreline.