Hotel Julien Dubuque Archives

Day 10: Dubuque, Iowa, to Fulton, Illinois

Our first stop after breakfast was the Julien Dubuque Memorial. The memorial overlooks the Mississippi River—gorgeous views—in the Mines of Spain State Park. Afterward, since I can’t resist a cave, we toured Crystal Lake Cave before continuing our drive down the Great River Road. We crossed into Illinois at Fulton and arrived at de Immigrant Windmill just before closing time. We were in luck, though. The adjacent Windmill Cultural Center was staying open later that night because of an area special event. Read more

Day 9: Exploring Dubuque, Iowa

We try to seek out unique attractions on our travels, so we couldn’t miss the Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque, the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway. We then spent the rest of the day at the riverfront, first on a stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront, followed by a visit to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Read more

Day 8: Fountain City, Wisconsin, to Dubuque, Iowa

Back on the road, we again crossed back and forth between Wisconsin and Minnesota, stopping for Mass at the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse and brunch at the shrine’s restaurant, Culina Mariana Café. Coming into scenic Iowa, we hiked at Effigy Mounds before finishing our day in Dubuque, at the hotel named for the city’s founder, Hotel Julien Dubuque. Read more

Day 7: Saint Paul to Fountain City, Wisconsin

After picking up a healthy road trip snack food at the Saint Paul Farmers Market, we got back on the road. We passed back and forth between Minnesota and Wisconsin and stopped in Alma, Wisconsin. In Alma we visited the Castlerock Armor Museum, stopped at an overlook, and ate dinner, before continuing to our glamping experience at the Sleepy Hollow Campground in Fountain City, Wisconsin. Read more

Day 6: Explore more of Saint Paul

We try to tour a state capitol whenever we visit a capital city. So, on Day 6 that’s what we did in Saint Paul, followed by historic Fort Snelling. We ended our day relaxing on the deck of the floating Covington Inn Bed & Breakfast, our Saint Paul accommodations. Read more

Day 5: Great River Road through Minnesota: Saint Cloud to Saint Paul

Early on Day 5, we left got back on the Great River Road in Saint Cloud and continued to our destination in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where we would stay for the next two nights. Read more

Midwest Wanderer explores history, nature, and culture through road trips along scenic and historic U.S. highways, byways and trails

Hotel Julien Dubuque

Podcast: Great River Road Day 10

Day 10: Dubuque, Iowa, to Fulton, Illinois

Podcast: Great River Road Day 9

Day 9: Exploring Dubuque, Iowa

Podcast: Great River Road Day 8

Day 8: Fountain City, Wisconsin, to Dubuque, Iowa

Podcast: Great River Road Day 7

Day 7: Saint Paul to Fountain City, Wisconsin

Podcast: Great River Road Day 6

Day 6: Explore more of Saint Paul

Podcast: Great River Road Day 5

Day 5: Great River Road through Minnesota: Saint Cloud to Saint Paul