Best things to do in Dubuque

Claiming to be the shortest and steepest scenic railway in the world Fenelon Place Elevator Co. climbs 57.6 m (189 ft) in elevation during its mere 90.2 m (296 ft) long ascent. At the top, you can spend time on two observation decks overlooking downtown Dubuque and the Mississippi River. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the funicular is also known as the Fourth Street Elevator for its location at the end of Fourth Street. The lift was originally built for J.K. Graves, a politician and banker who lived at the top of the hill and wanted a faster way to reach the city. He opened it to the public in 1884.

Ulysses S. Grant Home is maintained as a museum and memorial to this Civil War hero and 18th president of the United States. A small group of local citizens purchased the Italianate house, built for a former city clerk, and presented it to Grant in appreciation of his war efforts. In addition to the Grant home, the site includes several mid-19th century houses known as the Grant Home Historic Neighborhood. A guide in period costume will escort you around the house, imparting history about Grant's life during the Civil War, his candidacy for presidency, and his years as president. Many of the artifacts and furnishings on display are the Grant family's accurately restored possessions.

Immerse yourself in the world of famed architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin Preservation: Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center . Following Wright's design, the estate was completed in 1911 and served as his home for much of his adult life. The grounds and buildings embody Wright's visions, and this is the site where he conceived many of his projects and housed his collection of artwork. The estate is privately owned and accessible only during guided tours. You can choose from several different tours, including one-hour tours of the studio and theater to two-hour tours of the house and even lengthier ones of the entire estate. You can see the gardens, take in views from the cafe, and purchase everything from furniture to jewelry at the gift shop. It's highly recommended to book a tour online ahead of time due to limited space.