Discover Dubuque: A City with IMPACT

DUBUQUE, IOWA: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Clarke has been a part of the community of Dubuque, Iowa for 180 years. In that time, we’ve realized there is a whole lot to love about our hometown and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Traveling to Dubuque opens you up to a world of possibilities—not just as a student, but every part of your personality. We’ve listed a few ideas to get you started and we have additional guides for dining, accommodations, and public transportation.

If you’d like to plan a visit to Clarke, our admissions team is here to help. You can also check out Travel Dubuque to see all the region has to offer.

For the Outdoor Adventurer:

Traverse our miles of hiking and biking trails at Eagle Point Park, Mines of Spain, Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and other local and state parks.
Love life on the water? Fed by the Mississippi River, the Key City and our neighboring communities offer beaches, fishing, kayaking – you name it!
Tee off at one of the many golf courses within minutes of town. The fun doesn’t stop in the winter with skiing and snowboarding at Sundown Mountain just 15 minutes from campus!

For the Urban Explorer

Entertainment is found all over the city, such as Phoenix and AMC movie theaters, live local music, Island Social Arcade at Q Casino + Resort, and Cherry Lanes at the Diamond Jo Casino.
Start downtown with the Millwork District and Iowa’s longest running Farmers Market and expand your horizons with unique options throughout the city.
Dubuque also offers many national chain stores and restaurants in Kennedy Mall and across town, presenting familiar options to those new to the area.

For the Emerging Artist

The Five Flags Center, Mississippi Moon Bar, and Back Waters Stage bring national touring acts to town.
These and additional venues host performances from the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and local artists.
Take in a film at one of two movie theaters in town, catch the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, or enjoy live theater performances.

For the History Buff

Make history come alive with the interactive exhibits at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and all Dubuque County Historical Society sites.
Feed your soul through the displays and presentations at the Dubuque Museum of Art.
Visit the Field of Dreams in nearby Dyersville, where the iconic movie was filmed and baseball fans still flock to this day.

For the Athletically Inclined

Attend games for Clarke’s 20 varsity sports competing in the Heart of America Athletic Conference, and you can connect with recreational teams and spaces throughout Dubuque.
Enjoy a day at Flora or Sutton swimming pools, area disc golf courses, or check out gyms like Planet Fitness , Earned Not Given Barbell or Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping.
Cheer on USHL Hockey team the Dubuque Fighting Saints as they take center ice in the I’m On Ice Arena, or lace up your own skates for public skating hours.