Dubuque — Population: 57,686
Nestled in the limestone bluffs of the upper Mississippi River, Dubuque, Iowa, is a city of firsts. Dubuque has the unique distinction of being Iowa's oldest city and the first Main Street program in the state. Yet, its number one status is not limited to the state level. In 1985, Dubuque was one of the first seven communities in the nation to be chosen for the National Main Street Center's Urban Main Street Program. Ten years later, the city was one of first five communities in the nation to receive the Great American Main Street Award for its success in downtown revitalization.
Dubuque's central business district is a 70-block area, which also serves as the town's center for arts and tourism, consists of a wide array of architectural styles found in five distinct districts: Old Main, Upper Main/Farmers' Market, Cable Car Square, Ice Harbor, and Town Clock Plaza. Dubuque's vintage neighborhoods, old churches and waterfront district make this eastern Iowa town San Francisco scenic and a Hollywood motion picture favorite. Visit Dubuque!
Dubuque Main Street Ltd.
909 Main Street, Suite 22LL
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
phone: 563/588-4400
fax: 563/588-0645
email: dbqmainst@mwci.net
Town History
Dubuque first appeared on a map in the mid-1600s. The town's namesake, French settler
Julien Dubuque, was deeded the land that later would become Dubuque from the Mesquaki
Indians in 1788. The first boundaries of the town were established in 1837.
Landmarks and Unique Local Features
Downtown Districts on the National Register of Historic Places:
- Cathedral
- Jackson Park
- Old Main
Downtown Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:
- Bishop's Block
- Fenelon Place Elevator
- Washington Park
- Redstone
- Langworthy House
- Carnegie-Stout Public Library
- Orpheum Theater
- City Hall
- County Jail
- Dubuque County Courthouse
- Andrew Ryan House
- Charles T. Hancock House
- Dredge William M. Black
- Chicago Burlington & Northern Freight House
Annual Events
- February - Winterfest - A snow and ice sculpture
contest and downtown scavenger hunt add a sparkle to Iowa's winter season.
- May - Dubuquefest - Music, a juried art show, art
events and classes for kids, food galore and much more provide fun for the whole family.
- June to August - Dubuque . . . and All That Jazz -
Outdoor jazz concerts in historic downtown Dubuque attract music lovers all summer long.
- June - Thunderfest - The sounds of well-known bands and
carnival activities for kids fill the air with music and laughter during this annual
event.
- July - Catfish Festival - Dubuque's rich tradition of
celebrations involving music and good, clean fun continues with the Catfish Festival,
where the catfish is king.
Low Interest Loan/Grant Programs & Commercial Property
For more information about available downtown commercial property and loan and grant programs for downtown Dubuque businesses and property owners, contact Dubuque Main Street Ltd. at 563/588-4400.
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