Tags
animals, backyard, backyard dubuque, birds, birdwatching, bobcats, dubuque county park, eagle, hiking, little maquoketa river mounds, mines of spain, Mississippi River, nature, pheasants, ringneck ridge wildlife area, state park, Swiss Valley Nature Center, wildlife
Though it may not feel like it, Spring is here! While we are currently experiencing latent winter weather, we are still witnessing the greening of Dubuque. Grass is turning green again, trees and bushes are budding, and early spring blooms are beginning to appear. And judging from the chorus of birdsongs outside my window, many birds have returned – I even spotted a bluebird pair scouting for a new home. Yes, even though the cold weather seems unrelenting, Spring can’t be stopped!
Like many of you, I have resumed outdoor activities in spite of the below normal April temperatures. In doing so, I’ve been scouting out weekend destinations – places for my family to explore and enjoy that are within about a half hour driving time of Dubuque County. Below is a list I’ve compiled for Backyard Dubuque viewers. Whether you’re looking for a hiking adventure or a leisurely picnic area, these Dubuque area gems are sure to become a favorite destination for your family.
See you on the trails!!
Swiss Valley Nature Preserve
13069 Swiss Valley Road – Hwy 20 W 8 miles to Swiss Valley Rd, left 2 miles for Nature Center on right or 3 ½ miles for Preserve on left – Map It!
Peosta, Iowa; Swiss Valley Road off Highway 151S or Highway 20W
- 476 Acres of Woodlands & Prairies
- Trout Fishing in Catfish Creek
- 10+ Miles of Hiking Trails
- Nature Center
- Outdoor Education Programs
Little Maquoketa River Mounds State Park
18062 Walking Way, Dubuque, IA – Highway 52/3 N from Dubuque about 5 miles, parking on West (left) side of Highway – Map It!
- 41 Acres State Archaeological and Geological Preserve
- 3-Acre Burial Area with 32 Ancient Burial Mounds
- Assorted Wildlife
Mines of Spain
EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Old Bellevue Road – Map It!
- E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center
- Horseshoe Bluff Interpretive Trail
- Mississippi River Blufflands
- 15-acre Wetlands, Creeks, Forest, Prairies, Croplands, and Meadows
- Bald Eagle’s View of the Mississippi River
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife of Interest: Bobcats, Wild Turkeys, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Flying Squirrels, White-Tailed Deer, Various Butterflies
- Final Resting Place of Dubuque Founder Julien Dubuque
Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area
Take 136 S from Dyersville through Worthington, Ringneck Ridge is 2.25 mi S of Worthingtpm, you will access the wildlife area on West side of Highway – Map It!
- 160 Acres
- Hiking
- Bird Watching
- Stocked Pond
Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area
Highway 151, about 5 miles northeast of Cascade to Curoe Road (South), follow to access land – Map It!
- 419 Acres
- Features One of only Three True Canyons in the State of Iowa
- Hiking
- Wildlife
- Birdwatching
- Fishing Creek
- Kayaking and Canoeing
Heritage Trail
Click Here for Access Points: Map It!
- 26-Mile Mountain Trail through Prairie Country
- Smooth Bike-Riding Trail
- Travels through Dubuque, Durango, Epworth, Graf, Farley, Dyersville