Eagle Point Park

Went here over MLK weekend with my family. Gorgeous park to stroll through. I didn’t see any wintering eagles as hoped but it was so gorgeous along the river Must stop if you enjoy nature. 20 minute drive from Galena! Main gates were closed but if you go up the road a bit we found a way in. Lots of people jogging and walking. Just ask a strolling local how to get in.

The views of the river are breathtaking. Amazing place to take pictures, and have family reunions. A beautiful, breathtaking place. (Cool fish pond too!)

This is the piece of Midwestern paradise that I chose to get married to my husband on September 14, 2013. High up on a bluff sits the park overlooking the Mississippi River and Lock & Dam Number 11, with a tri-​state view of Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa territories. The park offers various Wright prairie-​style architecture pavilions built in the 1930s using native materials, craftsmanship and designs. Don’t miss my favorite structure, the Promenade Bridge and connecting Bridge East (see images here:
). The Terrance Room, Veranda Rooms, Indian Room and Bridge Complex were all built by the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.), a program employing millions of unemployed people to carry out public works projects during the Great Depression. As for now, you can rent any of the pavilions online for your specific event at a very reasonable price (
)! We chose the East Riverfront Pavilion for the perfect views during our vows, but there are several great options. It’s picture-​worthy to pay a visit to the northern section of the park there is a serene lily pond made of local limestone with hungry coy fish and a waterfall. Before entering the park’s main entrance, you pass the mid-​Victorian Mathias Ham House constructed in 1839 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 19, 1976. The park also offers many amenities picnic tables, barbecue grills, six tennis courts, spray pool, playgrounds, horseshoe courts, a band shell, and restroom facilities.
The main entrance charges a whopping $ 1 fee per car (waived for Iowa residents). If you pass the main entrance, continue straight on Shiras Avenue and turn right on Eagle Point Drive, it takes you up through a residential area to a rear park entrance without paying a dime. If the park is closed for the season, you can still sneak in through this route. Although I must admit the $ 1 fee is well worth a visit.
If you’re more adventurous or athletic, ride a bicycle or hike from downtown along the paved Trolley Line Trail to the park. A streetcar once served the park in 1912, but has since been replaced with the trail. No dogs are allowed in the park either.
Supposedly you can spot eagles flying during certain times of the years (I think February and March)…hasn’t happened for me during my several visits. Established in 1909, the park is just over 100 years old, and it’s magic still continues.

For some strange reason this park is not open on every Saturday. We went there today and it was closed at 10AM on a beautiful April Saturday. I think I saw somewhere that it isn’t open until May, which is odd since Eagle viewing is best in February and March (we were hoping to see some still in late April since it has been cold). LAME! On the way back downtown we came across another park off Kerper (I think that’s the name of the street) by a marina. It was very nice, had a great path along the river and a nice playground for the kids. And it was FREE!

We drove up the way our GPS took us, and found the gates locked and a big «closed» sign. Heads up to Dubuque travelers, everything outdoorsy is closed during April. Wimps!
So with iron gates locked, I turned the car around. About a block back towards downtown, I noticed a paved sidewalk winding up the hill. I suggested we walk it a bit, so I parked the car on the street. We took this path all the way into the park and walked the whole thing. So use that trick!
This is a more paved park than I anticipated, no hiking, but it would be good for kids to play or a family picnic.

Only $ 1 to enter. Has music on certain nights at the band shell. Great paths. Attended a party here with a shelter. Large. Beautiful.

Some of the most spectacular views of the river and foliage that we’ve ever seen! No one is there in the winter, but the birds, the sky and God.

When you’re looking for a place that provides spectaular views, picnic areas and a fish pond — look no further!
We got a tip about Eagle Point from a friend in IC and we were totally blown away with what we found. The entry fee to the park was $ 1 and though I was sad to part w/​Mr. Washington, it was more than worth it! Upon driving in, you’re greeted by a number of lodges, eating areas and a large parking lot — do not be so quick to stop my friend, the true treasure is ahead! For the next mile or so you wind through some parking lots and through the forest until you get to a bend where a number of turn offs exist and showcase some of the most spectacular views of the river and foliage that we’ve ever seen!
We found a couple small turnoffs where we saw expansive views of the river, a number of bridges and a stunning display of the leaves turning the colors of fall — made for some incredible pictures!
This is one park that is well worth going through, be it to see the leaves change, to BBQ or just to hang out. It’ s a gem and one you shouldn’t miss.

Great views of the Mississippi River. Lots of parking, picnic tables and shaded areas. Also a handful of nicely appointed pavillions for a public park. Great place to host a graduation or family reunion. Bring a frisbee, binoculars or bubbles for the kids.

New to the Midwest, this is one of my favorite places near Dubuque, IA. The view from this park is amazing, whether it is in the middle of the winter or the heat of the summer. You can see the barges pass through the Lock and Dam. The park is very well manicured and the bathrooms are clean. There are a ton of things to do… everything from horseshoes, small sprinkler area, several pavillions, swing sets, binoculars to view the Mississippi and a ton of BBQs and picnic tables scattered around the park. Its very family friendly. Pets are not allowed and there is a $ 1 per car entrance fee. The wildlife can be seen and heard from all areas of the park.

One of my favorite places in Dubuque. The park offers a beautiful view of the Mississippi, and at the right time of year, you will often see bald-​headed eagles (for those of a more mechanical bent, you can also watch barges passing through Lock and Dam No. 11). There are several pavillions which were strongly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and are striking in their own right. There’s also a wading pool for the kids, horseshoe pits for the adults, and a small amphiteater for summer concerts. You can reserve the pavillions ahead of time through the city park department.
There’s a minimal entrance fee if you drive into the park at the south entrance, but if you drive to the north end, you can walk in for free.