By Amy Lynch, Midwest Living
Baseball
fields, caves and the mighty Mississippi River provide a fun backdrop
for a family-friendly Midwest weekend getaway to Dubuque.
1) The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
Set
on a 10-acre riverfront campus, this attraction highlights the life,
culture and history of America’s most iconic waterway via multimedia
displays and 12 large aquariums. If you can pry the kids away from
building boats at the water table in the River Works section, take in a
show at the 3D/4D theater. (563) 557-9545; rivermuseum.com
2) Field of Dreams Movie Site
A century-old
Dyersville farm (30 miles west of Dubuque) made movie history in 1989.
Visitors still come to hit balls, play a game of catch and run the
bases. On some summer Sundays, the “ghosts” return from the cornfields
to play interactive games with kids. Free. (888) 875-8404; fodmoviesite.com
[post_ads_2]3) Crystal Lake Cave
Take a 45-minute guided tour of
this underground beauty discovered in 1868 while drilling for lead. Be
prepared for some fairly tight passageways, cool temps (the cave is 52
degrees) and wet, muddy spots. (563) 556-6451; crystallakecave.com
4) Betty Jane’s Homemade Candies
Since 1938, Betty
Jane’s has been satisfying cravings with a mouthwatering array of
homemade caramels, candies and hand-dipped chocolates. Seasonal
confections include peppermint bark, rum balls and gummi wreaths, but
the year-round specialty is a Gremlin, a turtle-ish treat of nuts and
caramel drenched in milk or dark chocolate. Ice cream is served in
summer. Three locations; bettyjanecandies.com
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5) National Farm Toy Museum
Tiny John Deeres and
Massey Fergusons captivate kids and their parents. The “Farm Toy Capital
of the World” displays thousands of toy tractors and other miniature
vehicles. A 10-minute movie and exhibits also give information on farm
life and harvesting. (563) 875-2727; nationalfarmtoymuseum.com
6) Vinny Vanucchi’s
The aroma of marinara provides a
fragrant welcome to this old-world Italian eatery. On Sundays, the
restaurant serves family-style feasts of favorites such as penne with
meatballs, fettuccine Alfredo and baked lasagna. (563) 588-9600; vinnysdubuque.com
[post_ads_2]7) Fenelon Place Elevator
You and the kids get a
round-trip ride on wooden cable cars to a panoramic view of three
states, the Mississippi River and Dubuque’s historical business
district. Billed as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway, the
elevator rises and descends 189 feet along its 300-foot journey. The
railway dates to the 1880s. Open April through November. (563)
582-6496; fenelonplaceelevator.com
8) Pepper Sprout
From its Old Main District home
across from the Port of Dubuque, this eatery serves Midwestern
farm-to-table fare with innovative twists. Take older kids for an
upscale treat. (563) 556-2167; peppersprout.com
[post_ads_2]9) Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
At the Port of
Dubuque, this Mississippi River-theme ginormous indoor water park
has water slides, a lazy river and a Huck Finn Treehouse. The
Watersquirts Kids Club keeps little ones entertained with arts and
crafts, boat races, scavenger hunts and “dive-in” movies. The on-site
Tony Roma’s serves hearty dinners of ribs, steaks and seafood. (866)
690-4006; grandharborresort.com
