Dubuque, IA

It is commonly believed that Iowa is composed of nothing but flat land. Nothing could be farther from the truth: Dubuque is filled with river bluffs and steep hills. This vibrant river city also holds the distinction of being Iowa's oldest city. Thanks to Dubuque's significance in the early settlement of Iowa, it was dubbed the "Key City." Dubuque has a population of more than 57,000.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Because of its location at the borders of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, the city of Dubuque draws employees from seven counties in all three states. The result is a highly motivated and highly educated workforce that drives the economic success that Dubuque enjoys. The residents of Dubuque enjoy a high quality of life in this town that was once largely French, German and Irish in heritage. With its focus on growth and diversity, Dubuque recently was named a "Most Livable" small city by the United States Conference of Mayors. It has also received the All-America City Award. Not including the government, Dubuque's major employers include:

• Deere & Company
• Mercy Medical Center - Dubuque
• Eagle Window & Door
• Medical Associates
• The Finley Hospital

Health care is one of Dubuque's industry leaders, and it's also a source of great pride to city leaders. The city is home to exceptional health care facilities for residents and visitors:

• Mercy Medical Center - Dubuque
• The Finley Hospital
• Medical Associates Clinic
• Tri-State Independent Physicians Association
• Crescent Community Health Center

EDUCATION

The city of Dubuque places high value on education for youngsters and for those who desire to continue their education. A number of colleges are in Dubuque:

• Loras College is a four-year Catholic liberal arts college offering undergraduate and graduate programs. It enrolls about 1,700 students.
• University of Dubuque is a four-year Presbyterian institution with an enrollment of about 1,600 students.
• Clarke College is a Catholic-affiliated school that enrolls about 1,200 students. It is noted for its arts program.
• Northeast Iowa Community College operates a nationally accredited agricultural program at its campus near Dubuque. The college enrolls more than 5,000 students.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Dubuque's neighborhoods are spread across all sides of town:

• South End: The South End, known locally as "Little Dublin," is home to many of Dubuque's Irish-American residents. Filled with Irish pubs and specialty shops that cater to those with Irish heritage, the South End also has a number of Catholic churches. The Dubuque Golf & Country Club can also be found in the South End.
• West Side: The West Side is a suburban residential area mostly built following World War II. Hillcrest Park became known for the many John Deere Homes that were built by Deere & Company for its workers. Shopping areas soon sprouted to serve those workers, including Plaza 20 and Kennedy Mall. The West Side continues to grow and expand.
• North End: The North End neighborhood was first inhabited by German immigrants in the late 1800s. These German Americans tried to establish a separate Catholic church apart from the Irish Catholic churches. The area remains true to its German heritage and is home to some of the larger factories still operating in Dubuque. The North End is also home to Eagle Point Park and both the Linwood and Mt. Calvary cemeteries.

EVENTS

• America's River Festival: This three-day event showcases the Mississippi River and is scheduled to occur over the New Year's holiday.
• Chili Cook-Off: Local business owners host this tri-state tradition each October to find the best chili in the area.
• Dubuque and All That Jazz: This jazz festival is held one Friday each month during June, July, August, and September at the Town Clock in downtown Dubuque. Local vendors supply food and beverages, while the thousands who gather enjoy the music provided by local musicians.
• Dubuque Catfish Festival: This is an annual event held in June that boasts a carnival, concessions, a catfish fry, a craft fair and continuous live music.
• Dubuque Fest & River Fest: Main Street is filled with music, art, historic home tours, and storytelling. Held each spring and fall, this festival is a tradition that goes back 25 years.
• Reflections in the Park: This festival of lights is best enjoyed from the warmth and comfort of a vehicle. The festival is a fundraising event that benefits Hillcrest Family Services and is available from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.
• Riverfest Inc.: Another way Dubuque focuses on revitalizing the downtown area, this annual weekend celebration includes a parade, a craft fair, live music and children's events.
• Taste of Dubuque: Designed to imitate the similarly named festivals held in Chicago and Milwaukee, the Taste of Dubuque allows attendees to sample offerings from the city's finest restaurants and chefs while enjoying live music.
• Winter Games: While the weather outside may be frightful, it doesn't dampen the spirit of the thousands who attend the Iowa Winter Olympics, which have been held in Dubuque for many years. All types of outdoor winter sports are showcased for both viewing and participation.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The city is home to many arts groups and venues including:

• The Dubuque Museum of Art, located in the Cultural Corridor, hosts art exhibitions and educational programming.
• The Dubuque Arts Council (DACAR) sponsors performance artists.
• Chavenelle Studio Metalworks creates custom one-piece sheet metal sculptures.
• The Bell Tower Theater and Events Center stages productions of plays and musicals as well as solo performers.
• Five Flags Theater, modeled after Moulin Rouge, produces music, theater, ballet and more.

FUN FACTS

• The city is known for button making, logging and boat building.
• According to the Chamber of Commerce, Dubuque has more bars per capita than any other city in the United States.
• Dubuque is the winter home of the American bald eagle.
• It is the native home of Jay Berwanger, the first recipient of the Heisman Trophy.
• Dubuque is the native home of actress Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway in the series Star Trek: Voyager.
• It is the native home of David Rabe, playwright, director and husband of actress Jill Clayburgh.
• Actor Tony Danza attended the University of Dubuque.
• Sportscaster Greg Gumbel attended Loras College.