Dubuque, Iowa
One of the strongest selling points for companies choosing our corporate retreat program is not just the ropes course or the beautiful Four Mounds Inn. It's the city in which we're located.
Dubuque combines a small town atmosphere with entertainment that rivals many metropolitan areas. Water sports, dog track racing, gambling boats, museums, skiing, and shopping are just some of the activities that drive tourists to the area.
In the summer many sports enthusiasts take to the Mississippi River. Or they hike along many of the surrounding trails. The bluffs of the city offer a spectacular view of the river, and there is no better location than Eagle Point Park. This 164-acre park is a great place to take employees for a picnic, and it is less than ten minutes from the Four Mounds estate.
Fans of gaming will be surprised by what Dubuque has to offer. Down along the river, the Diamond Jo Riverboat Casino is a paddlewheel that is the home for all types of gaming. The Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino is another popular site for gamblers, especially those who enjoy greyhound racing.
Completely renovated, the National Mississippi River Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute. It recounts the history and habitat of the Mississippi River through interactive displays and large aquariums that serve as the home for alligators, otters and snapping turtles.
Families have discovered the Grand Harbor Waterpark and Resort, a popular attraction no matter what time of year. This indoor waterpark pays homage to the river in its theme park. There's a water tree house for kids to scale and water tubes that shoot outside the building.
It's not just the river that provides beauty to the area. The community itself offers a number of historic sites. Trolley and carriage rides take visitors past many of the historic homes in the city. Some have become museums, while others serve as the home for unique gift shops. And there is plenty of shopping to do in Dubuque. From one of a kind gift shops to major retailers, there is something for all tastes.
For the more adventurous, there are hot air balloon rides available and a number of ranches in the area offer horseback riding. Or you can dine on Iowa's only authentic paddle wheelers while traveling up the river. Not only are prime rib and chicken dinners provided, the Spirit of Dubuque is available for charter.
For more than 15 years, tourists from all over the world have traveled to Eastern Iowa because of Field of Dreams. Fans of this film can play catch on the actual baseball diamond on which the film was made. It's still carved into a corn field and there are even opportunities to see the Ghost Players perform.
Once snow has fallen, sports enthusiasts, from all over the Midwest, venture to Sundown Mountain Resort. There are 21 scenic trails that meet the needs of every level of skier.
When the meetings have adjourned for the day, your employees will have many activities to do to make their stay a memorable one. They'll return to work recharged and fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.