RIVER WALK

BEING RESEARCHED

RIVER WALK. In April, 2026 two Iowa landmarks recently made USA TODAY'S 10 BEST Readers' Choice Awards list as some of the best riverwalks and recreational trails in the country. The Mississippi River Walk in Dubuque (#10 on the list) and the High Trestle Trail in central Iowa were named the best community spaces in the United States. (1)

In September 1991 members the city's Long Range Planning Commissioners realized they were dealing with some of Dubuque's most prized and expensive properties. An ad-hoc committee had presented the commission with a list of ideas including: improved public access to the river; reactivation of the former DUBUQUE STAR BREWERY and possibly adding a restaurant to the building; the creation of more transient boat docking; a river walk with shops, restaurants, and businesses; and a hotel/condominium possibly located on the Fourth Street peninsula north of the ICE HARBOR. Among those commenting was David Wm. RUSK noted the need for an outside objective "framework of ideas." Money for the consulting work would need to be provided by the city council. A presentation to the council was planned for October. (2)

In 1997 THE DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE submitted a proposal to the DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION for grant money to fund riverfront development products. The $300,000 proposal was to help construct the Mississippi River Walk River's Edge Plaza and the principal route of the HERITAGE TRAIL. The grant application asked for $120,000 for the river walk, $109,000 for Heritage Trail and $71,000 for marketing to begin a fund-raising campaign for private contributions.

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Source:

1. Worth, Cooper, "These 2 Iowa Landmarks Rank among Best Community Spaces in the US," Des Moines Register, April 19, 2026 Online

"Chamber Applies for Grants," Telegraph Herald, Area Briefs, March 9, 1997, p. 2

2. Arnold, Bill, "Consultant May Study Plans for Riverfront." Telegraph Herald, September 19, 1991, p. 2