Dubuque’s Mississippi Riverwalk Voted One of the Best in the US

At the start of every year, USA Today asks readers to participate in their "10Best Readers' Choice Awards." The USA Today staff asked readers and avid travelers to vote for the top 20 nominees in various areas: food, lodging, destinations, travel gear, outdoor activities, etc.

One of their categories was "Best Riverwalk," for which Dubuque's very own Mississippi Riverwalk nabbed a nomination! Last month, I encouraged people to vote for our gorgeous riverwalk on the 10Best website. Now, the votes have been tallied, and our gorgeous little walking trail has cracked the top five!

The Mississippi Riverwalk placed #5 on 10Best's list of Best Riverwalks in the United States. Here is the description the website used to describe the location:

The Mississippi Riverwalk in Dubuque makes up part of the 26-mile Heritage Trail, which links the Mississippi River to the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville. The Art on the River exhibit features 11 pieces of public art that rotate each year.

Anyone who has lived in or visited Dubuque knows how gorgeous the riverwalk is. Whether it's in the summertime, or on a frosty winter day, you don't have to look too hard to see the beauty in the trail and the accompanying view.

Here are the locations that beat out the Mississippi Riverwalk in voting:

• No. 1: Detroit International RiverWalk - Detroit, Michigan
• No. 2: Tampa Riverwalk - Tampa Bay, Florida
• No. 3: Waterfront Park - Louisville, Kentucky
• No. 4: Smale Riverfront Park - Cincinnati, Ohio

Since moving to Dubuque, I try to make it out to the Mississippi Riverwalk at least once a month. I took a friend out there when she visited in the summer. It was the first date my girlfriend and I went on. Regardless of the season, it's striking in its beauty. A credit to the City of Dubuque not only for the upkeep, but for building such a lovely, walkable pathway to make it a Riverwalk worthy of USA Today's "10Best" list!

View the complete list here!